What is a learning disability?

Learning disability is a general term that refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical abilities. These disorders are intrinsic to the individual, presumed to be due to central nervous system dysfunction, and may occur across the life span. Problems in self-regulatory behaviors, social perception, and social interaction may exist with learning disabilities, but do not by themselves constitute a learning disability (Interagency Committee on Learning Disabilities,1987).

Who are some well-known (and successful) people who are/were learning disabled?

F. Scott Fitzgerald; Albert Einstein; John Lennon; Winston Churchill; WIlliam James; John F. Kennedy; Nelson Rockefeller; Harvey Cushing; Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Records and Virgin Atlantic Airways; Charles Schwab, pioneered discount brokerage business; Gaston Caperton, former governor of Virginia, then head of College Board; Diane Swonk, chief economist for Bank One; Paul Orfalea, founder of Kinko’s; Craig McCaw, pioneered cellular industry; John Reed, led Citibank to success; Donald Winkler, headed Ford Financial; John Chambers, CEO of Cisco; David Boies, celebrated trial attorney

What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder may be defined as "a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at comparable levels of development." (DSM-IV, 1994)

What is the ADA?

The American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is the civil rights guarantee for persons with disabilities in the United States.

What is Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states that: "No otherwise qualified person with a disability in the United States . . . shall, solely by reason of . . . disability, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal assistance.

As a faculty member, how can I help my students who have learning disabilities be more successful?

Strategy handouts are available, as well as other materials for different areas of difficulty.
Please contact the RCLD liaison to ask questions or to arrange a workshop on your campus.