Literacy and
Learning Disabilities
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.
Assessment
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.
Information
from the National Institute for Literacy, The Oklahoma Literacy Resource
Office and The Oklahoma Dept. of Libraries.
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