STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

DEFINITION

A learning disability is deemed to be evident in both academic and social situations that involve one or more of the processes necessary for the proper use of spoken language or symbols of communication and results in a significant discrepancy between academic achievement and assessed intellectual ability with deficits in one or more of the following:

• Receptive language
• Language processing
• Expressive language
• Mathematical computations

Such disabilities may be manifested in delays in early development and/or difficulties in
any of the following areas:

• Attention
• Memory
• Reasoning
• Coordination
• Communication
• Reading
• Writing
• Spelling
• Calculation
• Social competence
• Emotional maturation

ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

Attention deficit disorders (ADD and ADHD) are characterized by significant and persistent difficulties with attention span, impulse control, and in some cases, activity level.  This disorder can create problems with both academic and social development. ADD is a disorder affect in one or more of the basic cognitive processes relating to orienting, focusing, or maintaining attention to academic and social tasks.  The disorder may include verbal or motor impulsivity and excessive non-task related activities such as fidgeting or restlessness.

ASSESSING A LEARNING DISABILITY

Learning disabilities are assessed by psychologists and other professionals using a variety
of standardized tests.  The assessment verifies and identifies the nature of the disability.  Based on the results, the tester develops a learning profile that identifies strengths and weaknesses, and the impact the disability has on the person’s ability to learn. The assessment process can help the student understand the nature of the disability, how it is manifested, and what accommodations may be necessary to succeed at a university.

ACADEMIC CONSIDERATIONS

Students are responsible for initiating and maintaining contact with the coordinator of Disability Services.  Ideally, students should meet with the coordinator of Disability Services well before classes begin and stay in contact throughout the semester.

Contact with instructors is also important. Continuous dialogue between the student and professor will help minimize problems and maximize understanding of the impact of the disability on the student’s academic performance.

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS – WHAT FACULTY CAN DO

Students with a learning disability should be treated like other students. The curriculum
need not be diluted nor course requirements reduced, but some modifications may
be needed in the way information is presented and in the methods of testing and
evaluation. The coordinator of Disability Services will provide each student with a letter
confirming the specifics of their learning disabilities and suggest academic
accommodations that may be considered by faculty to assist the student.

SUGGESTIONS FOR EXAMS AND ASSIGNMENTS

• Allow oral presentations, taped or scribed papers to supplement or occasionally replace written ones.
• Provide time extensions for tests.
• Provide a separate room for test taking.
• Allow students to clarify test questions.
• Allow students to use a simple calculator.
• Modify test questions to avoid double negatives, complex sentence structure, and questions embedded within questions.
• Pre-record examinations.
• Provide an alternative to computer scored answer cards, such as allowing students to supplement multiple-choice tests with short answers.
• Give take-home exams.
• Extend deadlines for certain assignments.

SUGGESTIONS FOR LECTURERS AND LAB INSTRUCTORS

• Make book lists available prior to the beginning of the term.
• Make parallel visual and verbal presentation of key lecture points.
• Make written and verbal presentation of assignments.
• Provide opportunities for participation, questions, discussion, and clarification of lecture material.
• Provide study questions for tests and/or review sessions to aid in preparing for tests.
• Allow recording of lectures and/or make outlines of lecture materials available.