Learning Disabilities Associates LLC: 2012

Learning Disabilities Associates LLC

Learning Disabilities ASSOCIATES LLC
P.O. Box 24062
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44124
(216) 292-4549

OUR MISSION
Learning Disabilities Associates strives to educate parents and the community about specific learning disabilities (SLD) in order to build understanding and constructive relationships among parents, educators and the community.

WHO WE ARE
Ellen Fishman M.Ed. fishman.ellens@yahoo.com
Cindy Glazer M.Ed. glazer.cindy@yahoo.com
Wendy Spitz MSSA spitz.wendy@yahoo.com

We are experienced educators in the field of specific learning disabilities.

We are strong advocates for individuals facing challenges as a result of SLD.

We have extensive experience in interpreting evaluations, IEPS, and 504 Plans.

We know about appropriate accommodations and we understand the services available.

We collaborate with the other professionals to assist families work with schools to ensure a Free, Appropriate Education (FAPE).

Our goal is to empower you and to advocate with you on behalf of your child or yourself.

WHAT WE DO
Learning Disabilities Associates provides education and support to individuals and families of children with specific learning disabilities by offering;

Educational programs
Learning disabilities are “hidden disabilities”. Misunderstanding can lead to frustration and failure in school and in life. We offer workshop and training opportunities in a variety of settings, tailored to the interests and needs of the audience. We assist professionals who wish to increase their knowledge about learning disabilities including guidance and practical strategies. We help parents better understand their rights and ways to help their children succeed. We offer interested community members opportunities to expand their knowledge and increase understanding. We offer programs in a wide variety of settings to diverse audiences in order to promote understanding of SLD. We tailor our training to your needs.

Advocacy
Families need help to understand and navigate the educational system so that a child receives appropriate supports, services and accommodations. Sometimes parents need a partner to participate in the process. We provide advocacy for pre-school, school age, post-secondary, and adults. Advocacy provides information regarding SLD, the rights of persons with SLD, and support in securing school, employment, and community services. With our knowledge and experience, we help to make you a strong member of the team as decisions are made regarding your family member.

Parent Education
Parents can be overwhelmed by their child’s frustrations in school. They may not feel confident with the terminology and/or the options offered by school personnel. Parent Education gives parents the tools they need to advocate on behalf of their children with SLD, or suspected SLD, by teaching about applicable state and federal laws, multi-factored evaluations, individualized education plans (IEPs) and parent-school relationships.

WE CAN HELP - through education and advocacy support! Call us today for a free consultation.

Great Minds Don't Learn Alike

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Homework

Parents’ Tips for Handling
Homework Hassles

Parents of children with LD and ADHD share their tips for dealing with the age-old problem of homework.

Make it a (non-negotiable) routine.
Set aside a specific time to do homework every day. Experiment to find what works best for your child: Is it when she first gets home from school? After an hour of unwinding? After dinner?
Break it down
For a long-term project, break the task down into manageable parts. Together create a realistic timetable for completing each part.
Put it on paper
Keep a weekly calendar of assignments, and let your child check them off as they’re completed. It not only provides a measure of satisfaction, but it’s a continual reminder of where he stands.
Get organized
Devote the first few minutes to reviewing assignments together to make sure your child understands what’s expected. During that time, gather the necessary materials and brainstorm strategies for attacking difficult assignments.
Work with the teacher
Have the teacher provide you with material to be covered the following week (spelling, math, etc.). Kids with learning disabilities often respond better when given extra time to prepare.
Dig out the yellow marker
Buy the books or photocopy essential materials so your child can highlight important information as she reads.
Be the assistant
If writing is a problem, have your child dictate to you at first. That way he can focus on generating ideas rather than on the mechanics of writing.
Join the homework club
Find out if your school has an after-school homework club. Doing it right after school means your child doesn’t have to change gears from school to home and back to schoolwork again. Plus someone else gets to be the homework police.

Understanding SLD

Specific Learning Disabilities are neurological disorders that interfere with ones ability to store, process, retrieve or produce information. They are complex in nature and generally affect individuals with average to above average intelligence. Specific Learning Disabilities are life-long. Early warning signs may include: Late talking, pronunciation problems, slow vocabulary growth, difficulty rhyming words, trouble learning numbers, the alphabet, the days of the week, extreme restlessness, easily distracted, trouble interacting with peers, poor ability to follow directions or routines. In school the warning signs may include difficulty with reading, writing, speaking, spelling or doing math, memory problems and difficulties following directions. Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities may also have difficulty with their social skills. If you suspect your child or someone you know has a learning disability seek professional advice. Research indicates the earlier the intervention, the better the outcomes.

Facts and Warning Signs

A Snapshot of Learning Disabilities A disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, do mathematical calculations or build social relationships. With accurate diagnosis and appropriate support and intervention, individuals with learning disabilties can achieve success in school, at work, in relationships and in their community. Facts Hidden - You can't see them Average to above average intelligence Wide range of difficulties Gap between what is expected and what is achieved Life-long disability Inconsistent - may appear one day and "disappear" the next Early Warning Signs of Learning Disabilities Pre-School Late talking compared to other children Pronunciation problems Slow vocabulary growth, often unable to find the right word Difficulty rhyming words Trouble learning numbers, the alphabet, days of the week Extremely restless and easily distracted Trouble interacting with peers Poor abiltiy to follow directions and routines Grades K - 4 Slow to learn the connection between letters and sounds Confuses basic words (run, eat, want) Makes consistent reading and spelling errors including letter reversals (b/d), inversions (m/w), transpositions (felt/left) and substitutions (hours/home) Transposes number sequences and confuses arithmetic signs Slow recall of facts. Slow to learn new skills, relies heavily on memorization Grades 5 -8 Continued difficulty with grade-level reading comprehension, written language or math skills Avoids reading, writing, math or other specific skills Difficulty organizing space (bedroom, locker, etc.) material (loses or misplaces paper, assignments, etc.) or thoughts when writing or speaking Difficulty planning times and developing strategies to complete assignments on time Difficulty understanding discussions or expressing thoughts when speaking Difficulty making friends Grades 9 - Adults Continued spelling errors; frequently spells the same word differently in a single document Avoids reading, writing, math or other specific skills Trouble with open ended questions on tests Weak memory skills Difficulty adjusting to new settings Works slowly Poor grasp of abstract concepts Pays too little or too much attention to details Misreads information