Learning Disability Association of North Carolina

What is a learning disability?

A learning disability is permanent and affects the way individuals process new information, use their senses, and organize and express information.

Are all learning disabilities the same?

No, a learning disability can manifest itself in basic reading, reading comprehension, mathematics calculation, listening comprehension, mathematics reasoning, expressive and written language.

What is the most common form of learning disability?

Reading difficulties are by far the most common problems for individuals with learning disabilities.

How do I cope with my learning disability?

Individuals with learning disabilities can learn strategies to accommodate learning and work enviroment demands. 

What is the prevalence of learning disabilities?

*  Estimates range from 5% to 20% of the population.

*  One in six families will have a member with learning disabilities.

*  In 2001, over 68,000 students in North Carolina public schools were identified with learning disabilities.

*  Over 50% of all school-age students with disabilities are learning disabled

Can you help me navigate RTI (Response to Intervention)?

The states website has a number of documents that may make RTI more understandable to you.

Parents Rights Handbook http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/ec/policy/resources/

Response to Intervention   http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/responsiveness/psmgraphics/

Moving through Levels during RTIhttp://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/curriculum/responsiveness/psmgraphics/psmrti.pdf

Read LDA's positiong paper regarding RTI http://www.ldaamerica.org/about/position/rti.asp

I suspect a Learning Disability, what do I do now?

Anyone who suspects a a learning disability can get testing through a private practice psychologist.  The type of testing you need is called a psychoeducational or a psycho educational battery of tests.  At a minimum a psychologist will administer an IQ test and a test of achievement. The cost can range from $200 - over $1000 depending on the number of test administered.  It is important to ask a psychologist which tests they will administer and why, as your need for the test should impact the tests given. Visit our Links page for more information.

If you suspect a learning disabilitiy in a school aged child, then you may request testing from the school district.  IDEA mandates that the Local Education Agency provide testing even if the child is not enrolled in the public school system.  The school district will use their own school psychologist or psychometrist to conduct the required testing. 
Visit http://www.ldaamerica.org/aboutld/parents/assessment/evaluation.asp for detailed information on the evaluation process and what to do if you disagree with their findings.

Always make all requests for special education testing and services in writing.