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A disability has two basic characteristics: it refers to the inability to perform certain tasks; and it is permanent. Blindness is a disability. Deafness is a disability. Learning is only a disability if the person (child or adult) is unable (the correct meaning of disability) to learn anything at all. A person can experience many difficulties with the task of learning, but that does not mean the person is unable to learn. By definition, these difficulties are not disabilities, they are only difficulties, impairments to be corrected, or handicaps. According to National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, DESCRIPTION: Learning disabilities are disorders that affect the ability to understand or use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, coordinate movements, or direct attention. Although learning disabilities occur in very young children, the disorders are usually not recognized until the child reaches school age.(10)The first question that arises from this description is: Why are these disabilities - now referred to as disorders - "not recognized until the child reaches school age?" Why are parents so shocked when they are told that their child, who they thought was quite bright, is diagnosed as learning disabled? The answer is quite simple. [Next] |