Learning Disabilities

Free Online Articles Directory

Why Submit Articles?
Top Authors
Top Articles
FAQ
AB Answers

Publish Article

0 && $.browser.msie ) {
var ie_version = parseInt($.browser.version);
if(ie_version Hello Guest
Login

Login via

Register
Hello
My Home
Sign Out

Email

Password


Remember me?
Lost Password?

Home Page > Education > Learning Disabilities > Learning Disabilities

Learning Disabilities

Edit Article |

Posted: Jun 15, 2010 |Comments: 0

|

Share

]]>

Ask a question

Ask our experts your Learning Disabilities related questions here…200 Characters left

Related Questions

What is the cpt-4 code for children with a Math learning disability learning disorder for tutoring
What are signs of a learning disability ?
I have been diagnosed with a multiple learning disability back in 1997 within a pshycological report can i qualify for odsp?
Is there a test or a place he can go to see if he does have a learning disability?

Syndicate this Article

Copy to clipboard

Learning Disabilities

By: Michelle Taño

About the Author

(ArticlesBase SC #2637447)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Learning Disabilities

“Learning disability” is a general term that describes specific kinds of learning problems. A learning disability can cause a person to have trouble learning and using certain skills.. The skills most often affected are the following: There reading, writing, listening, speaking, reasoning, and doing math.
Learning disabilities or LD vary from person to person. One person with learning disabilities may not have the same kind of learning problems as another person with learning disabilities.

One person may have trouble with reading and writing. Another person with learning disabilities may have problems with understanding math. Still another person may have trouble in each of these areas, as well as with understanding what people are saying.

Researchers think that learning disabilities are caused by differences in how a person’s brain works and how it processes information. Children with learning disabilities are not “dumb” or “lazy.” In fact, they usually have average or above average intelligence. Their brains just process information differently.

The definition of “learning disability” just below comes from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IDEA is the federal law that guides how schools provide special education and related services to children with disabilities.

There is no “cure” for learning disabilities. They are life-long. However, children with learning disabilities can be high achievers and can be taught ways to get around the learning disability. With the right help, children with learning disabilities can and do learn successfully.

How common are learning disabilities?

Very common! As many as 1 out of every 5 people in the United States has a learning disability. Almost 3 million children (ages 6 through 21) have some form of a learning disability and receive special education in school. In fact, over half of all children who receive special education have a learning disability (Twenty-fourth Annual Report to Congress, U.S. Department of Education, 2002).

What are the signs of a learning disability?

There is no one sign that shows a person has a learning disability. Experts look for a noticeable difference between how well a child does in school and how well he or she could do, given his or her intelligence or ability. There are also certain clues that may mean a child has a learning disability. We’ve listed a few below. Most relate to elementary school tasks, because learning disabilities tend to be identified in elementary school. A child probably won’t show all of these signs, or even most of them. However, if a child shows a number of these problems, then parents and the teacher should consider the possibility that the child has a learning disability.

When a child has a learning disability, he/she:

may have trouble learning the alphabet, rhyming words, or connecting letters to their sounds;
may make many mistakes when reading aloud, and repeat and pause often;
may not understand what he or she reads;
may have real trouble with spelling;
may have very messy handwriting or hold a pencil awkwardly;
may struggle to express ideas in writing;
may learn language late and have a limited vocabulary;
may have trouble remembering the sounds that letters make or hearing slight differences between words;
may have trouble understanding jokes, comic strips, and sarcasm;
may have trouble following directions;
may mispronounce words or use a wrong word that sounds similar;
may have

Disability insurance can be obtained through any number of insurance companies. You will receive a percentage of your gross income from your disability insurance policy, income that will ensure your own financial safety.

You do not have to go through the Social Security Office to take out a disability insurance policy, nor to receive the benefits from that policy. The Social Security disability program is not related to any disability insurance policy that you take out.

Individual disability insurance is truly a basic concept. To buy the cheapest disability insurance policy on the market is to throw money away. – About Disability Insurance web site, June 2006

Types of Disability Insurance

Most people are familiar with two types of disability insurance: short-term disability, and long-term disability. Short-term disability insurance is included as part of a benefits package with many different employers, and usually provides an income in the early part of disability. One type of disability insurance is the Own-Occupation Disability Insurance. The language of this type of disability insurance reads:

Common in employee benefits packages, Gainful Occupation Coverage is another popular form of disability insurance.

Prevention of Election Violence among Persons with Disabilities (PWD).

Introduction:

The success or failure of any election depends on the stakeholders performing their duties diligently i.e. (INEC, Political Parties, Observers, Judiciary, Media, Traditional Institutions and Security Agencies)

Elections in Nigeria have been marked by violence, putting the credibility of previous elections to doubt. This has created voters apathy and has eroded the confidence of the electorate in casting their votes at future elections, including Persons with Disabilities (PWD).

It is therefore imperative for all hands to be on deck to mitigate the harmful effects of election violence.

Background to Violence in Nigeria

Generally, armed violence in many areas of Nigeria has escalated from the take off of democracy in 1999. But the transition and subsequent democratic setting met a violent breeding atmosphere. National security of lives and properties was at the lowest ebb. This gave room for the emergence of ethno-religious militia and vigilante groups. These supposed to protect the citizens of their local communities. But almost all of them began to extort from the same people they were meant to protect. Rival gangs soon sprang all over the country, ultimately engaging in banditry and armed violence against each other and against the society. This created brushes against state security forces with civilians caught in the cross fire. This bred the infiltration and establishment of a gun culture in Nigeria. These groups abundantly acquire and recklessly use various types of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) to carry out their horrendous activities. This was the fertile ground in which electoral violence easily thrives, gradually exacerbated by sophistication as more deadly weapons are used.

Locally produced guns gave way to more modern weaponry, including semi-automatic guns. AK47 assault rifles, automatic pump action shotguns, bazookas, Beretta pistols, double-barrel shotguns, general purpose machine guns and sub-machine guns etc. Many of these are illicitly imported which continue to cause havoc to Nigerians and the Nigerian nation. At the same time, traditional weapons such as machetes, spears, cutlasses and knives are also in use.

What Nigerians saw in the aftermath of Niger Delta amnesty is a fraction of the SALW in circulation in Nigeria. Nigeria is said to possess one million of the seven million SALW estimated to be in circulation in the West African sub region. Another estimate suggests that over three million illegal SALW were possessed by Nigerians in 2002. The motivating factor for the widespread possession SALW include, ethno-religious, political competition, especially electoral violence, domestic agitation for resource control, hostage taking and banditry. May be the government needs similar amnesty programmes across the nation in order to recover other weapons in circulation nationwide before the next general election. The presence of SALW, easily transform minor social, cultural, ethnic and political disputes into violent confrontations. Unfortunately, the use of SALW in Nigeria electoral process increased the scale of lethality, the degree of intensity, casualties, and the extent of livelihood destruction and wider developmental impacts with hundreds of thousands of lives and properties worth billions of naira lost. The role of security operatives constitutionally entrusted to protect civilians against armed violence, are also causative agents of the insecure and fertile atmosphere for electoral violence. The security operatives are often active collaborators in persecuting sections of the population, heightening a violent response mechanism culture in the country. Similarly, the role of the politicians, electoral officials, civil servants and other technocrats, all whom the Nigerian constitution entrusted with carrying out smooth transition and enthroning democracy, respect for human rights and good governance also triggers electoral violence.

These officials directly or indirectly help in fertilizing the breeding ground for a “culture of violence” in our electoral process meant to usher in and consolidate democracy. This means that for electoral violence to thrive in Nigeria, something is either wrong with all or one of these – democracy, respect for human rights and good governance, because, in normal circumstances, violence thrives in the absence of these. Electoral violence often occurs when an electoral process is perceived as unfair. Although, in some cases, even the electoral process that is fair and honest can as well attract violence. In either scenario, stakeholders use conflict, violence, and threat as means to determine, delay, or otherwise influence the results of the election. However, when conflict or violence occurs, it is not a result of an electoral process; it is the breakdown of an electoral process.

Elections in Nigeria has been marred by various forms of malpractices ranging from double or multiple registration, deliberate late arrival of election materials by electoral officials, stuffing/snatching of ballot boxes, destruction or hijacking of electoral materials, harassment and intimidation by armed groups, falsification of results, delay in announcing results with no satisfactory explanation etc. these practices logically results in violent conflicts and clashes.

It is imperative that we re-examine, first electoral violence, followed by Persons with Disabilities (PWD) as players and victims before considering prevention of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in electoral violence in Nigeria, to properly understand the magnitude of the problem and also to evaluate the causes of electoral violence.

Election violence:

Election:

It is defined as a “process of actualizing representative democracy and it exposes people to the experiences of competition for power through the ballot box.”

Violence:

Violence is defined as “an act against an individual or group, with the intent to cause injury or death.”

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFESs) defines electoral violence as;

“any act or threat of physical or psychological harm to a person or damage to property, directed at anyone directly involved in an electoral process (voter, candidate, party officer, election worker, election monitor, journalist, etc.), which may disrupt or attempt to disrupt any aspect of the electoral process (campaign, registration, voting, counting, etc.)”.

Electoral violence can thus be seen as any random or organized act that seeks to determine, delay, or otherwise influence an electoral process through threat, verbal intimidation, hate speech, disinformation, physical assault, blackmail, destruction of property, or assassination. The victims of electoral violence can be people, places, things or data. The acts associated with electoral violence include physical harm (e.g. homicide, sexual violence, torture, assault); threats (e.g. physical, verbal); intimidation; destruction of property (e.g. arson, damage from stones or sharp objects); and forced displacement. The objective of electoral violence is to influence the electoral process and its outcome by gaining an unfair political advantage by one individual or group of individuals over another. It is geared towards winning political competition or power through violence or subverting the ends of the electoral and democratic process through intimidation and disempowerment of political opponents. Election violence might occur at different stages of the electoral process, either before, during or after the election in the form of thuggery, use of force to disrupt political meetings or voting at polling stations, or the use of dangerous weapons to intimidate voters and other electoral processes, or to cause bodily harm or injury to any person connected with electoral processes.

Here are the common grounds on which electoral violence occurs: During registration, when both the ruling and opposing parties’ attempts to hijack the voter registration to enable falsification or double registration as pre-rigging mechanism

2. During campaigns, electoral violence can occur as rivals seek to disrupt the opponents’ campaigns, intimidate and threaten candidates, party officials and or supporters. This has been the most common venue of electoral violence.

3. During balloting on Election Day, threats and violence at the polling station might be use as tactics to influence participation in the voting or to steal ballot boxes.

4. Electoral outcomes, disputes over election results might trigger violence in protests

5. Winner takes all syndrome in Nigeria elections. Loser might resort to violence to disrupt, delay or influence representation to avoid been excluded in governance, despite their ‘huge investments’.

Five Common Grounds for Electoral Violence

1. During registration

2. During campaigns

3. On Election Day

4. When results are announced

5. Winner take all syndrome

All these form of violence are threats to our nascent democracy, and equally discourage the electorate from participating in electoral process for fear of being killed or maimed.

Persons with Disabilities:

Disability:

A disability is a condition or function judged to be significantly impaired relative to the usual standard of an individual or group. The term is used to refer to individual functioning, including physical impairment, sensory impairment, cognitive impairment, intellectual impairment and mental illness.

In Nigeria, there are various degrees of disabilities

Should you be born or develop an ailment which creates a disability for you it is likely that you are accustomed to a degree of disparity and discrimination within our society. While the attitude associated with employers as well as those of normal bodied people become to slowly change there are still vast distances to go. The Discrimination laws have raised some awareness towards the problem and have changing a few attitudes. We must be honest here in that it is still extremely difficult for someone with a handicap to venture into any public places and it is especially difficult when these people have their powered wheelchairs with them.

There is usually no mention of the associated monetary strain that being disabled places on the individual or upon the family of the handicapped person. The expenses of being disabled can add up quickly when you figure in the cost of things like purchasing a mobility scooter or an electric wheelchair, add to that the wheelchair ramp, various walking aids, buying assistive furnishings and even their disposable care products increase the cost of disabilities. These are not considered luxury items at all but are necessities for them and represent an expense that the normal able bodied person does not have to experience.

Although some monetary assistance may be available it will rarely cover all the costs associated with being disabled thus the person will have to choose between one essential item and another. Frequently there just are not enough funds to go around paying for the essentials needs and their mobility accessories. A family can quickly experience an extreme strain being placed upon their budget as in the case of raising a disabled pre-teen. If you have a rapidly growing pre-teen that has a disability and they are simply outgrowing many of their mobility products you will need to expend additional funds to replace these items. This pre-teen may be taking part in school sports and attempting to live their life the best they can and their equipment may require replacement regularly.

You or a loved one may be experiencing a temporary need for some of the high priced disability products which would make your life better but you remain unsure if you want to make such a costly commitment for these items. Perhaps you have a loved one who has recently become handicapped and you are rapidly trying to accumulate the necessities to provide them some sort of normalcy in their life. Let’s face it life should not be this way however we are far from living in a perfect world so it is something we have to deal with. Don’t despair though as there are some ways that will make your funds go just a bit further when dealing with mobility needs.

Keep in mind that it is usually much cheaper when you purchase personal care products in bulk. It is not uncommon that you can get items for fifty percent less by purchasing this way. With this in mind you can realize why various groups have gotten together and purchase these items in bulk size and distribute them at cost to their various members. This process can save members a lot of money so you should consider such a proposal. You can readily use this money which you have saved for other essential items. For larger item purchases such as the wheelchairs or power chairs you may wish to consider the purchase of pre-owned items.

There are many people which buy these items new for their teens and quickly discover that they have outgrown them. They are still in great shape but in order to cut the cost of the new one the family tries to regroup some of their expended funds by selling the older one. Perhaps someone has recently purchased a modern up-date unit and discovers that they have recovered much of their mobility so that they no longer require the equipment. Maybe some equipment is no longer suitable or appropriate for someone’s new living conditions. As you can see there are many opportunities for you to find pre-owned walking, safety, or mobility aids at a reasonable price and still in excellent condition. Many may even still be in warrantee.

As with any purchase always check the operational condition of the item. Ask any questions and concerns which you may have concerning the usage, sizes, warranties, servicing as well as new parts prior to initiating your purchase. Ensure that the new item you are about to purchase is actually suitable for your purpose and fits your requirements. Never rush in and purchase the item before it is checked out in all ways to ensure its acceptability to you. In this way you are certain to save money.

Remember then that you save money in buying in bulk, you should highly consider the purchase of pre-owned equipment, and this will definitely help you out when it comes down to economizing to save money. Make sure that you check out any local groups as well as many of the government grants that are afforded you. Check with your insurance company and any foundations setup for the disabled that are in your local area.

Copyright @2008 Joseph Parish

 There have been numerous laws and organizations created to fight for the rights of disabled workers. The Americans with Disabilities Act, protections from the Human Rights Commission, as well as proactive business leaders who appreciate and understand the value a company gains by looking past a persons’ disability have helped bring awareness to gaining fair treatment for diabled employees. Today, companies are recognized and awarded for their commitment to workplace diversity and the inclusion of disabled persons. When business leaders share their best practice stories and experiences with disabled persons in their workplace, it becomes evident that progress is being made.

Company Experiences

In a previous post “Think Beyond the Label”, we introduced readers to the organization “Think Beyond the Label”, which works to promote the hiring of individuals with disabilities. One of the sections I really enjoy reading on their website is the company success stories, where business leaders discuss the positive impact hiring persons with disabilities has had within their organization. DiversityInc. Magazine annually publishes “The DiversityInc. Top 50 List,” recognizing 50 companies for their commitment to hiring persons with disabilities.

Here are some examples of companies demonstrating best practices through the hiring of persons with disabilities:

Holiday Inn Express- Ft. Pierre, South Dakota

In an interview with Think Beyond the Label, Dawn Nagel, the manager of the Holiday Inn Express in Ft.Pierre discussed the positive impact that hiring employees with disabilities has had within her workplace. Approximately 30% of employees at the Holiday Inn Express in Ft. Pierre have a disability. In the article “Featured Success: Holiday Inn Express,” Nagel stated:

“An employee with a disability is often times a more productive and loyal employee than a person who does not have a disability; she feels that spending a little extra time with them in the beginning of their employment makes the difference. They are treated just like any other employee. Dawn emphatically said, ‘There are no labels here’.”

In the same article, Nagel also discusses her commitment to developing a better understanding of the disabilities faced by her employees and setting a good example. After reading Nagel’s story, it became evident that she focuses on the ability of the individual to fit in with the company’s culture, refraining from defining a person based on the label society has unfortunately provided them with.

Johnson and Johnson

“Our Credo” by Johnson and Johnson sets the tone for diversity and inclusion within the company. In March 2010, Johnson and Johnson was ranked #2 on the “The DiversityInc. Top 50 List,” for demonstrating a continued commitment to workplace diversity. Executives at Johnson and Johnson feel that making a commitment to inclusion and diversity helps the company develop products better suited to the needs of the end consumer. Through understanding the needs and challenges of their own employees, Johnson and Johnson has applied this knowledge to product development, helping maintain their position as an industry leader. This element is explained below, from a statement published on the Johnson and Johnson Corporate website:

“We recognize that differences in age, race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, physical ability, thinking style and background bring richness to our work environments. Such differences help us connect better with the health needs of people in communities around the world. We believe that attracting, developing and retaining a base of employees that reflects the diversity of our customers is essential to our success.”

Ford Motor Company

Inclusion and the presence of employees with disabilities isn’t new at Ford Motor Company. While reading about the history of the people at Ford on their corporate website, I came across this statement, which discusses the company’s roots in hiring persons with disabilities:

“Even before World War II, Ford Motor Company was known as one that was more interested in a prospective employee’s abilities than any disabilities the person might have. In 1937, an article in Ford News reported that the company had ’11,632 men in various stages of disability earning full pay,’ and the article made a point of saying that ‘they give full value for their wages.’ The company’s leadership in the employment of persons with disabilities continued through the years. In the 1970s, Henry Ford II was a founding member of the National Business and Disability Council, long before the U.S. government enacted laws requiring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities.”

Ford Employees Dealing with disAbilities (FEDA) is a network group designed for Ford employees living with disabilities. FEDA focuses on inclusion and diversity at Ford, helping employees maximize their contributions to the workplace and eliminate social barriers encountered by employees working with disabilities. At Ford, employees with disabilities help the company better understand the challenges faced by persons with disabilities when it comes to selecting a vehicle. Ford Mobility Motoring designs vehicles for persons with mobility issues who require vehicle modifications in order to drive. Ford identified workplace tasks that could be completed by those with disabilities, opening up opportunities for increased workplace diversity.

Ernst & Young

AccessAbilities is a resource network at Ernst & Young, raising workplace awareness about employees with disabilities.  The group discusses ways in which the firm can better support these employees and is comprised of both employees with and without disabilities. As a matter of fact, about two-thirds of AccessAbilities members do not have disabilities themselves. AccessAbilities members meet monthly via conference call and have Abilities Champions who make sure disabilities-awareness messages and educational material are part of communications, meetings and events

In the SHRM article “Do You Need an Employee Resource Group for People with Disabilities?” Lori Golden, AccessAbilities Leader at Ernst & Young states that:

“Ernst & Young’s goal is to identify and accommodate any needs its people have, not to identify the reason they have those needs. We want to know what we can do day-to-day to keep our people more productive and safe. We also ask people in any new situation– such as when they are scheduled to go out to engagements at clients– if they need any accommodation so we can work with clients from the get go to ensure the right accommodations are in place.”

These are just a few of the examples of companies executing best practices when it comes to employees with disabilities. There are many more companies out there striving to achieve similar goals, helping to reduce workplace barriers one step at a time.