A Year in the Life of a Learning Specialist 34 th 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 –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 ( 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 –Dragon Naturally Speaking –Inspiration Software –Total Recall Learning –Read & Write GOLD –FREE or close to free on-line resources Your campus may have a learning center that provides resources MHHE.com and other text book publishers

Discussion Time TECH GENERATION –Turning Technology into Assistive Technology IPOD’s, Blackberries, etc… –Assistive Technologies that work!