Learning Disability Presentation

1. LearningDisabilityPresentation Erin Hallman Amy Hawe Colleen Meulstee Jeff Price

2. Video Clip • http://youtube.com/watch?v=A82YDBKJYC4

3. What is a learning disability? • A condition that despite the lack of other problems (mental retardation, emotional & behavioral disorders) causes significant learning problems, most often in the areas of reading and writing. Definition from: Introduction to Special Education: Making a Difference

4. Common Characteristics • Students are often noticed because of their unexpected underachievement Characteristics: Negative Attributions Non-strategic Learners Inability to Generalize Processing Information Inefficiently or Incorrectly Poor Social Skills

5. Early Intervention Early Childhood A. Proactivity B. Purpose Reading A. Access to Curriculum B. Power & Importance C. Key Findings

6. Key Findings • Students who fail to acquire the core skills of reading soon after entering school become poor readers. • Students who complete first grade without having mastered phonological awareness tend to be poor readers in fourth grade. • Struggling readers do not catch up on their own. • Intensive and explicit instruction on the core skills of reading (such as sound-symbol relationships), delivered early, often helps such students become better readers. ***Smith, D.D. (2007). Introduction to Special Education: Making a difference ed. 6 (pp. 157-168). Boston, MA.

7. IDEA ’04 & Early Intervention School Districts have the right to: Use a specified portion of IDEA funds for students in kindergarten through grade 12 who need additional academic and behavioral support to succeed in the general education classroom but have not yet been identified as needing special education or related services. Emphasize services for students in kindergarten through grade 3

8. Teaching LD Students Require unique and individualized education plans Support for general education teachers 1. Collaborative Consultation- special educator works with the general educator to plan instruction and accommodations for students with learning disabilities but the general educator provides the instruction and accommodation during her instruction in the classroom 2. Co-teaching - general and special educator plan instruction and accommodations to meet the needs of the students with learning disabilities in the class and the two teachers then teach together in the general education classroom

9. Strategies for Teaching LD Students 1)      Below grade level in reading, a “read-along” technique in which taped texts and materials allow learning of printed materials may assist in this disability. 2)      For students with difficulty memorizing or taking notes, a fellow student might share notes; the student might tape the lesson; or the teacher might provide a copy of the lesson outline. 3)      For students whose handwriting is slow, illegible or includes many reversed letters, a cassette recorder or computer with word processing software could be used for written work or tests. 4)      To develop memory and listening skills, poetry, rhymes, songs, audio-taped materials and mnemonics may improve performance.

10. Transitioning from High School to College • Strategic Planning is Important: • 1. Do the research: Know that IDEA (The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2004) has no jurisdiction after a student leaves high school. • 2. Colleges and Universities work under a different set of rules by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) • 3. Check with each college about its policies and expectations. • 4. Student needs to register with the disability services and provide the paperwork that support and request accommodations. • 5. Schedule accommodated tests with the college office and inform instructors of the accommodation needs.

11. What Colleges Offer • Range of Educational Support Systems • Tutoring • Personal Counseling • Writing Centers • Study Skills • Stress Management • Time Management

12. Technology Assistance • Provided by the Assistive Technology Act (the Tech Act of 1998) • Defined as: an assistive technology advice as any item piece of equipment, product or system that can be used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. • All devices must be provided at no cost to the family and devices must be able to go home with the student.

13. Technology Assistance Continued • Different Types of (AT) • Adaptive Software • Books on Tape • Electronic Format • Spelling & Grammar Check • Specialized Four Track Recorder • Audio Players • Computer Screen Reader • Talking Word Processors • Electronic Data Organizers

14. Transition in Adulthood • Need to recognize & accept the disability • Understand the disability • Learn strategies & techniques to work around the disability • Be goal oriented • Build a strong support system • Contact the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services

15. Risks of Having a Disability • Limited educational opportunities • Limited vocational options • Isolation from society • Difficulty with independent living • Social interaction may be difficult

16. Ways to Cope With a Disability • Attend meetings & seminars • Sit with groups and listen first • Learn names from people in the group so you can personalize with later • Join a fitness club • Go to study sessions: library/church

17. Rewards of Having a Disability • Must think “outside the box” and work around the disability • Outgoing personalities can help to compensate for the disability • Develop strong skills in other areas and attempt tasks until they find success • Social adjustment will be slow but can be positive

18. Successful with a Disability! • http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ccd3aa5af24db320235d