The Essential Six An Introduction Helping Parents Support Their College Students with LDs 1

Inspiration for the Essential Six Sharon Field & Alan Hoffman (1994) Self-determination is the ability to identify and achieve goals based on a foundation of knowing and valuing oneself. 2

The Essential Six 1.Accept oneself as someone with a LD/establish LD identity. 2.Become metacognitive. 3.Know the laws impacting disability. 4.Become aware of communication style and collaboration skills. 5.Know the specific LD. 6.Explore multiple learning strategies. 3

Partnering with Parents What is the changing role of parents and families in higher education? How has higher education accommodated this changing role? Why consider partnerships with parents and families? What’s in it for all parties? 4

1. What is a learning disability? Can you identify the specific diagnosis? Can you describe the disability? What are the strengths and challenges? How does it affect school work? How does it affect life work? 5

What is a LD? - Reflections PARENT If you had a conversation with a friend or teacher, how would you describe your child’s diagnosis and learning needs? Are you encouraging and realistic in regards to your child’s diagnosis? STUDENT Do you feel comfortable talking about your LD and how it affects you? What do you like most in school? What are your specific strengths? Academically and socially? 6

2. Establishing LD identity Stages: Denial, Transition, or Acceptance. Are you using positive language when talking about LD issues and learning? Are you creating a welcoming environment to talk about the LD? What kind of language does the student use when talking about his/her LD? 7

Establishing LD Identity - Reflections PARENT What stage are you in regarding acceptance of the LD diagnosis/identity? What are you doing to promote discussion about learning needs or what could you do? STUDENT What stage of LD identity development is the student in? Does the student know what their diagnosis means? 8

3. Metacognition What is it and how does it help? Knowledge about how to improve learning Self- regulation/self-monitoring Explore, discuss, adjust 9

Metacognition - Reflection PARENT Have you discussed strategies that could help? Does your student have successful peer relationships? STUDENT Are you aware of the strategies that support your learning? How do you think your LD affects making friends and other social situations? 10

4. The Laws Impacting Disability Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Indicator 13 of IDEA (2004) ADAAA of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 11

Laws Impacting Disabilities - Reflection PARENT Are you comfortable with your knowledge of the disability laws that affect college students? Have your child familiarize him/herself with the DS office. STUDENT Do you know your rights and responsibilities under the ADA? Do you know the types of accommodations typically provided in a college setting and how you request them? 12

5. Communication & Collaboration What are the skills of self-determination? How can parents support their students in developing these skills? What’s in it for us? 13

Self-determined behaviors Choice-making skills Decision-making skills Problem-solving skills Goal-setting and attainment skills Independence, risk-taking and safety skills Self-observation, evaluation and reinforcement skills 14

Self-determined behaviors Self-instruction skills Self-advocacy and leadership skills Internal locus of control Positive attribution of efficacy and outcome expectancy Self-awareness Self-knowledge 15

Communication & Collaboration - Reflection PARENT Ask your child what motivates them to attend college? How does it fit with their vision for the future? What are your communication strengths, weaknesses? Do you talk more than you listen? STUDENT What is your vision for the future? Can you articulate why college is a part of that vision? Create an action plan with your parent on how often you will communicate when you are away at college? 16

6. Basic Learning Strategies for the Classroom & Beyond Everyone needs a little executive function support Techno-wizardry Learning Outside the Lines (Mooney & Cole) 17

Learning Strategies - Reflection PARENT Are there specific strategies you think might benefit your student? Experiment using a technology for time management. Guide your student through it, then have him/her practice on their own. STUDENT Read “Learning Outside the Lines.” What new strategies might you consider exploring? How will you get support to help you get started? How does you feel about using any assistive technology? Do you know what works for you ? 18

The Essential Six = Self-Advocacy Know what the specific LD is Accept oneself as someone with a LD/establish LD identity Become metacognitive Know the laws impacting disability Awareness of communication style and collaboration Exploration of learning strategies 19