By Victoria Almond/reporter
Ray Charles, Steve Jobs, Robin Williams and Beethoven have one thing in common — they had learning disabilities.
“You are not alone if you have a learning disability,” said Larry Gillham, TCC learning diagnostician. “Every student with a learning disability is unique, and it’s important for them to continue to learn.”
Gillham discussed learning problems March 6 on NE.
“Learning disabilities are considered an invisible disability,” he said. “They do not go away, and there are many different kinds of disabilities.”
Learning disabilities are a neurodevelopmental disorder, not mental retardation, an emotional disturbance or an inability to learn, Gillham said.
Five to 7 percent of the U.S. population has a learning disability, Gillham said.
“TCC has around 50,000 students, which means 3,500 will have a learning disability,” he said.
Common attributes of adults with learning disabilities include average to above average intellectual ability, severe processing deficits, marked aptitude-achievement discrepancies and impairments in an instructional or employment setting, Gillham said.
“Some ways to help yourself cope and work with a learning disability are to manage your time wisely, use planners and calendars, manage your schedule, organize your study space, minimize distractions, overcome procrastination and join a support group,” he said.
“If you feel you might have a learning disability, you should talk to your school’s learning diagnostician. Testing for learning problems may help you understand how it impacts you and what you need to move forward.”
NE student Ben Hamilton said he enjoyed the presentation.
“I’m sometimes impulsive and can find it hard to focus,” he said. “It’s good to be able to look back on the different learning styles for help even if you don’t have a learning disability.”
For more information on learning disabilities or to talk with a learning diagnostician, call Gillham at 817-515-5133.
