Learning Disabilities and You at University

Do you have a Learning Disability?

• You know you are smart as your friends, but have trouble keeping up with school work.
• You are excellent with mechanical things, but have trouble reading and writing.
• You read and write well enough, but cannot remember basic math functions
• You can talk your way out of almost any situation, but cannot express your thoughts on paper.
• You have succeeded in other areas, but still cannot spell.
• You know what you want to say, but cannot get the words out.
• You learn well when someone demonstrates, but cannot follow written directions.
• You understand almost anything you read, but have difficulty listening or vice versa.
• You put in twice the effort but obtain lower grades than your peers.

ANY of the above characteristics can be true for anyone. But, if you say "that's me" to a few of them, or if any of them significantly interferes with your ability to function at university, you may have a learning disability.

Increasing numbers of adults with a Learning Disability are entering a post secondary institution. A marked difference between areas of expertise and areas of difficulty is a signal that a disability may exist. One student may demonstrate problems in only one specific area, while another will have difficulties in several.

What can you do to enhance your academic performance ?

The adult with a learning disability can compensate for his or her disability by seeking help through peer support, tutors, mental strategies and technological devices.

In class

• talk to your instructors before the semester begins
• request a detailed course outline prior to the beginning of the course
• request advance readings, and if possible, an alternate, less demanding reading list
• request lecture outlines, and clarify definitions and terms
• pair up with a good note taker and form a study group
• if useful, tape record lectures and make brief notes as soon as possible after class (instructor's permission is required to tape)
• make notes of any questions you have so they can be answered before the next exam

What can you do to enhance your academic performance ?

Assignments

• clarify assignments with the instructor to ensure complete understanding
• keep one calendar, recording assignment deadlines, meetings, exam dates, etc.
• allow plenty of time for completion, requesting ongoing help as necessary
• have someone proofread assignments or hand in a cassette recording (with prior approval)
• request an alternate assignment to allow demonstration of competence

To reduce Examination Stress

• if appropriate, request an oral exam, large print materials, extended time, a scribe, a quiet room to write in, or an appropriate technical aid (available only if you can substantiate your disability)

Where can you go for further information ?

University Resources

Many universities have special services for disabled students and you should determine whether there is, within the campus of your university, a CO-ORDINATOR OF DISABLED STUDENT SERVICES.

Services may include:

• volunteers to tape record books an edit written work
• access to appropriate technical aids such as a tape recorder, or a word processor with a voice synthesizer
• exam accommodation (with a professional diagnosis and instructor's approval), i.e. extended time, a scribe, etc.

Community Resources

The LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION OF CANADA has an office in each province and territory of Canada, as well as a network of 132 chapters which are located in either major cities or smaller communities.

Services vary from region to region, but each centre provides information on local resources and facilities, which can be of benefit to you. Many centres have a resource library and offer access to volunteer help and support.

Please contact your provincial/territorial LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION for information on the chapter located nearest to you. You will find their addresses below.

LDA Provincial/Territorial Offices

The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada gratefully acknowledges The University of Calgary Committee on Learning Disabilities for their permission to reprint this pamphlet including information on LDAC

X Home Up a level