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Description:
A learning disability affects the way a
person is able to understand or use spoken or written language. Learning
disabilities can manifest in multiple ways, such as difficulty in
listening, thinking, speaking, reading, writing, spelling, or doing math
calculations. People with learning disabilities generally possess and are
capable of the same level of intellectual achievement as a person who does
not have a learning disability.
The term learning disability is used to
cover a broad range of situations. Because there are so many different
ways that a learning disability can impact someone, it is vital to develop
strategies to maximize the successes that individuals with learning
disabilities achieve. There is a great deal of overlapping between areas
of learning. Therefore, children with learning disabilities may show a
combination of characteristics. Approximately 5 to 10% of the population
has a learning disability.
Learning disabilities are characterized by a
significant difference in a person's achievement in some areas when
compared to his or her overall intelligence. A student with a learning
disability may show one or more of the following characteristics:
- Difficulty in an academic area (reading,
writing, written expression, spelling, math calculations, or math
reasoning).
- Memory or perception problems.
- Speech and language disorders.
- Attention problems, such as difficulty
staying on task and being easily distracted.
- Hyperactivity - difficulty sitting
still.
- Impulsivity - acts without thinking, poor
planning and organizational skills.
(From: "Those of Us
DisLabeled: A Guide
to Awareness and Understanding", University of Kentucky Human Development
Institute, Cooperative Extension Service)
Adaptations/Accommodations:
- Make it a point to have the individual's
attention before speaking to him.
- Explain directions carefully, simply, and
slowly.
- Repeat directions aloud to help the
individual remember them. It also may be helpful to ask the person with
a learning disability to repeat the directions back to you, thus
reducing the possibility of miscommunication.
- With a younger child, try various methods
to see how the individual learns best; i.e., seeing, hearing, or reading
aloud. With an older child or an adult, ask how he learns best, and use
that method.
- Look for sparks of enthusiasm and
encourage interest to grow.
- Be patient. A person with a learning
disability needs more time to think and to complete projects in the
areas in which he has difficulty.
- Provide security and structure. The
breaking of any routine can produce great anxiety.
- Be sure to look at the whole person,
including his feelings, emotions, opinions, and problems. Words of
encouragement and kindness will help counter any feelings of inferiority
or failure. Help the person with learning disabilities focus on and
appreciate his unique strengths.
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