Learning Disability
Specific learning disabilities are heterogeneous in nature, often differing markedly from one person to the next. The Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia (effective March 27, 2002) define the term as follows:
"Specific learning disability" means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell or do mathematical calculations. The term includes such conditions as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia. The term does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities; of mental retardation; of emotional disturbance; or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage. COV §22.1-213; 34 CFR §300.7 (c) (10)
Resources
- Procedures for Participation of Students with Disabilities in Virginia's Accountability System (PDF) – Guidelines for providing accommodations and documentation.
- Responsive Instruction: Refining Our Work of Teaching All Children (PDF) – This Virginia Response to Intervention (RtI) guidance document and its supplement monographs are designed to assist school divisions in understanding what RtI is, its origins in educational practice and research, its usefulness and value and several ways it can be implemented.
- Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia (PDF)
Outside Resources
- LDOnline – dedicated to the education of students with learning disabilities.
- Schwablearning.org and SparkTop.org – these websites address learning strategies, parent issues and study skills.
- National Association for the Education of African American Children with Learning Disabilities – information and resources provided by an established network of individuals and organizations experienced in minority research and special education.
- National Center for Learning Disabilities – an effective, easy-to-use resource for people seeking authoritative information on learning disabilities.
- National Research Center on Learning Disabilities (NRCLD) – addresses the complex issues surrounding proper identification of students with learning disabilities.
- Organizations
- Council for Learning Disabilities (CLD) – promotes effective teaching and research.
- International Dyslexia Association – helps individuals with dyslexia.
- Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) – advances the education and general welfare of children and adults with learning disabilities.
- Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLDA) – facilitates education, research and advocacy for children and adults who manifest disabilities associated with the syndrome of nonverbal learning disorders.
- Publications
- From the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)
- KidSource Online
- General Information about Learning Disabilities (includes teaching strategies)
- Reading and Learning Disabilities: A Resource Guide
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