Disability Support Resources

A learning disability is a permanent neurological disorder that affects the manner in which information is received, organized, remembered, and then retrieved or expressed. Students with learning disabilities possess average to above average intelligence. The disability is demonstrated by a significant discrepancy between expected and actual performance in one or more of the basic functions:  memory, oral expression, listening comprehension, written expression, basic reading skills, reading comprehension, mathematical calculation, or mathematical reasoning.

Accommodations may include

(No student will need all of these and specific accommodations are based on the diagnostic information filed with DSR.)

Registration

  • reduced course load
  • priority registration

General

  • extended time to complete assignments

Note taking

  • tape recorders
  • copies of classmate's notes
  • photocopies of instructor's notes/outline

Testing

  • extended time
  • proctored testing in a quiet, separate area
  • test read to student
  • student responds orally to essay test
  • alternative type of exam
  • scribe
  • blank card or paper to assist in reading
  • calculator

Reading

  • taped textbooks
  • reader

Writing

  • extended time for in-class assignments to correct spelling, punctuation, grammar
  • word processor with spell checker

Math

  • calculator for a student with a disability in the area of math processing

If you want to know more about learning disabilities...

Learning disabilities vary from one person to another and are often inconsistent within an individual. 

Some of the terms associated with learning disabilities include

  • dyslexia - inability to read
  • dyscalculia - inability to do mathematics
  • dysgraphia - inability to write words with appropriate syntax 
  • dysphasia - inability to speak with fluency or sometimes to understand others
  • figure-ground perception - inability to see an object from a background of other objects
  • visual discrimination - inability to see the difference in objects
  • auditory figure-group perception - inability to hear one sound among others
  • auditory sequencing - inability to hear sounds in the right order

Students may demonstrate one or more problem characteristics and the form may be mild, moderate, or severe 

Study Skills

  • inability to organize and budget time
  • difficulty taking notes/outlining material
  • difficulty following directions
  • difficulty completing assignments on time

Writing Skills

  • frequent spelling errors
  • incorrect grammar
  • poor penmanship
  • poor sentence structure
  • difficulty taking notes while listening to class lectures
  • problems with organization, development of ideas, and transition words

Oral Language

  • difficulty understanding oral language when lecturer speaks fast
  • difficulty attending to long lectures 
  • poor vocabulary and word recall
  • problems with correct grammar
  • difficulty in remembering a series of events in sequence
  • difficulty with pronouncing multi-syllabic words

Reading Skills

  • slow reading rate
  • inaccurate comprehension
  • poor retention
  • poor tracking skills (skip words, lose place, miss lines)
  • difficulty with complex syntax on tests
  • incomplete mastery of phonics

Math Skills

  • computational skill difficulties
  • difficulty with reasoning
  • difficulty with basic math operations (multiplication tables)
  • number reversals, confusion of symbols
  • difficulty copying problems
  • difficulty with concepts of time and money

Social Skills

  • spatial disorientation
  • low frustration level
  • low self-esteem
  • impulsive
  • disorientation in time
  • difficulty with delaying problem resolution

Page last modified September 29, 2011