Explore and analyze the most common social, emotional and psychological problems of adults with learning disabilities (LD) impacting cognition and learning. Topics include: current definitions, characteristics of learning disabilities (LD), the impact of dual diagnosis, and the collaborative role of the LD specialist regarding issues of professional conduct, ethics, and legality. Differences will be examined between LD and other disability categories such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), Developmentally Delayed Learners (DDL), etc.

Obtain an historical overview of the general assessment theories that apply to adults with learning disabilities (LD). Topics include: a review of commonly used K-12 assessment instruments and an evaluation of their appropriateness for use with an adult population; factors that may impact assessment with culturally and/or linguistically diverse populations; and the community college and university prescreen and intake processes. Participants will also have an opportunity to practice the administration and scoring of commonly used achievement instruments. The use of assessment test kits is required for this course.

Course teaches an historical overview of cognitive assessment in the adult population as it applies to the adult with learning disabilities (LD). Topics include: the reasons for conducting cognitive assessments, adaptations for culturally and linguistically diverse populations and the examination, comparison and application of standardized cognitive instruments normed on adult populations (e.g., the Woodcock-Johnson Psychological-educational Battery). Appropriate terminology and report writing are also presented. Pre-requisite: Assessing Achievement of Adults with Learning Disabilities.

This course teaches an historical overview of cognitive assessment in the adult population as it applies to the adult with learning disabilities (LD). Topics include: the reasons for conducting cognitive assessments, adaptations for culturally and linguistically diverse populations and the examination, comparison and application of standardized cognitive instruments normed on adult populations (e.g., the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale). Appropriate terminology and report writing are also presented.

Examine current legislative and case law pertaining to adults with learning disabilities (LD), as these laws relate to making appropriate modifications in policies, practices and procedures. History, current practices and trends as they relate to diverse populations in the K-12, post-secondary, and other settings for adults are compared. Participants develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to recognize how to make appropriate modifications for students with learning disabilities as mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations for Education.

For adults with learning disabilities (LD), compensatory learning strategies are vital tools for success in the post-secondary academic arena and beyond. Learn to utilize the most effective teaching and learning strategies and review material and method for teaching adults with disabilities in reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics. Topics include: subtypes of learning disabilities; historical as well as current teaching approaches; formal and informal assessment methods; cognitive function as a basis of understanding learning behaviors and learning strategies; and current technologies available to enhance learning opportunities. Learn how to empower adults with LD with the ability to adapt commonly used learning skill into specific compensatory learning strategies to meet individual needs.