Talk to any adult literacy teacher and you are likely to hear of an apparently bright and able student who does not achieve to potential. The student who shows this unexpected underachievement may have a learning disability.

overview

• "Learning disability" is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of disorders, including basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using spoken or written languages.
• Learning disabilities may manifest themselves as significant difficulty in listening comprehension, speaking, reading, writing, spelling, computational, and problem-solving skills needed by adults to function effectively as parents, employees, and citizens.
• People with learning disabilities are recognized as having a disability under federal law. This means that they are entitled to "reasonable accommodations" and certain other federally-supported services.

scope

   Many people have learning disabilities. Estimates range from:

• Fifty to 80 percent of all students in literacy and basic education programs.
• Fifteen to 30 percent of all participants in job training programs.
• Twenty-five to 40 percent of all adults on welfare.

• Only diagnostic testing can accurately determine the presence of a learning disability.
• Some adults with suspected learning disabilities are eligible for assessment and other services through vocational rehabilitation.
• Literacy practitioners can be trained to help students with learning disabilities.

consequences

• education
   Learning disabilities may manifest themselves as difficulties in spoken or written language, arithmetic, reasoning, and organization skills, and will affect adults in adult basic education, literacy, postsecondary, and vocational training settings.  Many adults with learning disabilities have achieved academic and vocational success when appropriate accommodations have been provided.
• employment
  Adults with learning disabilities commonly make errors in completing employment applications because of poor reading or spelling skills. Some may not reach employment at all. Job-related problems may arise for adults with learning disabilities as a result of their difficulties with tasks that require organizing, planning, scheduling, and/or monitoring; difficulties with language comprehension and expression; poor social skills; and inattentiveness. Accommodation for these problems may increase employability.
• self-esteem
   Being criticized, put down, teased, or rejected because of failures in academic, vocational, or social endeavors over a lifetime often contribute to low self-esteem and depression in adults with learning disabilities.  However, some adults with learning disabilities have also shown a tremendous ability to overcome the low self-esteem and achieve great success.
• social interactions
  Adults with learning disabilities may misinterpret others' moods and attitudes and appear to be less sensitive to others' thoughts and feelings.
• independent living
  Basic responsibilities such as writing checks, filling out tax forms, or recording phone messages may present problems for adults with learning disabilities.

All information obtained from the National Institute for Literacy at (202) 632-1500.

P.O. Box 1036 | Okemos, MI 48805 | (517) 349-7511

 mli@voyager.net - email

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