learning disabilities

[Guest guest]

Learning Disabilities - What Are They? How Do We Know???

" Why does he read SAW for WAS? "

" Can't he see the difference between b and d? "

" If he can talk about life on Mars, why can't he subtract or divide? "

" He's so good, and tries so hard, why can't he learn "

These are questions that parents and teachers ask themselves many times.

Who is this child? This is the intelligent child who fails at school. This

is the quiet child who bothers nobody in the classroom but does not learn.

This is the child who loses homework, misplaces books, and is constantly

" off kilter " . He tends not to do what he's " supposed to do " . Is he lazy,

manipulative, stubborn? No, this child has what is commonly called a

Learning Disability.

It is important for parents, teachers and the general public to know

exactly WHAT a learning disability is, and what it ISN " T. By definition, a

person with a learning disability has normal to superior intelligence, but

has a dysfunction in language processing, which may be manifested in

reading, math, social skills, study skills, writing, etc. Fortunately, we

now have laws to help our LD population to attain their fullest potential.

New Jersey has, in addition to the Federal Laws: Individuals With

Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the NJ

Administrative Code, 6:14, which mandates strict guidelines for the

identification, evaluation, placement, and accommodations for anyone

determined to have a disability. New Jersey laws cover children from birth

to age 21. College students and adults are afforded accommodations under

504. But it is of prime importance that parents know the difference and the

language used by the professionals who help their children. Any child

determined by the

Child Study Team (CST) to have a disability, is given an Individualized

Education Plan (IEP). This plan lists the modifications and accommodations

to be afforded they child in order to maximize his/her educational

opportunities. Parents are invited to all meetings, and must sign off on any

an all procedures before they can be initiated.

It is difficult to put all of the laws and accommodations into this short

space, but if you suspect your child has a learning disability, please

contact the Learning Disabilities Association of NJ, ldanj@... or

973-265-4303 for guidance as to the proper steps to take in order to achieve

the true potential of the child.

Theresa (Terry) Cavanaugh, LDT-C

President, LDA of NJ