The number of students with learning disabilities is on the rise — currently, almost seven million students have one or more learning disabilities, up from 6.5 million in 2007-08, Edweek reports. A learning disability is a neurological processing problem that interferes with basic learning skills (like thinking, speaking, listening, writing, spelling, reading, and mathematics). It can also affect higher level learning skills, including organization, long or short-term memory, attention, impulsivity, and time management. Nevertheless, students with learning disabilities can thrive in higher learning environments. With the right resources and assistance, students can complete coursework, classes, and exams in the way that suits them best.
Common learning disabilities
Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, which affects roughly five to 17 percent of students in the United States. It primarily affects the part of the brain that processes language and involves reading difficulties caused by problems with interpreting speech sounds, words, letters, and other symbols. Alternatively, dysgraphia impacts writing skills (including, spelling, typing, and handwriting) as well as fine motor skills. It typically manifests as poor handwriting, difficulty spelling, and difficulty putting thoughts down on paper. Dyscalculia is another common learning disability; it affects an individual’s ability to learn math, perform calculations, understand numbers, and solve math problems. Finally, non-verbal learning disability (NVLD) is lesser-known, yet potentially as common as dyslexia. It’a brain-based condition characterized by poor motor skills, poor spatial, visual, and organizational skills, and difficulty recognizing and processing nonverbal cues.
Conditions associated with learning difficulties
People with learning difficulties often have more than one diagnosis and a number of different conditions unique to them. In particular, roughly 64,000 people in the US have at least one symptom of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a brain injury that occurs either before, during, or immediately after birth. It affects movement, posture, and coordination and can also result in learning difficulties, such as language difficulties, a short attention span, perceptual difficulties, and motor planning difficulties. While cerebral palsy can occur naturally, it’s usually the result of medical negligence or malpractice. An experienced birth injury lawyer can help families navigate medical records, recognize errors, and seek financial compensation to cover the cost of future care.
Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition that usually goes hand in hand with a learning disability. It’s caused by an extra chromosome in the cells, which usually occurs by chance during conception. Down’s syndrome can impact learning abilities in various ways and typically causes mild to moderate intellectual impairment. Students with Down’s syndrome tend to have delayed speech and motor skills, as well as sometimes need assistance with self-care (including grooming and dressing).
Special accommodations for students
The majority of colleges employ staff specifically to support students with learning disabilities and provide them with the assistance and resources they require to succeed. For example, classroom accommodations may involve providing accessible seating, classroom assistants, scribes or notetakers, or a quiet room in order to take exams. Some students may require the content of their course to be adjusted to better suit their individual needs — whether that relates to the presentation of the content, the class environment, or the course content itself. Students can also be provided with alternate ways to complete coursework and take exams. Additionally, once the student has correctly informed the college of their learning disability, they’ll usually be eligible to receive extra time to complete their coursework and exams. If the student does better with oral exams, they may be given this type of testing instead. Ultimately, it’s important students with learning disabilities and their families research the support offered by each prospective school (student support groups, disability services offices, or trained resident directors, for example).
Adaptive technology
Adaptive technology (assistive software and hardware ) is continually evolving to help students with disabilities succeed in higher learning environments. Digital recorders effectively help students who become easily distracted during class, including students with ADHD. This technology allows students to record their class and listen back later in their own time when they’re better able to concentrate. Speech-to-text technology is also a useful tool that allows students to dictate their work and have it translated directly into a text document. This is particularly helpful for students with a physical impairment or dyslexia. Additionally, assistive technology centers offer a range of services for students with disabilities. For example, they may provide adaptive technologies to those who need them, teach students or staff how to correctly use these technologies, and format materials for students with specific disabilities.
No matter their unique needs, students with learning disabilities have plenty of options when it comes to higher education. A range of special accommodations and adaptive technology are available to help students effectively attend class, submit coursework, and take exams to the best of their abilities.
