Download Specific Learning Disability (SLD)

Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities are problem with a person’s ability to process.
These processing problems can interfere with learning basic skills
such as reading, writing and math. There are many different kinds of
learning disabilities that range from mild to severe problems.
Typically people with learning disabilities are of average or above
average intelligence. To qualify for special education services,
testing is given to determine if there’s a gap between the
individual’s ability (IQ) and actual achievement. An individual may
be a very bright person, yet may be unable to demonstrate a task at
his or her age level.
A learning disability is a lifelong challenge. However, people with
learning disabilities can be successful in school and work place.
Possible accommodations that may help a student with a learning
disability:




Presentation:
o Provide on audio tape
o Provide in large print
o Reduce number of items per page or line
o Provide a designated reader
o Present instructions orally
Response:
o Allow for verbal responses
o Allow for answers to be dictated to a scribe
o Allow the use of a tape recorder to capture responses
o Permit responses to be given via computer
o Permit answers to be recorded directly into test booklet
Timing:
o Allow frequent breaks
o Extend allotted time for a test
Setting:
o Provide preferential seating
o Provide special lighting or acoustics
o Provide a space with minimal distractions
o Administer a test in small group setting
o Administer a test in private room or alternative test site
[DOCUMENT TITLE] | [Document subtitle]


Test Scheduling
o Administer a test in several timed sessions or over several days
o Allow subtests to be taken in a different order
o Administer a test at a specific time of day
Other
o Provide special test preparation
o Provide on-task/focusing prompts
o Provide any reasonable accommodation that a student needs that
does not fit under the existing categories
Activity
Read the color the word is written in, not the word itself:
BLUE
ORANGE
BLACK
Think about it: Your brain wants to read the actual word. Even when
you can make yourself do it correctly, you have to read much slower
than normal. This is an example of how difficult it is for students with
learning disabilities to get through the day. Their brain understands
what needs to be done, but they have to struggle to make it come
out right.
Not being able to do this activity correctly does not mean you are
not smart. It just means that your brain wants to do something
different.
Activity taken from Disability Awareness Packet, Bev Adcock & Michael L. Remus
[DOCUMENT TITLE] | [Document subtitle]