5 Ways to Help an Adult With Learning Difficulties
Experts estimate that up to nine percent of the population has a learning difficulty.
So chances are high that you deal with an adult with learning difficulties. Maybe they are a family member, a co-worker, or a friend.
If you are wondering how to help an adult with learning difficulties, we have put together a quick guide of ways to help. Read on to learn more!
1. Embrace Technology
Regardless of the specific learning difficulties, modern technology provides ways to assist. Technology can be a low-cost way of providing access and inclusion to people with learning difficulties.
These solutions include things such as speech apps for non-verbal people, digital planners, and interactive whiteboards.
Technology can also help people with difficulties such as dyslexia. Text-to-speech is a very common modification made in workplaces and schools.
2. Define Their Challenges And Strengths
Everyone has something to bring to the table. Adults with learning difficulties often struggle to integrate with society. This is due to challenges with everyday things such as reading and writing.
By identifying the challenges they face, coming up with solutions becomes much easier.
Relying on their strengths, such as problem-solving or interpersonal relationships, can also help you find their niche in the world.
3. Develop a Support System
Most people have a support system in life, whether they are aware of it or not. An adult with learning disabilities may need more support than others, but a healthy support system is crucial to success.
This can range from having mentors and managers who are understanding, to in-home occupational therapy.
Make sure that you involve the adult with difficulties when coming up with a support system.
4. Least-Restrictive Environment (Inclusion)
To build on the previous point, do not throw a bunch of “solutions” at your person with difficulties. This can often backfire and keep them from fully integrating with the world around them.
You wouldn’t want to force someone with ADHD to use a text-to-speech app if they have problems processing verbal speech, for example.
The ultimate goal for adults with learning difficulties is full inclusion in their social lives, workplaces, and society at large.
Inclusion only happens when the proper supports and solutions are provided.
5. Keep A Progress-Oriented Mindset
Adults with learning difficulties are not bound by their difficulties forever. With adaptations and support, they will likely improve immensely in all aspects of their learning difficulty.
This is key to remember when developing support systems and adaptations. The person may not need all of these things forever to live a full and inclusive life.
Helping Adults With Learning Difficulties
Adaptations for learning difficulties are no different than using glasses or installing push-buttons on doors. They just are not as “visible” to those of us who do not have learning difficulties.
Making sure that adults with learning disabilities feel included and accommodated benefits everyone.
If you would like to learn more about self-improvement and personal growth, make sure to check out the Self-Improvement section of our blog!