Learning Disabilities
Accommodations | Kinds
of Learning Disabilities | Problem Characteristics
A learning disability is a disorder that interferes with integrating, acquiring and/or
demonstrating verbal or nonverbal abilities and skills. These disorders occur in persons
of average to very superior intelligence and are presumed to be due to central nervous system
dysfunction.
Frequently, there are some processing or memory deficits. A learning disability is not
the result of auditory, visual or motor impairment; emotional illness; nontraditional or
cultural differences; or the lack of educational opportunities.
Accommodations May Include:
(No student will need all of these. Specific academic adjustments are based on the individual’s
diagnostic information on file in the Office of Disabled Student Services.)
Registration
 reduced course
load
priority registration
General
extended time to
complete assignments
course substitution
for nonessential course requirements in major
Notetaking
tape recorders
copies of classmates’
notes
Testing
extended time
proctored testing
in a quiet, separate area
test taped or read
to student
student responds
orally to essay test
alternative type
of exam
scribe, word processor
or speech recognition program
blank card or paper
to assist in reading
calculator
test responses read
back to the student (for clarification)
Reading
taped texts, cassette
or electronic
reader
use of Irlen (specially
colored) lenses or colored transparencies
Writing
extended time for
in-class assignments to correct spelling, punctuation and grammar
word processor with
spell check
Math
calculator for a
student with a disability in the area of math processing (The SAT and the CBEST currently
allow students to use a standard four-function calculator as an accommodation.)
Kinds of 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:language
disorder interfering with the spoken or written word
dyscalculia:disorder
affecting mathematical concepts or computation
dysgraphia:writing
disorder affecting production of the written word graphically or syntactically
dysphasia:disorder
affecting word retrieval or fluency in speaking or understanding
figure-ground perception:inability
to see an object from a background of other objects
visual discrimination:inability
to see the differences between objects
auditory figure-ground
perception:inability to hear one sound among others
auditory sequencing:inability
to hear sounds in the correct order
Students may demonstrate one or more of the following 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
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 quickly
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 reaction
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 (e.g., 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
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