Adults who have learning disabilities face lifelong challenges. As children, learning accommodations are more forthcoming as they have access to directed educational resources. Many adults use learning tools they have developed as children to continue the learning process at work, school, and play, and use these strategies to successfully navigate difficult situations. Programs to help adults are available even if learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, audio challenges, and non-verbal communication interpretation went undiagnosed or under-diagnosed. These can be addressed with patience, knowledge, appropriate learning tools, and social opportunities.
Thankfully, help for adults with learning disabilities (LD) is readily accessible. One the best organizations to help is the Learning Disabilities Association of America (ADA). This organization explains different types of learning disabilities and the challenges associated with them and how best to overcome them (Support and resources for adults with LD, 2015). ADA offers articles written by experts to address issues associated with the workplace, education institutions, friendships, romantic relationships, and marriage. ADA also walk adults through practical helps such as obtaining a high school diploma
Adults can join ADA as a member to stay informed of how this organization can help them navigate through life successfully. All adults should be positioned to learn, and this is more so important to those with LD. Learning does not always take place in a classroom environment, but adults linking themselves to the right organizations can stay informed of available options and opportunities.
Managing workplace issues or finding a job can be a challenging. Thankfully the federal government has stepped in offering work options and protections for today’s learning disabled adult population. JAN, which stands for Job Accommodation Network is an organization providing free consulting services for Americans with physical and intellectual limitations. One of its objectives is to ensure that the learning disabled receives rights as set forth in the American Disabilities Act (JAN: For individuals, 2015). JAN is part of the United States Department of Labor. The website covers and has links to several other resources such as SOAR which is a database of searchable issues for work and school environments.
How to get to and from work, doctor appointments and even to social events can be a challenge, especially for adults who want to, but cannot drive. Sometimes using traditional public transportation might be a challenge, and in those case other options are available. The Easter Seals Project Action since 1988 help to assist people with disabilities, learning or otherwise in traveling to and from locations (Why Easter Seals project action?, 2015). This practical resource offers much needed mobility.
Advocacy of LD continues with other nationwide organizations. The National Center for Learning Disabilities teaches that learning capabilities are not disabled but different (Friends of Quinn, 2015). This is a strong and positive messages for children and adults alike. This website is filled with inspiration stories of young adults and their various challenges. It also has current information on advocacy programs and current legislation. Self-esteem, self-advocacy, organizational tools, and stress management are some of the subjects discussed. This websites focuses on the abilities versus disabilities.
The education factor is on both sides, because those with various learning challenges are not slow nor do they have low IQs; they have a different way of approaching the learning cycle than others. When others understand that, then can embrace learning differences and are better informed.
