Besteducationdegrees.com wrote to us about their infographic entitled “There’s An APP For That – Assistive Technology (AT) and Learning Disabled Children“. The infographic is colorful, eye-catching, and has lots of important tips for parents, teachers, and all who work with children. You will love the 10 Great iPad Apps and the 10 Great Android Apps! The information will help you understand the basics—it is important for caregivers to know what Assistive Technology (AT) can and cannot do.
I have decided to publish the infographic in our Special Needs Blog but I want to clarify a few points so that our readers are clear on some facts. What is the difference between intellectual disabilities and learning disabilities? Both terms are used in the infographic but intellectual disabilities and learning disabilities are not the same. They are distinctly separate conditions, and the terms are absolutely not interchangeable.
What is an intellectual disability?
On the Best Buddies web site I found this very good definition for intellectual disability: “An intellectual disability, also referred to as a developmental disability, is a term used to describe any condition that includes a lifelong impairment to a person’s ability to learn or adapt to their environment… Some examples of intellectual disabilities include Autism, Down Syndrome and William’s Syndrome.”
The Women’s and Children’s Health Network site says this about an intellectual disability: “Intellectual disability can be linked with a number of genetic or inherited conditions such as Down syndrome, autism, Prader Willi syndrome and Fragile X syndrome. It might be caused by a head injury or illness, or exposure to alcohol during pregnancy. For some no cause is found… Intellectual disability means that a child learns more slowly than other children of the same age and has difficulties learning the range of skills that will be needed to live and work in the community. These include communication, self-care, social and personal safety skills.”
What is a learning disability?
David Williams wrote on the kingstonthisweek.com site: “Learning disabilities refer to communication handicaps that are not related to physical, developmental or intellectual disabilities. People with learning disabilities sometimes require alternative learning methods, in a way similar to a person who requires glasses to see. They need assistance but with it they function much the same as their peers. Many students with learning disabilities go on to university and college, and in Canada universities and colleges already assist people with learning disabilities. Assistance is obtained through offices called “accessibility services” or “health and disability counselling services” or “specialized support and disability services.
People with a learning disability are able and expected to be fully independent adults. Einstein is said to have had a learning disability.”
On the FamilyEducation.com site it says, “People with learning disabilities generally have average or above-average intelligence. Their learning disability, however, creates a gap between ability and performance. They tend not to do well in environments that aren’t suited to their learning style, but they can learn very well when taught appropriately. Learning disabilities often run in families.”
Source: BestEducationDegrees.com
Add Comment