Learning Disabilities

A. Basic Information

A learning
disability (LD) is a “hidden” disability. Unlike the person who uses sign
language or walks with crutches, the person with a learning disability shows no
visible characteristics of a disability. Because it is a hidden disability, the
person may have experienced being accused of "faking it" or
"being lazy."

Most people
with learning disabilities have average to above average intelligence. A
learning disability is an information processing, storage, or retrieval
problem, not an intelligence problem. Any stage of the biochemical process of
learning can contain a defect while the other stages, as well as the ability to
think and reason, remain unaffected.

Learning
disabilities are actually quite common. The accomplishments of notable
individuals with learning disabilities such as Albert Einstein, Bruce Jenner,
and Leonard da Vinci serve as examples of the tremendous potential that can be
realized by individuals with this type of disability. With the aid of
technology, there is an expanding variety of jobs that can be held by
individuals who experience problems with visual, auditory, or kinetic learning
pathways. People with learning disabilities, given the opportunity, can be
successful in every area of employment.

Learning
disabilities are so individualized that any generalization about specific signs
or symptoms are of limited value. Each person will be better able to describe
how s/he functions in relation to their learning disability.

What are
Learning Disabilities?

A learning
disability is a disorder that selectively interferes with development,
interpretation and/or demonstration of language or non-language ability.

The condition
includes specific deficits in one or more of the following areas:

• Oral comprehension




• Nonverbal reasoning




• Expressive language




• Coordination




• Academic skills




• Integration of information




• Sustaining attention




• Visual/Spatial perception




• Organizing




• Social judgment

• Examples of learning disability
       issues:





 

• Difficulty with reading


 

• Difficulty with mathematics


 

• Problems working with hands


 

• Difficulty in receiving and
        processing information accurately from the sense of hearing or sight


 

• Deficits in social skills


 

• Problems with directionality

It is important
to remember that, like all people, individuals with Learning Disabilities are
each different and may exhibit one or a combination of disorders. People with
Learning Disabilities are found throughout the work force in jobs ranging from
entry-level positions to chief executive officers.

B. Adjustments for People with
Learning Disabilities

Each person
with learning disability is unique. Many are capable of performing a specific
job well without requiring any additional assistance or modifications. Many
have learned to compensate for their disabilities and seek employment utilizing
their areas of strength. Others will need accommodations. It is important that
potential employees with Learning Disabilities know all the required components
of a job, allowing them to develop strategies and accommodations that can
enhance their job performance.

Issues and Accommodations

Reading
problems:

• Use verbal instructions.




• Have co-workers explain important
       office communications.




• Allow the use of telephone calls
       instead of writing letters.




• Allow extra time for reading.

Writing
problems:

• Allow dictation .




• Assign someone to proofread written
       materials.




• Provide for the use of a computer
       with spelling and grammar checkers if needed.




• Listening problems:





 

• Provide quiet surroundings.


 

• Furnish written instructions and
        demonstrate tasks.


 

• Speak clearly in short, simple
        sentences.


 

• Encourage note taking.

Social
skills:

• Be direct. Say what you mean.




• Avoid sarcasm.




• Don't expect hints to convey a
       message.




• Help the person learn the
       "hidden rules" and the politics of the workplace.

C. Training

Some people
with learning disabilities have difficulty in learning new tasks. They may
require additional training time. Some may need to use all of their senses to
learn tasks. The trainer should demonstrate, provide verbal and written
instructions, and allow adequate time for supervised practice. As with others,
watch that tasks are done properly, allow time for questions, and assure the
person that they can ask further questions if they have a problem. Once the job
is learned, the employee will be effective.