Living With A Learning Disability

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• Living With A Learning Disability
• By Sofia

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I have a Auditory LD and ADD

• It affects my learning in many different ways
• - my working memory
• - my auditory attention (short attention span)
  
• - short term memory ( taking notes in class)
• - Sometimes forget the sounds that letters make
  (trouble reading and sounding out certain words)
• - spelling, reading, writing
• - I get distracted very easily

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An example

• If I was asked to put the following numbers in
  order 23, 45,67, 12, 29, 4, 10
• -working memory I would not be able to organize
  the numbers in my head, I have to write them down
  to be able to put them in order.
• - Short term memory I would forget the numbers
  that were said before I had time to write them
  down or organize them in my head.
• ( affects my ability to take notes in lectures)

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My Weaknesses

• Problems in the past
• - performing in tests and examinations
• - I am a slower writer and reader.
• - spelling I would lose marks on tests and
  exams
• - paying attention in class
• - Not being able to do math calculations or
  other work in my head
• Today
• - I understand my weaknesses in learning and
  know how to cope with them
• - limit the number of distractions
• - I have to work in short intervals
• - it still takes me a very long time to
  understand and learn material (study for a test
  or write an essay)

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My strengths

• Strengths
• - well organized
• - visual alertness to detail
• - committed to putting 100forward into my work
• - knowing and understanding my weaknesses in
  learning
• - I know when to ask for help
• - I know how to pace myself and how I feel I
  know when to take a break
• Learning style Preference
• I prefer to see what is to be learned and I need
  to see written instructions
• I try to use all learning styles to help me
  learn better.
• So I see it, write it, listen to it and use
  activities to help me remember

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Strategies I Use

• Re-write lecture and class notes before test
• Make study notes
• have other people proof-read essays and
  assignments
• Use computer to spell check essays
• Re-read study notes out loud
• Recorded some of my lectures on tape and
  re-listen to lectures
• Study groups review notes, test each other
• - To work in short intervals
• Ensure that I understand the directions before I
  start
• To work in a structured, predictable environment
• Organize learning materials (sections)
• Use visual learning aids such as charts, graphs,
  mind maps, pictures
• Separate room for exams and tests

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Accommodations I use

• Testing accommodations
• Separate room for testing with 1/3 extra time
• Use a spell checker
• Learning accommodations
• TextHELP computer program
• Tutors for subjects of difficulty like math
• Use study carols in library
• Note share for classes
• Tape recorder for lectures
• Kurzweil 3000
• Spell checker
• Computer for writing assignments spell checker

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Adaptive Technology

• How I use adaptive technology
• -Computer
• - Kurzweil 3000
• - TextHELP
• - spell checker
• - tape recorder
• - Laptop

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Self-Advocacy

• Suggestions for getting your needs met
• Dont be afraid to ask for help when you need it
• Meet with a learning strategist to talk about
  problems
• Use the resources in the school to help your
  needs
• Dont be afraid to try new methods to help you
  learn
• If your having troubles in class talk to your
  teachers,
• My experience with self-advocacy
• Teachers are understanding to your needs and are
  willing to help
• If you need help you have to ask, otherwise no
  one will help

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If I would have known

• Communication is key
• Dont be intimidated by faculty or staff
• There are lots of resources in student services
  available for us to use
• Prioritize what is more important (ex. Assignment
  due Friday worth 2 or a test on Saturday worth
  20)
• Time management is very important free time ,
  homework responsibility

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More Advice

• Set some goals for yourself
• Make time for yourself relax, do something fun,
  socialize because school can be very stressful
  and you need time to unwind and destress