What makes adults with learning disabilities successful?

Research indicates that the factors that increase the likelihood of success focus on the following conditions:

• Being informed that they have the disability
• Accepting the disability
• Developing approaches to education and employment that acknowledge the disability and do not attempt to avoid the problems or label them as "learning differences" or "learning difficulties"
• Desire to succeed
• Goal orientation
• Reframing past learning disability experiences in more positive and productive manners

How do I decide if one of my students has a learning disability?

The National Adult Literacy and Learning Disabilities Center recommends that all adults who suspect they may have a learning disability should have an assessment by a qualified professional. An adult is assessed because of problems in employment, education and/or life situations. It is important for the adult to be fully involved in the assessment process.

The first stage of an evaluation is a screening. Screening tools use abbreviated, informal methods to determine if an individual is "at risk " for a learning disability. When conducting the evaluation, a qualified professional may first refer to the results of the screening in order to plan which tests to administer. Teachers may screen their own students. A screening tool and instructions are included on pages 190-204 in this Resource Guide.

Teachers should consult their principals to locate professionals qualified to administer and interpret assessments for learning disabilities.

What should I know about assessment to share with my student?

Teachers of students waiting to be assessed may want to ask the professional the following questions about the process:

Have you tested many adults with learning disabilities?
How long will the assessment take?
What will the assessment cover?
Will there be a written and an oral report of the assessment?
Will the results help this student understand both why he/she is having trouble and give instruction on how to compensate for the disability?
Is there a fee? Who is responsible for paying the fee? (Student, insurance, county, etc.)

What should I look for before screening a student for learning needs?

Consult the "Characteristics of Adults with Learning Disabilities" that follows on page 183. It lists specific behaviors and attitudes in regards to reading, writing, listening, speaking, mathematics and thinking that suggest an adult student may have a learning disability.