Transcript A Year in the Life of a Learning Specialist

A Year in the Life of a
Learning Specialist
34th Annual N4A National Convention
June 12, 2009
Workshop II
Presented by
Oscar R. Collins,
Assistant Director/Learning Specialist
Workshop Overview
The 4.0 Philosophy
Best Practices
Current Trends
Educational Support Program
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Counseling & Referral Services
Assessment Services
Educational Assistance
Assistive Technology
Current Trends Discussion
– The Importance of the role Learning Specialist
– The Millennial
The 4.0 Philosophy
Attitude
– A positive attitude goes a long way for both students and academic
staff when advocating & accommodating students with learning
disabilities
Accountability
– Academic Staff should never make a promise they can’t keep. (i.e.
‘take that class and you’ll get an A’)
– Students need to be responsible for their academics and learn to
become self advocates
Achievement
– Student Athletes were accepted into the university by the same
standards of all other students so they are able to achieve
Advocacy
– Due to the busy schedules of student athletes it is important for us to
play the role of advocate. When advocating always remember what is
REASONABLE!
Access
– As a student with a learning disability student athletes have a right to
an accessible education
Best Practices for a Learning
Specialist
Expertise & Understanding of Learning Disabilities, ADD & ADHD
Understanding of NCAA Regulations & how it guides our work
Campus Connections
– Coaches/Athletic Staff
Student Athlete ACCOUNTABILITY
Working as a TEAM
Utilizing Staff Doctors/Psychologists
– Disability Services/Accommodation Services
Professional Development
– Literature
Helping Athletes with Disabilities Stay in School and on the Team: From
Student Conduct Codes to Legal Compliance. LRP Publications
Identifying, Accommodating and Serving Students with LD and ADD in
Higher Education. LRP Publications
– Professional Associations
Association of Higher Education and Disability (www.AHEAD.org)
N4A – Learning Concerns Site for more web links
Current Trends
ADA 2008
– The “ADA Amendments Act of 2008” revises
the definition of “disability” to more broadly
encompass impairments that substantially limit
a major life activity.
NCAA & ADHD/ADD
– New regulations affecting student athletes
using Adderrall, Concerta, Ritalin, etc…
Expanding Access to Higher Education
– President Obama’s Vision does affect us
Educational Support Program
Counseling & Referral Services
– Disability Services/Mental Health
Services
– Staff Psychologists, Counselors &
Therapists
Assessment Services
– Full Battery Testing
– Contracting Services or ON Campus
Service
Educational Support Program
Educational Assistance
– Most valued resource as reported by
Student Athletes
– Graduate Students tend to be the best
due to expertise & academic focus
– Time Management & Organization Skills
– Study Skills
– To-do lists
– Utilize technology
Educational Support Program
Assistive Technologies
– Kurzweil 3000
www.Kurzweiledu.com
– Dragon Naturally Speaking
www.nuance.com
– Inspiration Software
www.inspiration.com
– Total Recall Learning
www.totalrecallnow.com
– Read & Write GOLD
www.texthelp.com/page.asp
– FREE or close to free on-line resources
Your campus may have a learning center that provides resources
www.STUDYGS.net
MHHE.com and other text book publishers
Discussion Time
TECH GENERATION
– Turning Technology into Assistive
Technology
IPOD’s, Blackberries, etc…
– Assistive Technologies that work!