Learning DisabilitiesLynn HeasleySPE3300

Definition

At least an average IQ The Trouble with IQ Testing

Demonstrates discrepancy between ability and achievement

Demonstrates difficulty in the ability to understand written or spoken language (per IDEA) that may affect one or more of the following areas:

Listening Thinking Speaking Spelling

Reading Writing Math

Exclusions

Blindness or deafness Lack of opportunities to learn:

Poor teaching/leaning experiences Excessive absences Frequent moves Homelessness Dangerous living conditions Lack of value placed on learning Could be lack of exposure to English in

home Not due to significant behavioral issues

Prevelance

1-30% ???

Characteristics Difficulties with:

Listening Reasoning Speaking Memory Attention Selecting and focusing on relevant stimuli Organization Perception and processing of visual and/or

auditory information

Characteristics

Reading problems Deficits in written language Underachievement in math Dystemia- difficulty with understanding

and using nonverbal social cues Attention deficits and hyperactivity Behavioral problems Executive Function Disorder

Reading

Dyslexia- a severe reading disorder What is a reading Disorder?1. Word recognition errors: Omissions,

insertions, substitutions, and reversals of words when reading orally

2. Problems with phonological awareness3. Trouble comprehending what’s read4. Lack of fluencyOnline Library for People With Print Disabilities

Some Reading UDL Options Readability

Microsoft training for built in accessibility

Reading and Writing Apps

Bookshare - Audio books for people with print disabilities

iPad Hacks from Codpast

Writing Dysgraphia Handwriting Spelling Productivity Text and sentence structure Word usage Composition Often feels overwhelmed Difficulty getting started and with fluency

Some Writing UDL Options Dragon Speak (speech to text software)

Kidspiration (organizational software)

Math Dyscalculia Procedural Problems – difficulty

understanding concepts and with sequencing and steps

Semantic Memory – difficulty remembering facts

Visual-Spatial Problems – difficulty reproducing numbers, transposing

Word Problems – if have reading disorder

Some Math UDL Options Tech tool kit PDF on Math and UDL Teach vocabulary Provide manipulatives Allow the use of calculators Simplify the worksheets visually Distributed practice Have students set goals and self chart

Memory Short-term – recalling information shortly

after it is presented Long-term – storing information permanently

for later recall Working Memory – 1. The part of short-term memory that is

concerned with immediate conscious perceptual and linguistic processing.

2. An area of high-speed memory used to store programs or data currently in use.

Some Memory UDL Options Vocab ahead Tape recording information and

directions Software programs to organize key

points Graphic organizers Mnemonic strategies Present using multiple modalities Incorporate Multiple Intelligences

Executive Functioning Organizing, prioritizing, processing

(working memory), finishing tasks without getting overwhelmed

Cognitive or mental flexibility – switching gears and adjusting to new routines, activities, perspectives (social conventions, place appropriate responses, staying on task vs. rigidity)

Regulation – emotional, behavioral, impulse control

Attention and focusSee more at: Executive Function and School Success

Some Organization UDL Options

Electronic organizers Software organization programs Audiotaping assignments Emailing assignments from school to

student’s home account Visual models and graphic organizers Planners for recording assignments checked

by teacher Online texts Organizational apps

Social Skills Research conducted by Dr. Kenneth

Kavale of the University of Iowa and Dr. Steven R. Forness of the University of California at Los Angeles indicates that:

as many as 70% of children with LD suffer from poor self-esteem and 75% have

social skills deficits. See more at: Psychological Problems

Rick Lavoie – Its So Much Work to Be Your Friend Why Teach?1. More likely to become involved in crime, get

caught and receive harsher penalties2. Same perceptual and processing difficulties that

cause academic difficulties cause the social skills deficits (NOT their fault or intentional)

The Four Key Social Skill Abilities:1. To join or enter a group2. To establish or maintain friendships3. To resolve conflicts4. To “tune in” to social skillsDo's and Dont's by Rick Lavoie

LD and Giftedness?Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide

Teaching Strategies Implement modifications/accommodations Appropriate use of diagnostic, frequent

formative, and summative assessment Immediate feedback Provide memory improvement strategies Use research proven programs to remediate Compensatory strategies to enhance learning

experience -allow strengths to shine constant positive reinforcement Provide visual and graphic organizers Incorporate models, demonstrations, role play

More Teaching Strategies Use multi-sensory instruction techniques Scaffolding Directly teach learning strategies Capitalize on strengths and interests Frequently check for understanding Provide specific support for organization Teach self-advocacy, problem solving, self-

management, goal setting, and understanding of disability