Learning Disabilities
What is a Learning Disability?
A learning disability is a broad term used to refer to a heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of reading, writing, reasoning, memory or organizational skills. The disorder persists despite instruction in standard classrooms and may exist with other disabling conditions.
To be categorized as a learning disabled adult, a student in the California Community College system must exhibit these attributes according to Title V regulations:
- Average to above average intellectual ability
- Severe processing deficit
- Severe aptitude-achievement discrepancy
- Measured achievement in an instructional or employment setting.
A learning disability does not apply to learning problems resulting from any physical, visual, hearing impairment, psychological disability or any health related disabilities.
What Classes are offered for Learning Disabilities?
Assessments for eligibility are done on an individualized basis by enrolling in Guidance 100. The professional who performs the assessment is a learning disabilities specialist. The assessment includes cognitive tests to determine learning strengths and weaknesses as well as achievement tests to determine academic skill levels in reading, writing and mathematics. Following the assessment, recommendations are made according to each student's abilities and needs. Support services such as basic skill s classes, computer assisted instruction, tutoring, note-taking, test-taking facilitation and priority registration are provided to those students who are eligible under the Title V guidelines.
What are the enrollment procedures?
To enroll in Guidance 100, an appointment should be made with the counselor in the Disabilities Support Program (DSP). The DSP is located in the Student Services Building, room SC-120, and the telephone number is (408) 270-6447 Voice or (408) 238-8722 TDD. To discuss more about learning disabilities, the learning disabilities specialist may be contacted at the same location and telephone number.