1. 1 Specific Learning Disabilities and the Justice System Linda Siegel University of British Columbia Vancouver, CANADA linda.siegel@ubc.ca

2. Issues How can we assess learning disabilities in prison populations? What type of interventions can we provide considering that the target populations are youth and adults? 2

3. 3 Identifying Learning Disabilities Is Important Studies all over the world provide evidence that individuals involved with the justice system have significantly higher rates of illiteracy than the population as whole. Although less is known about mathematics difficulties in incarcerated populations, there is some evidence of significant difficulties with mathematics for individuals involved with the justice system

4. 4 Prison Costs - Canada $215,000 per year for each year for each youth in custody $70,000 per year – the cost of a special education teacher- 3 special education teachers for $210,000 Where should we spend the money? –Prisons or –Special Education teachers

5. Literacy and the Justice System Low literacy skills and delinquency are correlated Incarcerated youth have lower literacy than non-incarcerated youth Recidivism is significalty more likely with youth exiting the justice system with low literacy skills Most incarcerated youth do not return to school 5

6. 6 Dyslexia Dyslexia = Reading disability Difficulty in the speed and accuracy of word reading and spelling –Unlike popular belief, dyslexia does not mean that a person reverses letters or writes them backwards

7. 7 Characteristics Of Dyslexia DIFFICULTY WITH: Recognizing the sounds in speech Knowing the sounds of the letters Finding the right word Grammar Memory

8. 8 Characteristics Of Dyslexia Strengths Music Sports Art Visual-Spatial Skills Mechanical Skills

9. 9 Block Rotation The student is required to identify which of 2 patterns represent the target that has been rotated in 3D space

10. 10 Professions Photographer Architect Pilot Mechanic Air traffic controller Carpenter Engineer Welder Designer Animator

11. Group Assessment Spelling Orthographic –Which is the correct spelling – teech or teach Phonological –Which sounds like a real word joak or joap 11

12. Intervention Programs Lindamood Bell Lexia Orton Gillingham ABRACADABRA & ePEARL 12

13. Materials for Adults Grass Roots Press –Materials for adults at varying reading levels, even beginning levels –Biographies of interesting people, even at a grade 2 reading level –Include material about individuals from different ethnic, racial and cultural groups 13

14. Essentials of Successful Research on these Questions Co-operation between the researchers and the justice system officials Reliable and targeted assessment Use of adult oriented remedial programs, possibly computer based Use of appropriate non childish materials Career focused education 14