Description: This document was developed by the Learning Disability Special Interest Group of the College 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. 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.


Name of tool

 Criteria Evidence Limited evidence
The Delta Screener Yields reliable information: the screening material reliably measures indicators of potential learning disabilities and yields consistent results (if the screening tool was given to the same person again, similar indicators of potential learning disabilities would be evident). A low standard of error should be evident.   No statistical data reported.
  Is valid: The screening material adequately represents the full range of characteristics associated with learning disabilities. The screening material is consistent with what is currently known about learning disabilities. It covers a scope sufficient to provide an initial assessment in several areas such as language, motor, organization and social skills (look for a description of which learning disability indicators may be assessed with the instrument). 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. A series of questions are directed to the adult student. 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. The checklist also covers challenges, strengths and daily living activities. No statistical data reported.
  The tool is cost-effective including initial purchase and ongoing purchases of related materials such as question booklets, score sheets etc. Material is free - only photocopy costs.  
  The time required to conduct the screening procedures is reasonable: it is quick to administer, score, and interpret. It should take you approximately one hour to administer the Delta Screener and At-Risk Summary Checklist. No information on actual time required to interpret the results is indicated.
  The requirements for learning to use the screening tool are reasonable. Requirements may range from reviewing the instructions and user manual to participating in a training session. Practitioner would need to review the test and manual. The manual includes interview guidelines along with the purpose for the interview questions, including indicators of potential learning disabilities for each section.  
  Minimize bias: The screening material accurately highlights potential indicators of learning disabilities regardless of a person's age, gender, race, ethnicity, or primary language. Clear indicators for both potential learning disabilities and non learning disabilities are highlighted. The developers of the test clearly state that the tool does not provide an official diagnosis of learning disabilities. No statistical data available.
  Instructions are provided on how to interpret the screening tool results/findings. The Administration Guidelines provide a framework to guide the interviewer through the process of gathering information relating to factors that could contribute to learning difficulties. The At-Risk Summary Checklist assists the interviewer in summarizing identified at-risk factors.  
  The tool is compatible with the goals of the organization. For example, if you serve only adults, was the test developed for adults only or if you serve a number of ESL learners, was this the intended audience for the screening tool? The tool is designed for adults who are entering post secondary education but could be used for adult literacy programs as well.  
  The format and written text follow clear language guidelines. Easy to read and follow format. Guidelines are clear.  
  The tool includes information to help select possible learning materials and/or instructional practices. The purpose of the screening tool is to identify potential indicators of a learning disability to make appropriate referrals. None.