Potential Learning Disability
How should we approach the problem of getting help for a student who most likely has a learning disability when they refuse to admit that they may have a problem?
Hi Attila,
I can personally relate to this, I am dyslexic and notice when students are struggling, especially with the same issues I had with note taking, etc...I am honest with them, and tell them there are many options to help them through the program. I always suggest the tutoring center we have at our school, and also give my own helpful hints that have worked for me in the past.
Hi Steve,
You can talk directly with a student with a disability about the kind of supports, accommodations or modifications that would enable that person to have success in the class. If a student does not self identify, meaning declares that he/she has a disability and will need some support, you can approach that student and mention that you noticed that he/she is having difficulty in completing the reading assignment or math problems, etc. If they say yes they are and that they are going to need some help to be successful you then can talk with them further about specific helps needed. You have the right to ask them what they consider to be the reason for their difficulties. It is as this time they will generally tell you that they have a learning disability or some other form of disability. If they don't tell you that they have a disability then you can suggest they see student services about some help but that you are unable to help them in anyway since they are like all the other students.
A challenge that occurs for post secondary instructors is that students with disabilities coming out of high school are used to having a Individual Education Plan (IEP) which spells out all of the supports they need for success. As adults the IEP is no longer in effect so they are on their own to identify what supports they need and if they don't then nothing can be done for them. The American with Disabilities Act say "reasonable accommodations" need to be made in the workplace and educational setting. That is a very open statement so as long as you treat each student fairly and consistently then you are within the requirements of the law.
If you have any additional questions please let me know.
Gary
Gary,
It is my understanding that we as teachers could not talk to the student directly about their disablity, and "legally" could only refer individuals to student services and the person who handles ADA issues. Is this correct?
Hi Chris,
You are right and at times this is very hard to follow. You see a student in need, do the referral and they don't follow up and as a result their lives continue to crash. We can be supportive and encouraging but that is all that we can do.
Gary
This could quite touchy. As educators, we can only suggest and even urge a student to reach out for help, but ultimately it is the students decision. You would hope that as they struggle, they would realize this and seek out the necessary help.
We need to find out where the problem is , is it reading and understanding or maybe the way the material is being presented , we need to get in touch with the parents and have the student evaluated by professionals and sugest that an IEP should be in place .
Hi Carolyn,
This approach is also very low stress for the student so he/she is more willing to open up and share information about the struggles they are having. Then you can go to the next step in terms of providing the needed support.
Gary
Hi Sandra,
Good strategy for working with a student that has a disability. You are providing support as needed but in a way that does not call attention to them. I know this approach is appreciated by the student. This approach also helps to build confidence in the student leading to more success.
Gary
Hi Attila,
This is a tough situation. Until the student recognizes that there is a problem with his/her comprehension or decoding skills you can't really do anything. You can talk individually with the student and suggest they talk with Student Services and see if that office might help them. Otherwise the student is going to have to fail before he/she seeks help and this is sad since it doesn't need to happen.
Gary
I agree that talking with the student privately is the first step. There are laws in place to prevent teachers from actually asking students if they have a disability, but I've found that if I discuss with a student the struggles that I'm seeing in his/her work, it will open the door for him/her to get the help needed. In the end, it really is up to the student to take the responsiblity of recongizing his/her own difficulties and possible disabilities.
I always try to talk to students in private and let them know honestly what I see the areas they are struggling are. I then share information on where to get extra help. For the whole class, I go over various strategies on test taking, note taking, etc so that all students can benefit. I also encourage study partners so that students can help each other.
having had a student with disabilities before i've learned to be very personal with them in order for others in class not to know, i go as far as asking an associate for help when testing. after demo's i make my way to them without being notice and check on them,giving praise to whatever they are doing. for me i have to assure them they are not the first nor will they be the last.
