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Learning Disabilities & Accommodations
LD is a disorder that affects people's ability to either interpret what they see and hear or to link information from different parts of the brain.
These limitations can show up in many ways: as specific difficulties with spoken and written language, coordination, self control, or attention.
It is important to understand the difference between a Learning Disorder (usually permanent) and a Learning Difficulty:
Learning Difficulties affect up to one in three: Learning difficulties are the result of other factors including other disabilities. emotional issues, side effects of medication, Add/ADHD, and psychiatric disabilities, as well as lack of sleep, lack of proper diet and nutriition. The staff at Services for Students with Disabilities will work with the student to determine the problem and either confirm a disability is related or refer to other services on and off campus.
Learning Disorders such as Dyslexia affect one in five
Here are just a few of the common disorders experienced. (click to learn more)
1. Dyslexia is a reading disability or reading disorder
2. Dysgraphia is a writing disability or writing disorder
3. Dyscalculia is a math disability or math disorder
4. Learning Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (NOS): This category is for disorders in learning that do not meet criteria for any specific Learning Disorder. This category might include problems in all three areas (reading, mathematics, written expression) that together significantly interfere with academic achievement even though performance on tests measuring each individual skill is not substantially below that expected given the person’s chronological age, measured in intelligence, and age-appropriate education.
Characteristics of College Students with a Learning Disorder
Students with Learning Disabilities have average to above average intelligence, but they learn differently from other students. They may do well in most areas but have some that are way below their overall ability level.
Some typical characteristics of college students with Learning Disabilities are listed below. Of course, no student has all of these problems.
READING
- Confusion of similar words, difficulty using phonics, problems reading multi-syllable words
- Slow reading rate and/or difficulty adjusting speed to the nature of the reading task
- Difficulty with comprehension and retention of material that is read, but not with material presented orally
WRITING
- Difficulty with sentence structure, difficulty with grammar, omitted words
- Frequent spelling errors, inconsistent spelling, letter reversals
- Difficulty copying from the board or overhead
- Poorly formed letters, difficulty with spacing, capitals, and punctuation
ORAL LANGUAGE
- Difficulty attending to spoken language, inconsistent concentration
- Difficulty expressing ideas orally which the student seems to understand
- Problems describing events or stories in the proper sequence
MATH
- Difficulty memorizing basic math facts
- Confusion or reversal of numbers or operational symbols
- Difficulty copying problems, aligning columns
- Difficulty reading or comprehending basic word problems
- Problems with reasoning and abstract concepts
STUDY SKILLS
- Difficulty with organization and time management
- Difficulty following directions
- Poor organization of notes and other written materials
- Need more time to complete assignments
What accommodations can help?
- One-on-one counseling/advising
- Access to speech recognition soft- ware system
- Access to adaptive technology to assist with reading
- Assistance with note taking
- Assistance with text in alternative format
- Alternative test arrangements
- Extended time on examinations
- Use of tape recorders for classroom lectures
- Peer mentoring
- Assistance with self advocacy
- Assistance with adaptive technology
- Learning style evaluation and access to learning strategies
- Course substitutions, in limited circumstances