The Delta Screening Tool

Introduction to the Delta Screening Tool

Background

This tool was developed by the Learning Disability Special Interest Group of the College Sector Committee on Disability Issues (CCDI) as a screening tool for adults at risk for learning disabilities. It was developed for use by a variety of post-secondary practitioners, including counsellors, disability advisors, learning disability specialists, as well as professionals working with adults experiencing learning problems. Items in the screening questionnaire are based on the expertise of many professionals working in the post-secondary system. Some information was adapted from screening questionnaires developed by: Destination Literacy, Learning Disability Association of Canada; Carol Herriot at the University of Guelph; and the University of Minnesota.

Purpose

The purpose of the Delta Screener is to identify adults who may have learning disabilities and to investigate their need for support strategies and accommodations. The Delta Screener is designed to be comprehensive so that it can be used as an intake and/or referral questionnaire. The At-Risk Summary Checklist assists the interviewer in summarizing identified at-risk factors.
The format of the Delta Screener is a series of questions you ask the adult learner. These questions cover the following areas: post-secondary academic status, previous academic history, language and developmental history, family history, health and medical history, and employment. These areas are considered important in determining the possibility of learning disabilities.

The information gathered by the Delta Screener will assist the interviewer in making decisions about appropriate referrals and support strategies. If there is evidence that suggests a possible learning disability, the adult will need to be referred for a diagnostic assessment (if applicable). A definitive diagnosis would require a more extensive assessment by a qualified practitioner.