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Dyslexia - SPELD Foundation
Literacy & Clinical Services
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Learning difficulties
Learning Difficulties
An overview of learning difficulties and specific learning disorders
Dyslexia
A specific learning disability in reading is commonly called dyslexia.
Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia can appear as difficulties with spelling and/or trouble putting thoughts on paper.
Dyscalculia
A learning disorder related to mathematics is commonly referred to as Dyscalculia
Other disorders that can affect learning
Information regarding other conditions that can affect learning
Families
Families
Information and advice for parents and carers of children with learning difficulties
When should a child be assessed?
Information on the assessment and diagnosis of learning disorders
What is involved in an assessment?
Information on the assessment and diagnosis of learning disorders
How can families support children?
Information on how parents can assist and support their children in all aspects of learning
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
Adults
Adults
An overview of learning difficulties in adults and support options
Can adults have learning disorders?
Information on how learning disorders can affect adults in the workplace and when undertaking further education
When should an adult be assessed?
Information on the assessment and diagnosis of learning disorders
What support is available for adults?
Information on how DSF can assist and support you and what provisions can be made in the workplace and when completing further studies
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
Professionals
Professionals
Information for professionals working with individuals with learning difficulties
Schools
Services and information for schools and educational organisations
Teachers and Tutors
Advice and information for teachers.
Allied Health Professionals
Information for Speech Pathologists and Psychologists
Resources
Free Resources
Download free resources for all ages
DSF developed resources
Learn more about our specifically designed literacy resources
Resources for Families
Access a variety of free resources to to assist families with children learning from home
Online store
Purchase books, activities and other literacy tools from the DSF online store.
DSF Library
Search and borrow items from the DSF library.
News
Access our News updates and e-alerts
Our Services
Workshops and Events
Find out about upcoming events for parents, students and professionals.
Online Learning
Learn more about our Understanding Learning Difficulties e-Learning course
Clinical Services
Consultations, speech pathology and other assessments.
Tutoring
DSF maintains a register of qualified specialist tutors for children and adults.
DSF Literacy Clinics
Individual and small-group tutoring for students in Perth and Albany.
Dyslexia - SPELD Foundation
Literacy & Clinical Services
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Learning difficulties
Learning Difficulties
Dyslexia
Dysgraphia
Dyscalculia
Other disorders that can affect learning
Families
Families
When should a child be assessed?
What is involved in an assessment?
How can families support children?
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
Adults
Adults
Can adults have learning disorders?
When should an adult be assessed?
What support is available for adults?
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
Professionals
Professionals
Schools
Teachers and Tutors
Allied Health Professionals
Resources
Free Resources
DSF developed resources
Resources for Families
Online store
DSF Library
News
Our Services
Workshops and Events
Online Learning
Clinical Services
Tutoring
DSF Literacy Clinics
Who we are
Become a member
Contact
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Teachers and Tutors
What are Accommodations?
Supporting Students with Learning Difficulties in the Classroom
Small Group Instruction
What are Accommodations?
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology Resources
Teachers and Tutors
In this section
Teachers and Tutors overview
Effective Teaching Strategies For All Students
Reading and Spelling
Written Expression
Mathematics
The DSF Spelling Wheel
Supporting Students with Learning Difficulties in the Classroom
Small Group Instruction
What are Accommodations?
Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology Resources
Selecting an Intervention Program
Intervention Strategies
Reading Intervention
Spelling Intervention
Spelling Rules and Guidelines
Writing Intervention
Numeracy Intervention
Students with an identified learning disorder - such as Dyslexia - often require accommodations throughout their schooling and beyond.
Students who are adversely affected by learning disorders are entitled under the Disability Discrimination act, 1992 (DDA) to both a differentiated curricula and differentiated assessment. The aim of the DDA is to ensure that all students are provided with access to the curriculum and are given the opportunity to demonstate their skills, knowledge and understandings, on the same basis as their peers. The Australian Disability Standards for Education (2005) provides guidance to teachers, school administrators and parents on their rights and responsibilities with respect to the DDA.
Accommodations are simply adjustments that are made to the curriculum, instructional components, environmental elements or the requirements and expectations of students. These adjustments are part of what teachers do to meet the needs of diverse learners and allow equal opportunity for students to access the curriculum and achieve results in the least restrictive manner.
Accommodations include adaptations and modifications.
Adaptations
Adaptations are changes that are made that do not fundamentally alter the performance standards, instructional level or content of what the student is expected to learn. Adpatations involve alternative assessment procedures, which incorporate the individual student's needs and reflect the concept of universal design.
Examples of adaptations include the following:
Providing students with more time to complete tasks
Changing the location of testing to reduce potential distractions
Providing additional support or scaffolding
Note-taking assistance or scribing for a student
Allowing access to a computer and assistive technology
Preferential seating
Reducing the length of an assignment
Allowing students to answer tests orally instead of through writing.
Modifications
Modifications are provisions that alter or change in some way
what
the student is learning. Modifications also change to some degree the performance standards or expectations of a student, when compared to their peers.
Examples of modifications include the following:
Providing an alternative assignment or assessment task
Working with instructional material at a lower level
Reducing the number of words a student needs to learn for a spelling test
Modifying the student's class schedule (e.g. instead of LOTE, allowing an extra study period or additional intervention)
Providing an alternative form of a test to the student (e.g. short answers instead of an essay)
More Information
Information Sheet - Classroom Accommodations
Download our information sheet on classroom accommodations for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
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Accommodations for older students and adults
Download our information sheet on accommodating older students and adults who are undertaking further training
Download Now
Understanding Learning Difficulties - A Practical guide
Learn more about our guide which contains more information about accommodations and support strategies
View Now
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