JAN’S ACCOMMODATION FACT SHEET SERIES

 

 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (http://www.nimh.nih.gov), a learning disability (LD) is a disorder that affects people's ability to either interpret what they see and hear or to link information from different parts of the brain. These limitations can show up in many ways - as specific difficulties with spoken and written language, coordination, self-control, or attention. Such difficulties may extend to school and work and can impede learning to read or write, or to do math.

 

LD can be divided into three broad categories: developmental speech and language disorders, academic skills disorders, and other (a catch-all that includes certain coordination disorders and learning disabilities not covered by the other terms). Each of these categories includes a number of more specific disorders, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, and auditory perceptual and visual perceptual deficit.

 

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a diagnosis applied to children and adults who consistently display certain characteristic behaviors over a period of time. The most common behaviors include distractibility (poor sustained attention to tasks), impulsivity (impaired impulse control and delay of gratification), and hyperactivity (excessive activity and physical restlessness).

 

The following is a quick overview of some of the job accommodations that might be useful for people with LD and ADD. For a more in depth discussion, access JAN's publications at http://askjan.org/media/atoz.htm.  To discuss an accommodation situation with a consultant, contact JAN directly.

 

Deficits in Reading:

·         Tape-recorded directives, messages, and materials

·         Reading machines

·         Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (http://www.rfbd.org)

·         Screen reading software for computer use

·         Colored Mylar templates (colored transparencies) for reading and scanning

·         Color-coded manuals, outlines, and maps

·         Scanners, which allow the user to enter hard copies into the computer system

·         Reading Pen

 

Deficits in Writing:

·         Personal computers/laptop computers

·         Voice output software that highlights and reads (via a speech synthesizer) what                    is keyed into the computer 

·         Speech recognition software that recognizes the user's voice and changes it to text on the computer screen

·         Locator dots for identification of letters/numbers on the keyboard

·         Word processing software

·         Spell checking software/electronic spell checkers

·         Software with highlighting capabilities

·         Grammar checking software

·         Word prediction software

·         Form producing software that computerizes order forms, claim forms, applications, credit histories, equation and formula fields

·         Carbonless note taking systems

 

Deficits in Mathematics:

·         Fractional, decimal, statistical, and scientific calculators

·         Talking calculators

·         Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) software for arithmetic/mathematics

·         Computer Assisted Design (CAD) software for architecture/engineering

·         Large display screens for calculators, adding machines

·         Colored Mylar templates, colored coding for maintaining ledger columns

 

Deficits in Organizational Skills, Memory, and Time Management:

·         Day Planners

·         Electronic organizers/schedulers

·         Software organizers with/without highlighting capabilities

·         LCD watches, data bank watches, timers, counters, and alarms

·         Personal Information Managers (P.I.M.S.)

·         Use of electronic mail (e-mail) for memory deficits

 

Barriers in the Physical Environment:

·         Room enclosures/cubicles to reduce auditory and visual distractions

·         Private office space

·         Use of "white noise" by using a sound soother/environmental sound machine

·         Use of colored files

·         Mapping of the workspace/office

·         Use of headphones or ear plugs

 

Resources Specifically for People with LD and ADD

 

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CH.A.D.D.)

8181 Professional Place, Suite 150

Landover, MD 20785

Toll Free: (800)233-4050

Direct: (301)306-7070

Fax : (301)306-7090

http://www.chadd.org

 

International Dyslexia Association (formerly the Orton Dyslexia Society)

40 York Rd., 4th Floor

Baltimore, MD 21204

Direct: (410)296-0232

Fax: (410)321-5069

http://www.interdys.org

 

Learning Disabilities Association of America

4156 Library Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1349

Direct: (412)341-1515

Fax: (412)344-0224

http://www.ldanatl.org

 

UGA Regents' Center for Learning Disorders

331 Milledge Hall

University of Georgia

Athens, GA 30602

Direct: (706)542-4589

Fax : (706)583-0001

http://www.rcld.uga.edu/

 

Academy for Educational Development

1825 Connecticut Ave., NW

Washington, DC 20009-5721

Direct: (202)884-8000

Fax: (202)884-8400

 

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)

PO Box 7557

Wilmington, DE 19803-9997

Toll Free: (800) 939-1019  

[email protected] 

http://www.add.org

 

National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)

381 Park Avenue South, Suite 1401

New York, NY 10016

Toll Free: (888)575-7373

Direct: (212)545-7510

Fax: (212)545-9665

http://www.ncld.org