Learning Diversity
Not surprisingly, we all learn differently. At the Adult Literacy Service, we try to take into account all of an adult new reader's preferences to help him/her feel comfortable learning. We have materials and techniques geared to all types of learning styles, and we even have a staff person dedicated to helping tutors and students develop individualized plans around the student's needs, preferences, and goals.
A learning disability is typically diagnosed by a psychiatrist or psychologist with specific training in learning disability assessment. Literacy staff may identify characteristics of learning disabilities, but we cannot diagnose a learning disability. Our staff focuses on teaching to the learner's strengths while accommodating and adapting for challenges. This approach allows both the tutor and adult learner to think creatively about new ways to teach and learn.
For more information, please contact (LD Liaison) at 596-7961.Learn more about learning differences with these online resources:
www.ldonline.org
LD Online is a wonderful resource for facts, definitions, and teaching ideas. Although much of the information focuses on the needs of children with learning disabilities, the educator's section offers tips that can be easily adapted for working with adults.
http://www.ldaamerica.org/
The Learning Disability Association of America offers information for adult learners about legal rights, workplace accommodations, and social and emotional effects of learning disabilities.
http://www.ncld.org/
The National Council for Learning Disabilities website contains information specifically for adults with LD. Topics include LD on the job, legal rights, and LD and relationships.
http://www.nifl.gov/nifl/facts/learning_disabilities.html
The National Institute for Literacy's fact sheets and statistics on learning disabilities.