10/31/2019
OCTOBER IS LEARNING DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH
What is a Learning Disability?
A learning disability is a neurological disorder that affects how a person perceives information. Learning disabilities are lifelong and can affect both children and adults. People with learning disabilities generally have difficulty with reading, writing or math, but life skills, such as organization, time management and attention can be affected too. It’s important to remember people with learning disabilities aren’t any less smart than their peers. People with learning disabilities receive and process information differently, so academic tasks such as studying for an exam, can be much more difficult. Fortunately, there are some practices and strategies individuals can learn to help address some of the challenges.
Types of Learning Disabilities
There are several different kinds of learning disabilities. A few of the more common ones are listed below. It’s important to note, however, learning disabilities should not be confused with other disabilities such as autism, intellectual disabilities, or ADHD (although ADHD and learning disabilities do often co-exist).
Dyslexia is a language-based disability that affects how a person’s brain processes written words. Individuals with dyslexia usually have difficulty with reading and writing.
Dysgraphia affects a person’s ability to write. People with dysgraphia often have a difficult time with handwriting, including forming letters, spacing words, and spelling.
Dyscalculia is a math-related learning disability that usually results in difficulty grasping math and number concepts, such as solving arithmetic problems, counting, and telling time.
Auditory and Visual Processing Disorders are sensory disabilities that cause individuals to have difficulty processing written or spoken language despite normal hearing and vision function.
If you have a learning disability or want to talk more about this, please email me to discuss the possibility of accommodations. We have professors, the ARC, lots of staff and resources on campus who want to see you thrive. We don’t know what we don’t know so reach out and let’s make that happen!
Here is a great link for more information on tips and resources:
https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/dyslexia-dysgraphia/
Here are just a few celebrities who have various LDs:
Dyslexia: Keanu Reeves, Orlando Bloom, Octavia Spencer
Dysgraphia: Albert Einstein, Agatha Christie
Dyscalculia: Cher, Bill Gates, Benjamin Franklin
Auditory and Visual Processing Disorders: Kiera Knightly, Daniel Radcliffe
(Jill Amos, MS ‘87, Disability and Advocacy Services)
