Adult FAQ’s

Can I receive accommodations through the Division of Motor Vehicle to take a drivers license test? If so, what types of accommodations are offered?

Unfortunately, every state seems to handle disability accommodations differently. Some have policies mandating accommodations; others do not. The only thing you can do is contact your DMV (or whoever does the testing in your state) and ask them what accommodations you would be eligible for based on your disability diagnosis and documentation. Typical testing accommodations for paper-based or computer-based tests include:

  • Access to auditory format, either text-to- speech software or a reader;
  • Extra time to complete the test;
  • Private, distraction-free room for testing;
  • A scribe (someone to write or keyboard for you);
  • Calculator for math problems; and
  • Breaks, if needed.

You may also request other accommodations if needed and if your disability documentation supports the need.

What is the difference between auditory processing disorder and ADHD?

An auditory processing disorder is a condition that adversely affects how sound that travels unimpeded through the ear is processed and interpreted by the brain. For more information, see https://ldaamerica.org/types-of- learning-disabilities/auditory- processing-disorder/

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder that is influenced by environmental factors. Typically, people with AD/HD have developmentally inappropriate behavior, including poor attention skills, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. For diagnosis, the behaviors must be out of the normal range for the person’s age and development. According to the DSM-5, characteristics include:

  • Starts in early childhood, usually before age 12.
  • Behaviors are chronic.
  • Behaviors last at least 6 months.

For more information about AD/HD, go to https://ldaamerica.org/types-of- learning-disabilities/adhd/.

How can I improve my short-term memory?

The most important component of short-term memory is attention. You must choose to give something your undivided attention and focus if you want to remember it.

There are many strategies and assistive technology tools for helping you remember things. Here are some ideas for strategies you can:

  • Know your learning style(s), and use your area(s) of strength when you need to remember something. For example, visual learners may want to draw pictures, maps, or charts; or write the information down. Auditory learners may need to repeat the information out loud, or use a recording device to hear the information later.
  • Repetition. Once you’ve identified your preferred learning style(s), the more you repeat the information, the more you’ll remember it.
  • Mnemonic devices. For example, to remember the great lakes, many people think of “HOMES,” to remind them of the beginning letters of each lake (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior).
  • Chunking, or breaking the information into smaller parts to remember the parts instead of the whole. Put the parts together later to make the whole.
  • Rhyming/music/rhythm. Try remembering something by putting it in a familiar song, like the tune of the ABC song. Sounds silly, but it works for lots of people. Actually, the crazier it is, the better it works.
  • Association. Associating words or numbers with pictures can be helpful. There’s an interesting article about remembering people’s names by the association method here.
  • Write it down. Don’t lose the paper.
  • Pick one location to keep important items.
  • Make duplicates of really important items.

Click here for assistive technology and app ideas to help with short-term memory.

I am an adult who has struggled with books for years.  I so desperately want to read, but don’t know where to go for help. I am a visual learner and get distracted easily. I can draw any picture in my head and write poems and stories easily…but I cannot read. Do you have any suggestions?

There should be an adult education or literacy program somewhere in your area that can help with improving reading skills.

You can search online to find directory information for local programs by looking for “adult education and literacy programs” plus the name of the town and state where you live. Also, there is information about various reading programs at https://ldaamerica.org/adult-literacy- reading-programs/.

In the meantime, it may help your daily functioning to use a text-to-speech program and/or app so you can hear printed text out loud.

You can find information about these and other helpful types of assistive technology at https://ldaamerica.org/category/technology/technology-for- adults/

I have trouble remembering and retaining information. What can I do to help myself?

Strategies to remember information vary depending on how the information is presented – orally or written – but there are a lot of different strategies to choose from.

For remembering what you hear, it may help to take notes or make a digital recording. Most smart phones have a built-in recorder that allows you to easily record what someone is saying. For note-taking assistive technology ideas, the following resources may help:

Graphic organizers

Live Scribe – a digital note-taking device.

AudioNote – a digital note-taking app much like Live Scribe, but without the paper.

For remembering what you read, graphic organizers may again be your most useful tool available. Some people remember what they read better if they read it out loud, or re-say what they read in their own words, or discuss what they’re reading with someone else.

There are also apps available to help with memory. A good app-finder is the Tools for Life App Finder.

Are there common learning disabilities among adult GED® students?

Many students working towards a high school equivalency diploma, including students in GED® adult education programs, may have learning disabilities, although many of those students have never been diagnosed. According to The Neurobiology of Reading and Dyslexia, by Sally E. Shaywitz, M.D., and Bennet A. Shaywitz, M.D., approximately 85% of people with learning disabilities have some type of reading disability. That percentage applies to all people with learning disabilities, whether or not they are enrolled in a GED®, HiSET®, or TASC™ adult education program.

So while students with learning disabilities include students with various types of learning disabilities, the most common learning disability is a reading disability.

Can I get SSI benefits for having ADHD and a learning disability?

The article on the LDA website Learning Disabilities and Social Security Disability Benefits helps to explain the qualifiers. Specifically it says…  To qualify for disability benefits from the SSA, you will have to prove that you are disabled according to their criteria. That usually means proving that you have a condition that is either listed in the Blue Book and meets the SSA’s Blue Book criteria or that you have a condition that is equal to a section in the Blue Book..  There is a section that provides an example of a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. It says…You could receive benefits with ADHD as an adult, if you’re able to prove that you have had ADHD since childhood, and ADHD has impaired your ability to complete schoolwork and to be gainfully employed as an adult.

Please refer to the article for more details.  https://ldaamerica.org/learning-disabilities- and-social- security-disability-benefits/

I am confused about the difference between a learning disability and a language disorder?

A learning disability is a neurological disorder that affects information processing. For more information, go to https://ldaamerica.org/types-of-learning-disabilities/.

A language disorder is a type of auditory processing disorder that affects how language is processed. It can affect both what you say and/or how you understand what other people say. For more information, go to https://ldaamerica.org/types-of- learning-disabilities/language-processing-disorder/.