2004-3-10
This is Steve Ember with the VOA Special English Education
Report.
We continue with part six in our series about learning
disabilities. So far, we have discussed problems with skills like
reading, writing, speech and mathematics. Today we examine what
schools are doing to help students with learning disabilities.
Public schools and colleges in the United States are required by
law to provide help. Congress approved the Rehabilitation Act in
nineteen-seventy-three. This law requires schools to provide
disabled students with opportunities equal to those for other
students.
A more recent law requires public schools to establish a program
for each child found to have a disability. Schools must write, and
follow, a statement called an I.E.P., an individualized education
program. If not, parents may take legal action. States must provide
special education services for free. Teachers with these skills are
in great demand.
There are many ways to meet the
needs of a student who has disabilities. One way is to give the
student extra time to complete work. Teachers might also permit the
student to take tests differently from others in class. For example,
the teacher might let the student speak the answers. Or another
person could write the answers that the student gives. Also,
students who have trouble concentrating might wish to take tests in
a room that is extra quiet.
Some students might want others to take notes for them during
class. Or they might want to listen to recordings of books instead
of reading them.
Technology is one way to help. There are computer programs, for
example, designed for the needs of people with learning
disabilities.
There are some schools in the United States that teach only
students with learning disabilities. One is Landmark College in the
northeastern state of Vermont. Students attend for up to three
years. It prepares them to continue their education at other
colleges. Classes at Landmark College are small. Students have their
own learning plan, and a special teacher to help them study.
Our series about learning disabilities continues next week. You
can find all of our programs on the Internet at
WWW.testbig.com. Included are some links to lists of schools
for students with learning disabilities.
This VOA Special English Education Report was written by Nancy
Steinbach. This is Steve Ember.