Category: Literacy

The Specific Learning Disorders Flow Chart is a useful reference for anyone working with students with SLD. It provides an overview of the types of specific learning disorders including identifying characteristics and underlying processing impairments. The flow chart outlines the functional impact of a learning disorder in the classroom and the implications for intervention. Recommendations for adjustments and accommodations are also detailed.

Two versions of the flow chart are provided below: a printable version designed to be printed double-sided onto A3 paper, and a PDF version suited to viewing on computer or another electronic device.

 Click here to download the printable version – to print double-sided on A3 paper

 Click here to download the viewable version

The first AUSPELD Understanding Learning Difficulties: A Practical Guide was published in 2014 and rapidly became a must-have title for any educator or allied professional supporting students with learning difficulties or specific learning disorders. The two guides, one for teachers and one for parents, provide readers with an in-depth understanding of learning difficulties and specific learning disorders. The guides also share advice and practical information on the best approaches to use with students who have learning difficulties or diagnosed specific learning disorders.

After almost five years, the guides have now been revised to ensure they reflect current, evidence-based practice. Additional information and several new tip sheets have also been added to the latest edition.

Hard copies of the revised guides can be purchased here.

The Understanding Learning Difficulties e-Learning course was designed by DSF (Dyslexia-SPELD WA) and is proudly supported by AUSPELD. This online learning program consists of six interactive modules that systematically cover: an introduction to learning difficulties and learning disorders; the cognitive processing skills implicated in learning; and, the response to intervention model. Participants will also learn about how to reduce the incidence of literacy and numeracy difficulties, remediate learning difficulties and put in place appropriate support strategies and accommodations.

The e-learning course was designed to equip teachers, school psychologists, speech pathologists, specialist tutors and parents with the knowledge required to support students with learning difficulties throughout their education. To find out more about the e-learning course please visit the DSF ULD course page.

This DSF e-alert focuses on the NCCD and what it means for students with learning disorders.

Sign up for the AUSPELD/DSF e-alert parent newsletter here

Relevant Legislation

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) and the Disability Standards for Education 2005 (DSE) require that all Australian students with disability must be able to access and participate in education on the same basis as their peers. Under the DDA, disability includes:
“A disorder … that results in the person learning differently…”

Reasonable Adjustments

Adjustments may be necessary in order to ensure that students with disability have access to education. These adjustments are based on the professional judgements of teachers, in consultation with the student and/or their parents, guardians or carers. Students with learning disorders (including Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and/or Dyscalculia) are eligible for adjustments to ensure they have access to education. Adjustments may include the provision of text-to-speech and speech-to-text assistive technologies, extra time to complete written tasks and/or intensive intervention using a structured and systematic evidence-based program (see below for further information).

Appropriate adjustments for students with Reading Disorders (Dyslexia) can be found here.

The NCCD

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) is an annual collection of information about Australian school students who are receiving adjustments due to disability. The data collected from the NCCD is used by teachers and schools to improve understanding and inform planning. Students with a learning disorder who require adjustments in the classroom (as defined according to the DDA) are included in the NCCD.

Available Resources

The NCCD website includes information about how the NCCD should be integrated in the continuing process of teaching and learning in school. The website also includes a range of resources and tools to assist teachers and schools in planning and implementing the NCCD. Information about learning differences, learning difficulties, learning disabilities and the NCCD is available here. Another relevant resource is a podcast series featuring students, parents, teachers and experts in specific areas related to the NCCD.DSF CEO Mandy Nayton, OAM, was interviewed recently for the NCCD podcast on Classroom Adjustments: Specific Learning Needs Dyslexia and Classroom Adjustments: Specific Learning Needs Dysgraphia. The podcasts focus on potential educational adjustments that can be made in class for students with learning disorders. To listen to the podcasts, click on the links provided or search for “Classroom Adjustments” in Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts to listen via your mobile device.

Appropriate adjustments for students with Written Expression Disorders (Dysgraphia) can be found here.

Many teachers, principals and families will be familiar with the two AUSPELD Understanding Learning Difficulties Guides, originally released in 2016. The teachers’ guide was designed to provide primary and secondary school teachers throughout Australia with a greater awareness and understanding of the significant impact learning disorders can have on students, and to provide information relating to the components of high quality instruction, evidence-based intervention and effective accommodation. The guide for parents was subsequently released and converted to an engaging and informative web-site for those parents keen to access the contents via the internet. This remains available at www.uldforparents.com. We are delighted to announce that a revised version of the Teachers’ Guide and a revised version of the Parents’ Guide will be available in January. These Guides will include updated information and new sections focused on up-to-date research findings and such topics as Developmental Language Disorders and Developmental Coordination Disorders. There is additional information on recommended strategies and programs as well as updated information sheets (on the enclosed CD). The Guides will be valuable resources for teachers and other professionals working with students with learning challenges. To pre-order a copy (or copies) of one or both Guides please complete this form.