Learning Disabilities
Some Considerations
- Learning disability impacts how students with average to above-average intelligence process incoming information, outgoing information, or both. Learning disabilities are not the same as Intellectual Development Disorders.
- Learning Disabilities may be manifested in only one specific academic area, such as math, reading or foreign language or a student may be impacted in multiple areas.
- Common academic accommodations for students with learning disabilities are alternative print formats (typically audio), recorded lectures, note takers or technology for note taking, and extended time for testing.
Types of Impairments and Disabilities
Instructional Strategies
- Keep instructions brief and as uncomplicated as possible.
- Allow the student to record lectures or use technology to facilitate notetaking during class lectures.
- Provide advance access to PowerPoint presentations or other presented print material.
- Have copies of the syllabus ready three to five weeks prior to the beginning of classes to facilitate the conversion of textbooks.
- Allow time for clarification of directions and essential information.
- Allow the use of spell-check and grammar-assistive devices.
- When in doubt about how to assist the student, ask him or her.
- Allow the student the same anonymity as other students.