Learning Disabilities
What It Is…
The term ‘Learning Disability’ refers to a variety of disorders that affect the acquisition, retention, understanding, organization or use of information. Common types of learning disabilities include:
- Dyslexia – reading
- Dysgraphia – writing
- Dyscalculia – math
Students may have difficulty with task that require memorization, organization, and focused attention.
Accommodations
- Specific skill instruction
- A note-taker (if the student has difficulty taking notes in class)
- Tutoring
Teaching Tips
- Provide overviews of lessons
- Break assignments into smaller parts with individual deadlines
- Offer assistance/extra help (or suggest other help resources)
AD/HD
What It Is…
AD/HD is characterized by chronic or serious inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. It is subdivided into three major categories:
- AD/HD, Predominately Inattentive
- AD/HD Predominately Hyperactive-Impulsive
- AD/HD Combined Type
Accommodations
- Specific skill instruction
- A note-taker (if the student has difficulty taking notes in class)
- If organization is a problem, the student should be guided towards resources that can help with scheduling and time management.
- Student should be seated near the front of the class
Teaching Tips
- Explicit communication of expectations, assignments, and homework
- Break assignments into smaller parts with individual deadlines
- Offer assistance/extra help (or suggest other help resources)
- Try to vary the method of teaching to keep students interested
Hearing Impaired
What It Is…
Total or partial hearing loss that affects an individual’s ability to participate with ease in everyday activities (may also affect language acquisition as well, resulting in a speech impediment).
Accommodations (may vary depending on the degree of hearing lost)
- Note-taker and/or ASL interpreter
- Exam-taking accommodations
- Smaller classrooms with limited student numbers (to alleviate background noise)
- Seating at the front of the classroom
Teaching Tips
- Avoid ‘teaching to the board’ – face students when lecturing as much as possible
- Do not over-enunciate words (for students who rely on lip-reading, it is much easier for them if the instructor speaks naturally)
- (For students with partial hearing loss) speak clearly and audibly
- Make use of visual aids in the classroom (i.e. power point presentations, diagrams, etc)
Visually Impaired
What It Is…
Total or partial visual impairment that affects an individual’s ability to participate with ease in everyday activities.
Accommodations (may vary depending on the degree of vision lost)
- Note-taker or permission to tape-record lectures
- Assistive technology – Braille reading/writing software
- Textbooks in large print or Braille
- Exam-taking accommodations
- Classroom should be free of clutter and barriers to mobility
Teaching Tips
- Visual presentations should be accompanied by verbal explanations or descriptions
- If necessary, accommodations for tests and assignments should be made (i.e. oral testing)
- Make use of three-dimensional models to illustrate concepts rather than two-dimensional materials
Head Injury
What It Is…
Trauma to the brain which affects physical, cognitive, and/or personality changes in an individual for a short period of time or permanently. This condition varies from individual to individual and a variety of accommodations may be necessary depending on the area of the brain affected and the severity of the damage.
Accommodations (depends on the type of head injury and/or the degree of severity)
- Note taker and/or scribe
- Exam accommodations
Teaching Tips
- Make an effort to meet with the student and discuss their needs in the classroom
- Alternative formats for assignments and tests may be helpful
- An overview of the lesson provided beforehand may help students stay on task
Fibromyalgia
What It Is…
A condition characterized by chronic fatigue and muscle pain.
Accommodations
- Student may need to take frequent breaks or get up and walk around to eliminate stiffness
- A note-taker may be needed if student misses a lot of class time or takes frequent breaks
- Exam/test taking accommodations (student may not be able to sit for three hours)
Teaching Tips
- Try to be sympathetic to the individual’s needs
- As stress can be a factor in the severity of the condition, avoid placing a heavy workload on the individual and allow the student to work at their own pace on assignments
Arthritis
What It Is…
A group of disorders that affect the joints/muscles and cause joint pain, stiffness, and/or inflammation. There are over 100 types of arthritis.
Accommodations
- Note taker and/or scribe
- Exam/Test accommodations
- Student may need to get up and walk around or leave the room frequently to alleviate stiffness in joints
- More comfortable seating or a footstool
Teaching Tips
- As student may miss class time, be sure to communicate with the individual directly in regards to assignments and other important information
- Flexibility about how and when classroom task or assignments are completed
Cerebral Palsy
What It Is…
Cerebral Palsy is a condition which affects body movement and muscle coordination.
Accommodations
- Assistive technology – computer, communication board, etc.
- Note-taker and/or scribe
- Accessibility for students in wheelchairs (or with other mobility aids)
- Exam/test taking accommodations
Teaching Tips
- It’s important to remember that an individual with CP is just as intelligent as any other student in the class – act normal and do not talk down to the individual.
For students with speech impairments, be patient and allow them the time needed to express opinions and ideas or ask questions
Cystic Fibrosis
What It Is…
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease in which mucus glands secrete thick, sticky mucus which blocks passageways in the body affecting normal bodily functions (i.e. breathing and digestion).
Accommodations
- Note-taker (if student misses a lot of class time)
- Modification in class attendance requirements
- Exam/test accommodations
- Other accommodations may be necessary if student misses a lot of time because of their illness (extra time to complete assignments, etc)
Teaching Tips
- Be flexible in due dates for assignments and projects
- Provide student with copies of lecture notes
Multiple Sclerosis
What It Is…
MS is a progressive disease of the nervous system characterized by a decline in muscle control.
Accommodations
- Note-taker or permission to tape record lectures
- Exam/test accommodations
Teaching Tips
- Be aware that the individual’s mental and physical state can vary greatly in short periods of time
Allow extra time to complete assignments and class work, if necessary