Learning Disability Awareness
Advice and Strategies for Teaching Students with a Disability
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Learning Disability Awareness Brochure PDF [165kb]
What is Learning Disability?
Learning Disability is identified under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act as:
'A disorder or malfunction which results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction" The incidence of learning disability in Australia, as in other western countries, is suggested to be 10% to 12% of the population, with 4% being severely affected (ALDA).
The disabilities can include severe and prolonged directional confusion and sequencing and short-term retention difficulties. They are presumed to be intrinsic to the individual and not the result of intellectual, physical, sensory or emotional difficulties. Neither do they appear to derive from inadequate environmental experiences or lack of appropriate educational experiences. Characteristics of learning disability People with a learning disability generally have average or above average intelligence and the ability to learn, despite having difficulties in processing information.
Learning disability is specific to the individual and can affect the way a person takes in, remembers, understands and expresses information. People with learning disabilities can succeed when individualised selfmanagement skills and strategies are developed and relevant adjustments are provided.
Positive Interactions in the Learning Environment
Interacting with a person with a disability, including a person with a learning disability, should be characterised by respect for their rights to dignity, confidentiality and equity.
When communicating with students with a learning disability, it is important to acknowledge that they are people, students and colleagues first and foremost, not 'delayed', 'impaired' or 'illiterate'. People with a learning disability are intelligent and have abilities to learn despite difficulties in processing information. People with a learning disability can learn at the same pace as their counterparts if the appropriate adjustments are in place. Difficulties with academic skills (reading, writing, spelling) slow their intake and output of information using these mediums only. The implementation of adjustments can enable the person to effectively demonstrate their skills and abilities. If the person is required to present information, allow them to use modes of communication appropriate for them. This may include using colour, mind mapping, audiotapes and oral presentations.
When explaining concepts, attempt to use demonstrations and concrete examples, where appropriate. Relate new or abstract concepts to everyday life. Sequence information in a clear and concise manner.
Attempt to explain complex ideas as clearly and simply as possible, repeating and rephrasing explanations and information if necessary. Some work areas are steeped in specialised terminology, which cannot be reduced. In such cases, a glossary of relevant and technical words and acronyms would be very useful. Include short breaks between intensive periods of reading and writing.
Assistive technology
Useful assistive technology includes:
- Computers with spelling and grammar check programs
- talking calculators, dictionary and thesaurus
- screen readers which enable text on a computer screen to be "spoken" by a synthetic voice
- voice or speech recognition programs that allow the user to dictate information into the computer through a microphone and, to varying degrees, control the computer by voice.
Learning Disability Specific Software
textHELP! is a vocabulary support package which talks, types, checks spellings, corrects mistakes, predicts, magnifies, and more.
WYNN is software that helps the user read/study and comprehend text more easily and effectively.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) uses a scanner and relevant software to recognise printed text and convert it to text in a computer, which can then be accessed by other assistive technology such as a screen reader, screen enlarger or other programs such as textHELP!
OCR software and a screen reader can read printed material, which can then be recorded on audiotape. This technology can benefit people who have a reading disability or those who learn better by hearing rather than seeing.
A tape recorder with variable speed control can play back recorded material at a faster or slower pace to allow for individual needs.
Other sources of support
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