Learning Disabilities

The Largest Exceptionality

Learning Disabilities

•Sam Kirk( 1960’s) invented the term. (relatively new “disorder”)

•43% of exceptionalities identified in Ontario.

Misconceptions about L.D.

• Not a “social invention.”• Heredity plays no role.- IT DOES!• A school problem only• Caused by dyspedagogia• Will outgrow• Highly Intelligent students• Same as Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)• ADHD• Higher rate of delinquency• No test available

Definitions

• Many definitions, slightly different yet many commonalities:

L.D.A.O official definition-2001 (p. 93)http://www.ldao.ca/aboutLDs/introduction_to_LDs.php

Ministry of Education Definition- p.93 text

National Joint Committee on LD(USA)-1988

Definition of L.D.

• More easily defined by WHAT IT’S NOT!

• Sensory impairment. Emotional disturbance, physical disability, cultural differences or developmental delay are not primary causes of L.D.

• Not a global impairment

• Not consistent, easily measured nor clear.

Learning Disabilities

Common Criteria:• Difficulty in dealing with (language based)

informationMight be:• Understanding and taking in information• Integrating information with what they already know• Expressing information on basis of what they know

or have taken in…or• A combination of any 2 of the above or all 3!!!!

Characteristics of L.D.

• Difficulty processing language

• Variations in ability• English Language• Miscommunication• Memory• Metacogition

• Sequence and Order difficulties

• Poor time management

• Inconsistent and Episodic

• Difficulty paying attention

• Low Self Esteem

Assessment of L.D.

• Teamwork is essential: teacher, parent, E.A., other professionals share findings

• Understanding of the Exceptionality• Careful Observation• Time• Informal aids: rating scales, checklists

DRA’s• Formal Testing ( I.Q and Achievement)

Issues in the field of L.D.

• Teacher preparation• Lack of universally accepted definition• Assessing• Co-morbidity• Integration (inclusion) vs. Segregation• Gender representation• Overidentification• Quackery and Experimental Science

2 Simple Essentials

• Time

Lots of it…..

p.106 Weber and Bennet

• Drill

Practice, practice, practice

Important Websites

• Learning Disabilities Association of Canadahttp://www.ldac-taac.ca/•Learning Disabilities Association of Ontariohttp://www.ldao.caLD on linehttp://www.ldonline.org/National Council for Learning Disabilitieshttp://www.nc.d.org/http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/ppandg/planning_3.htmwww.allkindsofminds.org