What is a learning advocacy Groups

disability? with great resources

there is no “one” definition.
Essentially…
A learning disability is a problem Learning Disabilities association of
with processing and handling Ontario (LDAO)
information. http://www.ldao.ca/
It can happen on three different
levels. The student either: a) does
not understand what is being
taught to them, b) understands learning disabilities association of
what is being taught but does not Canada (LDAC) http://www.ldac-
acta.ca/
know how to fit it in with prior
knowledge that they have, or c)
understands what is being taught
and can fit it in with their prior
knowledge, but they do not know National centre for learning
how to express it.
These difficulties are usually seen
disabilities (ncld)
http://www.ncld.org/ Teaching
students
in language and mathematics
when students are trying to
perform specific tasks. national joint committee on
learning disabilities (njcld)
http://www.ldonline.org/

With Learning
Between 5 and 10%
of Canadians
have a learning disability
Disabilities
bennison, 2012
 Characteristics of LDs
Students with a learning disability tend to have difficulties with:
processing language, mathematical computations and reasoning, memory, Metacognition,
sequence and order, time management, and paying attention.
Students with a learning disability tend to show variations in their abilities on a daily basis.
their abilities can be inconsistent and episodic.

Learning Strategies
Assessment
Team assessment is key when
trying to diagnose a learning
disability.
* Know what you are looking
for: look for evidence that
supports or refutes the
characteristics of a learning
disability
* Take the time needed to get
an accurate assessment. keep in
mind the episodic nature of
learning disabilities.
* Use both observation and
formal aids such as rating
scales
It is important to remember that every
student is different and what works for
one, might not work for another.
Figuring this out may take some trail
Some strategies that may help are:
and error. Keep in mind that as
students change, the strategies that * Preferential Seating
work best for them may change as well. * Repetition of instructions
keep on trying different strategies until
you find the one that works right for * Scaffolding Tasks
that student at that time! * Providing Extra Time
* Taped Recordings of Information
* Using Assistive Technologies
* Photocopies of Instructions
* Scribing for Student
* Working in Small Groups
* Providing Advanced Organizers