Definition

• average to above average intelligence

• significant discrepancy between what would be expected, given the individual's ability, and what is actually accomplished

• global impairments

• IQ at or below 70

Characteristics

• difficulty processing information

• manifest as auditory/visual deficits, memory/recall, reasoning/processing and organization problems

• limited intellectual potential

• may have limited memory, short attention span or be easily distracted

History

• life and jobs are "average"

• limited literacy skills are unexplained

• supported employment or none

• relatively limited responsibility

Literacy Skills

• seeking literacy skills for further education or for career opportunities

• want to be able to use literacy skills for a specific task

Barriers to Learning

• processing problems impact learning

• limited cognitive ability

Teaching Strategies

• strategies and accommodations for problem-solving

• concrete and interest-related

• goals must be meaningful

Accommodations/Supports

• adaptive/assistive technology

• increased time/provision of materials

• case conferencing among support networks

• linking with community support organizations