Strategies for Helping People with Learning Disabilities Succeed

Strategies for Helping People with Learning Disabilities Succeed

Learning disabilities are a challenge for individuals who struggle with reading, writing, or math. In the United States, over 6 million young people between the ages of 3 and 21 have a learning disability or related disorder. As teachers, parents, and caregivers, our role is to help individuals with learning disabilities succeed.

There are several effective strategies for helping people with learning disabilities break through barriers that prevent them from achieving success. Here are some of the most effective strategies to exploit:

1. Accommodations
One of the most powerful strategies for supporting students with disabilities is providing them with accommodations that meet their particular needs. For instance, students may need extra time to take tests or technology to support their reading and writing. Simple assistance like this can give students the chance to demonstrate their knowledge beyond their disabilities.

2. Design Instruction to Meet Individual Needs
When creating instructional plans, it is imperative to consider the learning style and processing speed of the student. Creating lessons that balance sound, visuals, and movement helps a student with learning disabilities better understand and retain information. Although this type of lesson planning is exponentially harder than ‘one-size-fits-all’ learning, it’s crucial for success.

3. Positive Reinforcement
Students with learning disabilities routinely experience negative feedback and criticism from peers and teachers alike. Positive reinforcement from an adult can boost their confidence and skills in the classroom. Make it a point to focus on what they are doing well, give them praise, and prompt regular encouragement to keep building on those strengths.

4. Teach Self-Advocacy
It is critical for students to learn how to self-advocate, and speak up for themselves, their curiosities, and their need for support. Empower them with the skills needed to self-advocate, such as how to ask questions or communicate their needs effectively.

5. Friends as Allies
Teacher-student and peer-to-peer collaboration are known to improve learning and provide social and emotional support. Encouraging students to learn with their peers, in pairs or in groups, allows for rapport building, empathy, and a team approach to learning.

These tactics can help students with learning disabilities thrive in the classroom and beyond. By providing a accommodating and supportive learning environment, while equipping them with adequate skills and tools, students with learning disabilities can unlock their full potential and future. We all win.

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