A Year in the Life of a Learning Specialist

1. A Year in the Life of a Learning Specialist 34th Annual N4A National Convention June 12, 2009 Workshop II Presented by Oscar R. Collins, Assistant Director/Learning Specialist

2. Workshop Overview • The 4.0 Philosophy • Best Practices • Current Trends • Educational Support Program • Counseling & Referral Services • Assessment Services • Educational Assistance • Assistive Technology • Current Trends Discussion • The Importance of the role Learning Specialist • The Millennial

3. The 4.0 Philosophy • Attitude • A positive attitude goes a long way for both students and academic staff when advocating & accommodating students with learning disabilities • Accountability • Academic Staff should never make a promise they can’t keep. (i.e. ‘take that class and you’ll get an A’) • Students need to be responsible for their academics and learn to become self advocates • Achievement • Student Athletes were accepted into the university by the same standards of all other students so they are able to achieve • Advocacy • Due to the busy schedules of student athletes it is important for us to play the role of advocate. When advocating always remember what is REASONABLE! • Access • As a student with a learning disability student athletes have a right to an accessible education

4. Best Practices for a Learning Specialist • Expertise & Understanding of Learning Disabilities, ADD & ADHD • Understanding of NCAA Regulations & how it guides our work • Campus Connections • Coaches/Athletic Staff • Student Athlete ACCOUNTABILITY • Working as a TEAM • Utilizing Staff Doctors/Psychologists • Disability Services/Accommodation Services • Professional Development • Literature • Helping Athletes with Disabilities Stay in School and on the Team: From Student Conduct Codes to Legal Compliance. LRP Publications • Identifying, Accommodating and Serving Students with LD and ADD in Higher Education. LRP Publications • Professional Associations • Association of Higher Education and Disability (www.AHEAD.org) • N4A – Learning Concerns Site for more web links

5. Current Trends • ADA 2008 • The “ADA Amendments Act of 2008” revises the definition of “disability” to more broadly encompass impairments that substantially limit a major life activity. • NCAA & ADHD/ADD • New regulations affecting student athletes using Adderrall, Concerta, Ritalin, etc… • Expanding Access to Higher Education • President Obama’s Vision does affect us

6. Educational Support Program • Counseling & Referral Services • Disability Services/Mental Health Services • Staff Psychologists, Counselors & Therapists • Assessment Services • Full Battery Testing • Contracting Services or ON Campus Service

7. Educational Support Program • Educational Assistance • Most valued resource as reported by Student Athletes • Graduate Students tend to be the best due to expertise & academic focus • Time Management & Organization Skills • Study Skills • To-do lists • Utilize technology

8. Educational Support Program • Assistive Technologies • Kurzweil 3000 • www.Kurzweiledu.com • Dragon Naturally Speaking • www.nuance.com • Inspiration Software • www.inspiration.com • Total Recall Learning • www.totalrecallnow.com • Read & Write GOLD • www.texthelp.com/page.asp • FREE or close to free on-line resources • Your campus may have a learning center that provides resources • www.STUDYGS.net • MHHE.com and other text book publishers

9. Discussion Time • TECH GENERATION • Turning Technology into Assistive Technology • IPOD’s, Blackberries, etc… • Assistive Technologies that work!