Learning disabilities

Learning disability is a generic term that refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical abilities. These disorders are intrinsic to the individual and are presumed to be due to central nervous system dysfunction. There is a spectrum of characteristics of children with learning disabilities. Common characteristics include: specific academic skill deficits, perceptual-motor impairments, memory and thinking disorders, speech-language disorders, attention disorders, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, emotional changeability, general coordination deficits.

Resources:

• Services and Programs
• Links and Resources
• Upcoming Events
• Media
• News
• Grants
• Faculty

Services and Programs

• Family Outreach Center and Disability Services
  Disability-specific programs associated with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and other organizations at Vanderbilt provide a broad range of treatment, research, technical assistance, education, and outreach services.
• Britt Henderson Training Series
  This annual series of workshops provides training for general and special education teachers, with the goal of improving the quality of education for students with diverse learning needs in inclusive settings.
• Curriculum-Based Measurement for Reading and Math
  Weekly Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM) tests provide systematic, frequent feedback to students and teachers. CBM is one of several validated classroom-based and school-wide interventions developed to increase educators' capacity to improve students' learning and to accommodate diverse learning needs.
• Reading Clinic
  The Reading Clinic provides intensive, individualized, one-to-one tutoring using assessment and instructional methods proven by research to promote reading; serving primarily children in early elementary grades.
• Services for Educators
  Includes outreach programs for educators.
• Tennessee Disability Pathfinder - An internet community and statewide helpline
  Phone, web, and print resources in English and Spanish to connect the Tennessee disability community with service providers. Referral services, free of cost, are provided to persons with disabilities, family members, service providers, and advocates.

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Links and Resources

• LD OnLine
  Interactive Guide to Learning Disabilities for Parents, Teachers, and Children
• LD Resources
  LD Resources is a collection of resources on various aspects of learning disabilities with comments from community members.
• Learning disabilities - Family Village
  Links and information from Family Village concerning learning disabilities.
• Learning Disabilities Association of America
  Since 1963, LDA has provided support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals. At the national, state and local levels, LDA provides cutting edge information on learning disabilities, practical solutions, and a comprehensive network of resources.
• National Research Center on Learning Disabilities
  The National Research Center on Learning Disabilities (NRCLD) conducts research on the identification of learning disabilities; formulates implementation recommendations; disseminates findings; and provides technical assistance to national, state, and local constituencies.
• The IRIS Center
  Funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), the IRIS Center develops training enhancement materials to be used by faculty and professional development providers for the preparation of current and future school personnel.

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Upcoming Events

• January, 27 2010 - Registration Required
  Britt Henderson Training Series: Self-Monitoring
• February, 17 2010 - Registration Required
  Britt Henderson Training Series: Behavioral Contracts
• March, 03 2010 - Registration Required
  Britt Henderson Training Series: Brushing Up on the Basics

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Video, Podcast and Images

• Siblings of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities Over the Life Span
  Presentation by Julie Lounds Taylor, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Special Education, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Member
• Response to Intervention and Learning Disabilities
  Lynn Fuchs, Ph.D., and Doug Fuchs, Ph.D. present as part of the Developmental Disabilities Grand Rounds, Fall 2008 series.

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In the News

• Edutopia: Brain imagery supports the idea of diverse intelligences
• Vanderbilt University: Craig Kennedy discusses including all students in classrooms
• Scientific American: Autism genes that control early learning

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