A learning disability (LD) is defined as a persistent condition of a presumed neurological processing dysfunction that impairs effective learning. This dysfunction continues despite otherwise average or above average intellectual ability and appropriate instruction in standard classroom situations.
Learning disabilities are most commonly exhibited by:
- Average to Above-Average Intellectual Ability
- Measured Achievement in an Instructional or Employment Setting
- Severe Processing Deficit(s); i.e.
- Long Term Memory
- Short Term Auditory Memory
- Auditory Processing
- Visual Processing
- Processing Speed
- Fluid Reasoning
- Severe Aptitude-Achievement Discrepancy(ies); i.e.
Significant Difficulty with:- Reading/Phonetic Decoding
- Reading Comprehension
- Reading Rate
- Mathematical and Algebraic Computation
- Written Expression
- Spelling
Clinically, a learning disability does not apply to learning problems resulting from any physical, visual, hearing, or psychological disability, ABI, below average intellectual functioning, attention deficit disorder, or any other health related disability.
Eligibility for DSPS Services & Accommodations
The community colleges DSPS Department is required to determine eligibility for LD services.
Learning Disability Eligibility Assessment
This disability must be verified using the California Community College LD eligibility assessment model. A qualified DSPS LD Specialist can verify this disability.
Documentation of appropriate test results from a referring agency may be used in the community college LD eligibility model. Test scores must not be more than 3 years old; however, the most recent psycho-educational assessment, even if more than three years old, is helpful for documenting a history of LD.
Appropriate Test Results from a Referring Agency
Verification of a Learning Disability from all California Community Colleges is acceptable documentation. Otherwise, testing conducted and signed by a licensed/certified professional in the field of Learning Disabilties is required to document a Learning Disability.
A "Release of Information and Disability Verification" form is available both on line and from the DSPS front office. Both ability level and achievement level testing are required. The acceptable ability measurement test are WAIS-R (or WISC-R), WJ-R Cognitive, and/or Raven Standard Progressive Matrices, administered within the last three years.
If submitting documentation from a previous assessment, be advised that both raw scores and standard scores are needed. Standardized achievement tests scores are also required and should be less than one year old. Acceptable achievement tests would include, for example, WJ-R Achievement, WIAT Achievement, WRAT-R Achievement, and Nelson Denny Reading Test.
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