Learning Disabilities
About the Learning Disabilities Program
Empowering students through assessment and accommodation for academic and career success.
The Disability Services & Programs for Students (DSPS) staff is here to assist you in reaching your educational and vocational goals. The program provides learning disability assessment, individual or small group study strategies, and counseling to support your academic or vocational plan. We respect your privacy and maintain the confidentiality of all information pertaining to your disability.
Definition
The California Community Colleges defines a student with a learning disability as having:
- Average to above-average intellectual ability; and
- Statistically significant processing deficit(s); and/or
- Statistically significant aptitude-achievement discrepancies
Characteristics
Common characteristics may include:
- Long-term difficulty in reading, writing, spelling, and/or mathematical concepts in contrast to average to superior skills in other areas
- Reading comprehension, tracking problems, and slowed reading speed. Takes two to three times longer to read and study than other people
- Severe difficulty spelling common words
- Difficulty with mathematical concepts including calculation, time, and space
- Verbal skills far exceed reading, spelling, and/or writing skills
- Difficulty taking notes and listening to a lecture at the same time
- Problems with memory and retention of information
- Confusion of visually similar letters, numerals, and words
- Illegible handwriting
Learning Disability Assessment Process
The goal of the assessment is to determine if the scores meet the criteria of the Learning Disability definition as well as to provide information about learning strategies and if appropriate, accommodations needed for college success. There is no cost to the student.
Note: You must be enrolled in one or more courses at ARC
The assessment process requires an average of eight weeks to complete with a minimum of four appointments:
- A one to two-hour appointment to review your LD application and intake packet which is to be completed prior to your appointment
- Two assessment appointments
- A one to two-hour Results Review appointment
If you are interested in Learning Disability Testing:
- Email LD@arc.losrios.edu
- Contact Anita Kuharski
- Inquire at the DSPS Front Desk
- Request a referral from your counselor/instructor
Academic Accommodations for Students with Learning Disabilities may include:
- Priority registration
- Extended time and distraction reduced area for tests
- Self-advocacy training and disability management
- Adaptive technology/Alternative media
- Note-taker
- Digital audio recorder/smart pen
Study Strategy Workshops and Sessions
• Student Success Workshops
• Individual Strategy Appointments
Language processing impacts learning skills in:
• Reading
• Written Language
• Mathematics
Recommended Study Strategy Course
Human Career Development (HCD) 382: Learning Strategies for College and Life This course presents academic strategies to compensate for learning disabilities in order to provide for success in other college course work.
Location: North side of the Welcome & Support Center
WorkAbility III (WAIII)
The WorkAbility III (WAIII) program helps students with disabilities explore career opportunities, connect to internships, and find a job.