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.
I didn't know much about accommodations until I started teaching so I learned that postsecondary school do offer accommodations as well. Counselors could play a big part in the success of students finding career opportunities by placing them in the career tech pathway they are most excited about so they are motivated to be successful. They need to stop placing them in a class just to receive the easiest CRI.
The biggest things I’ve learned from this module is how much learning disabilities impact not just a student’s academic performance, but their confidence, emotions, and overall life experiences. I now understand that many students with learning disabilities are not lacking ability or intelligence, they often have average or above-average intelligence,but struggle because of how they process information. This really changed how I view student behavior, especially when students seem disengaged or hesitant to participate.
I also learned how important self-advocacy is for students at the postsecondary level. Unlike in high school, students must take responsibility for communicating their needs and requesting accommodations. This stood out to me because it shows how critical it is for instructors to listen carefully and create an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their challenges and learning preferences.
Another key takeaway is that many students with learning disabilities develop coping mechanisms, sometimes even avoiding tasks to prevent embarrassment. This can often be misunderstood as laziness or lack of motivation. Understanding this helps me approach students with more empathy and awareness, rather than making quick assumptions.
Moving forward, I plan to apply this knowledge by creating a more supportive and inclusive classroom environment. I will encourage open communication, provide multiple ways for students to engage with content, and be more mindful of how assignments and instructions are delivered. I also want to support students in becoming more independent learners by helping them identify strategies that work best for them. Overall, this module reinforced the importance of empathy, flexibility, and intentional support in helping all students succeed both in the classroom and in their future careers.
Modifications and accommodations help the individual with learning. Each individual also needs to be their own advocate as they get older. Most employers do not make accommodations or modifications,
I learned that learning disabilities are lifelong and often hidden, affecting not only academic performance but also confidence, employment, and daily life skills. I better understand the importance of self-advocacy, early registration, and appropriate accommodations in postsecondary education. I will apply this knowledge by creating an inclusive learning environment, encouraging open communication, maintaining academic rigor, and supporting accommodations that help students demonstrate their true abilities without compromising course objectives.
Accommodation vs Modification Changes how a student learns.
I learned from this module that it is important to have students be self advocates in post secondary education and the workplace. By teaching students coping skills and strategies allows them to be successful later on.
The difference between modification and accommodation.
When students goes off to college with a learning disability. It is up to the student to let their college and instructor know what types of accommodations work best for them.
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.
