Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities | Origin: ED132
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities --> Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Accommodations do change the overall requirements of the task. Modifications do change the overall task. Modifications require less and result in a lower level of learning. Accommodations are not required at the postsecondary level. Most employers do not provide accommodations. Students with learning difficulties must learn coping skills.
Students entering post secondary institutions need self advocate learning disabilities to instructors if they require accommodations and modifications of assignments to be successful in meeting objective goals.
This section helped remind me of the importance to really see my students that have learning disabilities and to do what I can to "meet them where they are" so that they stay engaged in school.
1. Understand the Student’s Needs
Every student with LD is unique; some struggle with reading, others with math, writing, or attention.
Use individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans when available.
Observe and note learning strengths and challenges to tailor your instruction.
2. Use Multi-Sensory Instruction
Engage multiple senses to help students process and retain information:
Visual: diagrams, charts, videos, color-coded notes
Auditory: verbal instructions, discussions, recordings
Kinesthetic: hands-on activities, building models, physical movement
3. Provide Clear and Structured Instruction
Break tasks into small, manageable steps.
Give explicit instructions and repeat key points.
Use visual schedules or checklists to help students stay organized.
4. Offer Accommodations
Examples of supports that can help students with LD:
Extra time on tests or assignments
Alternative formats (audio books, digital text)
Note-taking assistance or guided outlines
Use of calculators, spellcheckers, or other assistive technology
5. Encourage Active Learning and Engagement
Use peer collaboration and cooperative learning.
Include hands-on labs and projects, especially in technical courses.
Ask questions that prompt higher-level thinking, not just recall.
6. Promote Self-Advocacy
Teach students to understand their own learning styles.
Encourage them to ask for help or accommodations when needed.
Support goal-setting and reflection on progress.
7. Foster a Positive and Inclusive Environment
Emphasize strengths and abilities, not just challenges.
Avoid stigmatizing language; normalize learning differences.
Celebrate success and growth to build confidence and motivation.
Accommodation vs. modification
Students with learning disabilities will not have a personalized learning plan when they leave high school.
It is important for students in college to advocate for themselves since no one is going to be there to make sure they get the accommodations they may need to be successful.
This module helped me better understand the challenges students with learning disabilities face when transitioning to college or the workforce. I learned that many of these students have average or above-average intelligence but struggle because they don’t always receive the right accommodations or know how to advocate for themselves. It reminded me how important it is to listen to students and encourage them to speak up about what they need to be successful.
Students with learning disabilities need to have an understanding of what their disability is and how it impacts not only their student life but their life outside the classroom as well
It was reassuring to hear that while accommodations may be made at the postsecondary level, students with disabilities must understand and be able to cope with their disabilities in their careers.
There are some areas/careers that an individual with learning disabilities will not be successful due to the nature of the content. I have an adult child with learning disabilities and I do want him to be successful and have a fulfilling life. An instructor can make accommodations to help the student as long as it does not affect the integrity of the course. Students can be successful - but it is not an easy road.
Students need to assess the chosen career path and whether or not they will be successful in post-secondary education.
What I learned from this module is many individuals with learning disabilities do not complete high school or pursue postsecondary education due to struggles and a lack of confidence in their academic success. Because of their academic difficulties, these individuals often feel they have limited realistic career paths available to them. It’s important to provide students with learning disabilities opportunities to explore different careers where they can use their strengths and talents. Hands-on experiences can help them find suitable paths.
Disabilities can affect the person in and out of school. Students may avoid post-secondary education due to challenges in early education. Accommodations and modifications are implemented to help the student be successful.
I agree that in most job settings, especially skilled job settings that accommodations are not given due to the work being performed .
I learned how people with learning disabilities can receive accomidations in the classroom.
Accommodation vs. modification
I do notice that many of our students with learning disabilities, TBI, etc make a point of telling me as soon as they get to my class. I was surprised at the % of students mentioned here who do not ever tell the instructor or employer. I am wondering if it is part of our onboarding process and they have been made aware that they can tell the instructor.
Accommodation vs modification. The percentage of people with learning disabilities 20%. Offer constant support to your students.
