1. Leading with a Learning Difference
NASPA Mental Health Conference
January 17, 2014
San Diego
Mary Katherine Ortale and Lynn Ortale
Chestnut Hill College

2. Definition of Learning Difference
It is a neurological disorder which affects the brains ability to receive, process, store and respond to information (LD On-line)
Basically a difference in the way
a person's brain is "wired"

3. Visual Processing Disorder
Learning
Differences
Visual Processing Disorder
ADHD
Auditory Processing
Disorder
Dysgraphia
Dysphasia/Aphasia
Dyscalculia
ADD
Dyslexia

4. Common Learning Differences
Dyslexia: a language-based disability in which a person has trouble understanding written words
Dyscalculia: a mathematical disability in which a person has a difficult time solving arithmetic problems and grasping math concepts
Dysgraphia: a writing disability in which a person finds it hard to form letters or write within a defined space
Auditory and Visual Processing Disorders: sensory disabilities in which a person has difficulty understanding language despite normal hearing and vision.
Nonverbal Learning Disabilities: difficulty with visual-spatial, intuitive, organizational, evaluative and holistic processing functions.

5. Learning Difference by the Numbers
15% of Americans – 1 in 7 (National Institute of Health)
2/3 of people with LD are male (National Council on Learning Disabilities)
80% of LD involve Reading Issues (LD On-line)
On average 3 years behind in reading/math (Fordham Institute)
Drop out rate: 2008:14% :40% (Council for Exceptional Children)
Unemployment Rate 2x for LD adults (National Council on Learning Disabilities)
11% of College student report LD (National Council on Learning Disabilities)
1 in 25 first year students report LD (Institute for Higher Education Policy)

7. Metacognition Thinking about one’s Thinking
Knowing about one’s Knowledge
Understanding one’s Understanding

11. Strategies Outside the Classroom
Inclusive Recruitment
Effective Application
and Selection Process
Intentional Training and Supervision

12. Resources

13. “I believe in you” Saying the words…
is often the beginning of a miracle…