Learning disability

'They treat you like an it': people with intellectual disability on seeing medical professionals

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

This was how Richard*, who has an intellectual disability, described his general experiences with medical professionals.

Key Points:

This was how Richard*, who has an intellectual disability, described his general experiences with medical professionals.
He was among 18 adults with intellectual disability and eight support people we spoke to for a study on how people with intellectual disability have experienced medical care.
This work, part of a broader body of research on intellectual disability and medical care, has revealed an urgent need to shift the deeply entrenched assumptions many health-care workers often hold about patients with intellectual disability.

Centring lived experience from the outset

We set out to involve people with lived experience of intellectual disability in the project design, implementation and interpretation.
This meant people with intellectual disability were often unsure why they were having a genetic test at all.
The video below shows an all-too-common experience for people with intellectual disability seeing a doctor for genetic testing.
Read more:
Hospitals only note a person's intellectual disability 20% of the time – so they don't adjust their care

Post-diagnosis support is often lacking

It touches on deeply personal issues of identity, health implications for children and extended family, and future health.
For example, after a genetic diagnosis Katrina said:
I feel like I’m not normal now.
However, people with intellectual disability told us they were rarely connected with appropriate psychological supports after their diagnosis.
[…] I knew I wasn’t normal to others – I knew I was missing, some part of my brain has gone missing.
[…] I knew I wasn’t normal to others – I knew I was missing, some part of my brain has gone missing.

Change is underway

Failing to address this means fewer people with intellectual disability getting health checks and screenings, leading to poorer long-term health.
The average life expectancy of Australians with intellectual disability is already shockingly low compared to the general population.
But slowly, change is underway.

If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
She is also a Board member of Self Advocacy Sydney, an organisation run by and for people with intellectual disability.
The institute that Jackie Leach Scully directs has received funding from the NHMRC and the NSW Department of Health.

Understood.org Launches "The Many Faces of Learning Disabilities" Social Media Campaign to Celebrate, Highlight, and Bring Awareness to the Millions of People Living with Learning Disabilities

Retrieved on:

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Learning, ADHD, Bullying, Dyslexia, Thought, Time management, Learning disability, Social media, Neurodiversity, Holiday, Tutoring

This social media campaign aims to spotlight a range of personal stories from neurodivergent individuals — conveying that learning disabilities are more common than people think.

Key Points:

This social media campaign aims to spotlight a range of personal stories from neurodivergent individuals — conveying that learning disabilities are more common than people think.
Learning disabilities affect people from all walks of life, different backgrounds, and ages.
"The Many Faces of Learning Disabilities" campaign provides a platform for a diverse range of people with learning disabilities to share their stories.
For more information on "The Many Faces of Learning Disabilities" campaign and to access the free resources, visit U.org/LDAwareness .

Vanderbilt University establishes Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

An unprecedented gift from Hal and Marjorie Hollis Roberts will establish a new academy for primary students with dyslexia and an innovative center focused on outreach and dyslexia research at Vanderbilt University.

Key Points:

An unprecedented gift from Hal and Marjorie Hollis Roberts will establish a new academy for primary students with dyslexia and an innovative center focused on outreach and dyslexia research at Vanderbilt University.
View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230926550660/en/
An unprecedented gift from Hal and Marjorie Hollis Roberts will establish a new academy for primary students with dyslexia and an innovative center focused on outreach and dyslexia research at Vanderbilt University.
The Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center is the third academy for students with dyslexia funded by the Roberts and the first-of-its-kind research and outreach center established with their support.
These teachers will then take best practices from the Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center into their classrooms throughout their careers.

CLLB Law Announces 2023 College Scholarship Winners

Retrieved on:

Thursday, September 14, 2023

"I know that I can handle whatever comes my way," Allison says. She recently challenged herself to get out of her comfort zone by auditioning – successfully -- for the Kentucky Opera children's ensemble for La Boheme.

Key Points:

NEW ALBANY, Ind., Sept. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CLLB Law is proud to announce the winners of their annual essay competition, which awards college scholarships each year to three deserving high school seniors.
"This year's winners impressed our firm with their ability to look beyond their own challenges and stay focused on their dreams, even while being of service to others," says Attorney Larry Church of CLLB Law.
Allison Crosser of New Albany High School submitted her essay on the topic of Overcoming Learning Disabilities.
The attorneys at Church, Langdon, Lopp, Banet Law have years of experience providing quality representation across a range of legal practice areas .

Disabled people are disproportionately affected by homelessness – and getting support feels 'nearly impossible'

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

But disabled people are particularly affected by homelessness, as our new report, commissioned by the Centre for Homelessness Impact, explores.

Key Points:

But disabled people are particularly affected by homelessness, as our new report, commissioned by the Centre for Homelessness Impact, explores.
While disabled people represent 22% of the overall population, a recent survey suggests they may represent up to 39% of the homeless population.
According to government data, the number of people qualifying for homelessness support – such as emergency accommodation – in England because of a disability rose by 73% from 2018-22.

What it’s like to be disabled and homeless

Unfortunately, lack of awareness among local councils and homelessness support charities makes it difficult for people to exit homelessness.
For disabled people in England and Wales, this involves proving you are more vulnerable than “most other people” because of a disability or health condition.
In our report and in previous research by Beth Stone, we spoke to disabled and autistic people about their experiences of homeless.
When I did get a tenancy agreement it was not disabled modified, no accessible shower as of yet, I’m still waiting.
When I did get a tenancy agreement it was not disabled modified, no accessible shower as of yet, I’m still waiting.
But our findings show that many of these services lack the expertise and communication necessary to engage with disabled people.

Homelessness risk factors

In Scotland only 0.7% of local authority housing and 1.5% of properties managed by registered social landlords are wheelchair accessible.
Policies at local, regional and national levels aim to prevent and relieve homelessness.
For example, the Homelessness Reduction Act (2017) places a duty on local authorities to try to prevent homelessness at earlier stages.
In reality, their risk of entering and remaining homeless is worsening.

TouchMath Sets New Standard for Early Detection of Dyscalculia with Comprehensive Screener

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Learning, Parent, Learning disability, DSM-IV codes, Fifth Edition, School, Student, Risk, Hearing, Child, Timeline of solar cells, Mathematics, Achievement Medal, Dyslexia, Nursing, Tutoring, Dyscalculia

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., July 11, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- TouchMath announces the release of DySc, the comprehensive dyscalculia screener and individualized intervention guide aligned to American Pschiatric Associations The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) and available at no cost. TouchMath, a multisensory math program that makes learning foundational math concepts accessible and clear for students who struggle to understand grade-level content, designed the DySc to identify students as young as three who may be at risk for dyscalculia, a specific learning disability in mathematics.

Key Points:

Widely underdiagnosed, dyscalculia is a neurodevelopmental learning disorder estimated to affect 3-7% of the worldwide population.
Early screening for dyscalculia and evidence-based interventions are critical to addressing the learning disorder's short- and long-term educational, personal, and social impacts.
The DySc aims to address the need for an accessible and efficient dyscalculia screener that can be used as early as age three and throughout adulthood.
To learn more about the DySc, including screener development, validation, and intervention recommendations, access TouchMath's comprehensive whitepaper, " The Transformative Potential of Early Screening for Dyscalculia, The Discounted Specific Learning Disability ."

Epilepsy Foundation Appoints New President and Chief Executive Officer

Retrieved on:

Monday, July 10, 2023

BOWIE, Md., July 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Epilepsy Foundation announced today the appointment of Bernice "Bee" Martin Lee as the new president and chief executive officer (CEO), effective July 17. Following an extensive search, Lee was selected based on her personal history with epilepsy, a profound commitment to health equity and social impact, as well as a comprehensive understanding of nonprofit management. She brings more than 25 years of diverse experience in the nonprofit and healthcare sectors, including OhioHealth, the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, American Red Cross, Hands on Network, and the Association for Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities.

Key Points:

BOWIE, Md., July 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Epilepsy Foundation announced today the appointment of Bernice "Bee" Martin Lee as the new president and chief executive officer (CEO), effective July 17.
I'm excited to contribute to creating a world without seizures where everyone has access to equitable healthcare.
"I am excited to lead the Epilepsy Foundation and contribute to creating a world without seizures where everyone, regardless of their background, has access to equitable healthcare and opportunities to thrive," said Lee.
She is an active board member of the Columbus Discovery District and Ohio Association for Healthcare Philanthropy.

Understood.org Launches the "Wired Differently" Radio Campaign to Empower the 70 Million Americans With Learning and Thinking Differences

Retrieved on:

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

NEW YORK, June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Understood.org, a nonprofit organization supporting the 70 million people in the United States with learning and thinking differences like ADHD and dyslexia, announces the launch of "Wired Differently," a campaign to celebrate neurodiversity and foster a culture of positivity and understanding around learning and thinking differences. While some of us are wired differently, we can all thrive with the right support. To help foster that critically important support, Understood.org's campaign will center on the lived experience of people who learn and think differently, and provide resources to help navigate the challenges and opportunities of learning and thinking differences.

Key Points:

To help address these focus areas, Understood.org has teamed up with iHeartMedia to launch a national radio campaign that will guide individuals on a journey of discovery: exploring and embracing learning and thinking differences.
And in October, during Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, we'll celebrate neurodiversity through storytelling about role models with learning and thinking differences.
The "Wired Differently" campaign will take place throughout 2023, and is part of the ongoing commitment of Understood.org to empower individuals with learning and thinking differences to unlock their full potential.
Through this campaign, Understood.org and iHeartMedia hope to create a more equitable and understanding world for people with differences.

Lightbody® Names Dr. Marc Grossman to Health & Science Advisory Board

Retrieved on:

Thursday, May 4, 2023

TAMPA BAY, Fla., May 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightbody, the innovator of the world's only modern lifestyle supplements for digital wellness, announced the addition of renowned optometrist and best-selling author Dr. Marc R. Grossman, O.D., L.Ac., to the company's Health & Science Advisory Board.

Key Points:

TAMPA BAY, Fla., May 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightbody, the innovator of the world's only modern lifestyle supplements for digital wellness, announced the addition of renowned optometrist and best-selling author Dr. Marc R. Grossman, O.D., L.Ac., to the company's Health & Science Advisory Board.
"His vast knowledge and experience will add tremendous value to our advisory board as we continue our groundbreaking success with digital wellness supplements and holistic eye health."
In 1996 he co-founded Integral Health Associates in New Paltz, New York, and in 1999 he co-founded Natural Eye Care, Inc.
In addition, Dr. Grossman is a consultant to school systems, rehabilitation centers, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Free Virtual College Week - Lineup Includes Speakers from the College Essay Guy, Gap Year Solutions, and Top Score Solutions

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --College admission to highly selective universities, the benefits of a gap year, and the relevance of standardized tests are all hot topics on deck for Fusion Education Group's (FEG) Spring College Week from April 17 through April 21.

Key Points:

FEG's Fall Virtual College Week is free and open to all high school families.
"Identifying the right option for students after high school evokes questions, presents obstacles, and can create confusion for both parents and students.
College Week reflects our commitment to help all families acquire the knowledge and confidence to best support their high schooler."
Thursday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m. College Essay Guy Presents: College Admissions Fundamentals and Highly Selective Programs.