transitioning from high school with a learning disability
DESCRIPTION
Over the last 25 years The Learning Disabilities Association of New York has been supporting teens and young adults with learning disabilities to transition in to the job world. This presentation outlines how individuals coping with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia can better understand their condition and work with trained professionals to find the best strategies to find jobs and succeed in the workplace.TRANSCRIPT
Transitioning from High School:
The Next Step
Learning Disabilities Association NYC
• Since 1989, we have worked to empower New Yorkers who have learning disabilities become job & life ready.
• Our Helpline has been a resource for nearly 25 years, helping parents, children, teens & adults with referrals and information.
• In 2010, recognizing there were fewer resources for adults, we decided to focus on older teens and transitioning adults.
What is a Learning Disability?
• Learning disabilities (LD) are not one thing, but rather a variety of specific disorders that create real obstacles for success in school, on the job, and in life.
• LD is an umbrella term that points to weaknesses in areas such as reading, writing, spelling, math, and other kinds of skills.
• LD is a result of differentiated ways that information is processed in the brain.
Did You Know…?
• Up to 17% of all children in the USA have a learning disability
-- nearly 1 in 6.*
*National Institute of Health
Did You Know…?
• 39% of students with LD drop out of high school without a general diploma. (Natl. Center for Learning Disabilities)
• Only 13% of students with LD attend any post-secondary school program. (Natl. Longitudinal Transition Study)
• 50% of juvenile delinquents tested were found to have undetected LD. (Natl. Center for State Courts & Ed. Testing Service)
What Do They Have in Common?
“By definition, individuals with a learning disability do not struggle because of low intelligence, poor
teaching, lack of motivation or other such factors.
Their underachievement is unexpected and unexplained, which is why the term is often
misunderstood.”
Dr. Sheldon H. Horowitz, National Center for Learning Disabilities
Albert Einstein Could not talk till the age of four. Did not learn to read till nine. Teachers thought of him as a slow learner,
unsociable and a dreamer. Failed the entrance examinations to
college in his first attempt. Lost three teaching positions. Worked as a patent clerk.
Today, Albert Einstein is synonymous with genius.
Don’t Let LD Go Undiagnosed
Early Intervention Is KEY!
The earlier you get an educational assessment, the sooner you can learn more about your strengths & weaknesses.
An educational assessment determines your specific learning disabilities and identifies personalized strategies and
techniques to help you at school, work and in social situations.
Types of Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia = Reading Disorder
Dysgraphia = Disorder of Written Expression
Dyscalculia = Mathematics Disorder
Dyslexia = Reading Disorder
• Most common LD.
• Challenges may be basic: such as having difficulty decoding letters and words or number/letter reversal.
• May be complex and involve comprehension difficulties: despite the fact that decoding skills have been mastered.
• Problems in the physical act of writing.
• Spelling difficulty.
• Difficulty organizing and expressing ideas in writing.
• Difficulty generating ideas while writing.
Dysgraphia = Disorder of Written Expression
* Wikipedia, Supporting Written Output Challenges with Technology
Example of Dysgraphia
Dyscalculia = Mathematics Disorder
● Visual/spatial trouble.● Difficulty processing and
comprehending written problems.
● Problems with retaining math terms and concepts.
● Difficulty following mathematical sequences.
Example 1: 2381 or 2379
Example 2: MMCCCLIV or MMCCCXXXXVII
Which Number is Larger?
“I was diagnosed with Dyslexia when I was 6”
“I worked hard to get the better of it and by the time I got to
secondary school, it was much better.
I can read and write - badly - but I'm fine reading scripts.”
- Keira Knightley, Actress
Changes in ServicesK-12 College/ Career Level
Assessment Completed by school and a part of student’s IEP
Must receive psycho-educational assessment for documentation
Services Available
Receives services from school according to IEP
Must register with Disability Services in College or HR department with documentation
Educational Support
Accommodations according to IEP which include resource room, extra time on exams..etc
Extra time on exams, use of assistive technology, separate location for testing, job coaching services
Advocacy Teachers, therapists & parent Self
Pathways to Self Advocacy
• Get a Documented Assessment.• Find a Path for Your Abilities.• Pursue A Diploma & Career.• Become Your Own Advocate.• Understand & utilize Assistive Technology.
Get A Documented Assessment
An educational assessment determines your specific learning disabilities and identifies personalized strategies and
techniques to help you at school, work and social situations.
If you are an older teen or adult, LDANYC offers lower-cost, on-site LD Assessments to determine your specific learning
disabilities and identify personalized strategies and techniques to help you at school, work and social situations.
Pursue a Diploma & Career
CAREERDIPLOMA
• JOB/ CAREER: Most require at least a High School Equivalency Diploma
• CAREER SCHOOL:Also requires a High School Equivalency Diploma for funding
• COLLEGE: 2 year, 4 year & graduate school
Becoming Your Own Advocate• Know & understand your rights to become a self
advocate!
• Ask for extended time on exams, private studying/ testing locations, note takers, tape recordings, alternative formats/ texts & assistive technology.
• More than likely you will have to advocate for the use of one or more of these reasonable accommodations.
Understand & Utilize Assistive TechnologyAssistive technology is any piece of equipment
or software program that helps people with learning disabilities communicate better:
• Softwares: Inspiration, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Read & Write Gold, Kurzweil 3000, Ginger Software
• Hardwares: Livescribe Pen, Keyboard filters, Screen enlargers, Screen readers
Learn About Our Life-changing ProgramsAt LDANYC, we provide assistance on every aspect of LD including: • Educational evaluations/assessments• Educational tutoring and accommodations• Career and job counseling• Career and vocational training• Job search coaching• On-the-job accommodations• Advocacy assistance • Life skills• Social programs and more
Visit www.LDANYC.org
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