Learning Disability
The Learning Disabilities Program
What is a Learning Disability?
A learning disability is a permanent condition which affects how people
with average or above average intelligence take in, store, or express
information. Although their overall intelligence is high and they can learn
and do many things, one or more significant processing deficits cause
academic difficulties. Like interference on the radio or a fuzzy TV picture,
incoming or outgoing information may become scrambled as it travels between
the eye, ear, or body, and the brain.
“Students with learning disabilities usually have areas of difficulty
that are in marked contrast to other areas where they excel. Some may learn
well through lectures, but have extreme difficulty reading. Others may
express themselves very well orally, but spell or write very poorly. Each
person possesses a unique combination of strengths and weaknesses.” Wren and
Segal, DePaul University
It is important to identify what learning disabilities are NOT. They
are not a form of mental retardation because the definition specifies that
the person must have at least average intelligence. They are not related to
psychological disabilities or emotional disorders, and they are not the
result of cultural or ethnic differences. Students who are under prepared
for college or who are still learning English may experience some of the
same difficulties in school as those with LD, but their problems are not the
result of a processing deficit, so they are not eligible for learning
disability assistance.
What problems do college students with learning disabilities have?
Reading:
- Reading rate may be slower.
- Words may be hard to identify or similar words may be easily
confused.
- Comprehension could be low, or the person may not recall what was
read.
Math:
- Frequent computation errors or transition of numbers.
- Incomplete mastery of basic facts
- Trouble with word problems, Difficulties remembering the steps.
- Mistakes sequencing operations.
- Difficulty understanding abstract concepts, or speed may be compromised.
Writing:
- Frequent spelling mistakes.
- Difficulty with sentence structure.
- Inability to copy correctly from book or blackboard.
- Organizing one’s thoughts could be difficult.
- Poor or slow penmanship may be a problem, or weak vocabulary could affect writing.
Organization/Study Skills:
- Time management difficulties.
- Getting organized could be a problem.
- Those with spatial disorientation may feel lost.
- Trouble following directions.
- Short attention span.
- Difficulty taking notes, or misreading social cues and non-verbal messages may cause difficulties.
Do Learning Disabilities change over time?
The pattern of strengths and weaknesses will always be with the person; however, LD is often inconsistent. It may present problems one day, but not the next. It may cause difficulties in some academic areas, or surface in several subjects. It could be more pronounced under stressful conditions, such as during timed tests. As students learn more about their unique learning styles, they can often learn to use their strengths and support services to minimize the effects of their learning disabilities.
How does Bakersfield College assist students who may have a learning disability?
Free diagnostic assessments for Learning Disabilities Eligibility
are available through DSPS. Talk with a DSPS Counselor for more information.
Academic accommodations may be authorized, depending on the nature
and severity of a students learning disabilities. The Learning
Disabilities Specialist will determine students’ eligibility for
reasonable accommodations.
Fore information or a referral for LD Testing, please contact
DSPS in FACE-16 at (661) 395-4334.
For Information about the next
LD Group
Testing.
Click the following link for more information about the Learning Disability Testing Process.