UUA: Programs & Services: Accessibilities/Equal Access

Disability 101: Learning Disabilities/Learning Differences

Disability 101

· Overview
· Visual Impairments
· Hearing Impairments
· Learning Disabilities
· Cognitive Impairment
· Mobility Impairments
· Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
· Psychiatric Disabilities
· Invisible Disabilities

The Bigger Picture

· Resources

In his book Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception, Thom Hartmann tells us "Labels are very powerful things. They create for us paradigms through which we see ourselves, the world, and our place in it. Applying a label that says, ‘you have a deficit and a disorder' is more destructive than at all useful. "When we say "learning disabilities," we really mean"learning (and performing) differences" – a person's intelligence is not affected by these differences, but these learning differences do have an impact on the way people learn and behave, and the ways in which people will feel welcomed.

"The website LDOnline

offers the most simple, understandable definition of a learning disability: A learning disability is a disorder that affects people's ability to either interpret what they see and hear or to link information from different parts of the brain. These limitations can show up in many ways: as specific difficulties with spoken and written language, coordination, self-control, or attention. In children with learning disabilities, such difficulties extend to schoolwork and can impede learning to read, write, or do math." (from Sally Patton's book Welcoming Children with Special Needs)

In addition to learning skills, some people with learning disabilities may find it difficult to understand conversational subtleties or to read non-verbal conversational cues, and so their social skills may also be affected. Remember, everyone whether they live with a learning disability or not, is unique. Therefore, it is impossible to make universal statements about what will feel completely welcoming to everyone. As with all reciprocal relationships, it is always important and appropriate to ask the people being welcomed what will work for them.

For useful information about children and adults with learning disabilities, refer to Sally Patton's book: Welcoming Children with Special Needs: A Guidebook for Faith Communities published by the Unitarian Universalist Association, 2004. UUA district offices have copies of this book.For overall resources about learning disabilities, it is suggested that you go to the Learning Disabilities Association of America for sensible information, articles, and resources.

Remember, each person is unique, whether or not they have a learning disability. Therefore, it is impossible to make universal statements about what will enable us all, in our diversity, to be welcomed through accommodation. As with all reciprocal relationships, it is always important and appropriate to ask the people being welcomed what will work for them.

Until you know someone with a learning disability, you may never have had any need to think about the key points that can make relationships easier and more relaxed. With the intent to create a welcoming and relaxed environment for everyone, here are some ground rules we should all keep in mind.

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