LinkED is dedicated to providing resources for teachers, tutors, and administrators working with adults in Adult Basic Education, Pre-High School Equivalency (HSE), and HSE programs. We work with other community agencies to help adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.
We focus on three key areas:
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Assessment Services Adults with barrier issues that impact learning and employment may need assessment to identify specific learning disabilities. |
Advocacy Adults who have learning disabilities and other related disorders may be eligible for formal accommodations in education and employment. |
Awareness For an adult who has been out of school for many years, learning may be difficult. Learning disability awareness gives teachers and their students tools to effectively address instructional needs. |
The information below is a combination of resources, documents, and references to link your need to an appropriate tool or reference:
ADULT EDUCATION CONSORTIUM
Tarrant County Adult Education and Literacy Consortium (TCAELC) is our community resource for adult education and employment training. www.facebook.com/tcaelc/
Link HERE to discover print resources for information about learning disabilities as well as insights for instruction .
Click adult_services_resources_brochure_rev_fall_2017.pdf for a brief overview of adult education and employment resources available (with links and contact numbers).
LINKS TO RESOURCES IN TARRANT COUNTY
Project L.E.A.R.N. is a Volunteer-based community tutorial program for native-English speaking adults
who need help with reading. Three agencies sponsor this program: Tarrant Literacy Coalition, The Learning Center of North Texas, and Literacy Connexus. Tutors and students meet regularly in a variety of public locations to advance personal reading goals for adult students. To volunteer as a tutor, call the Tarrant Literacy Coalition at 817-870-0082.
Tarrant County has many other resources for adults who need either education or employment services.
For a comprehensive list of all Tarrant County services, go to www.tarrantcares.org.
Services for Persons who are Blind or Visually Impaired- Click here for a comprehensive list.
Services for Persons who are Deaf or hard of Hearing - Click here and here for information.
LEARNING DISABILITIES IN ADULTHOOD
Student Services - Assessment Services Available in Tarrant County - Teachers in Adult Education Consortium programs, link here to access a handout for your students.
Universal Design for Learning
One of the most important aspects of instruction is that it should be accessible to all students.
Click here to see a list of resources on Universal Design for Learning.
Understanding Learning Disabilities in Adulthood
The NCSALL issue linked here is an excellent resource for teachers and tutors who work with adults who struggle with learning difficulties and disabilities. Published by the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy, the publication, Focus on Basics, is now archived, but it remains one of the "go to" resources for adult educators.
Assistive Technology
Natural Reader (www.naturalreaders.com/download.php) - pictured above - is a FREE app that can be adapted to read any article, pdf, etc., on the computer. An upgrade is available, but the free version is a great resource.
Free NaturalReader 11
· Includes Microsoft Voices
· Can read aloud any text
· Can adjust speed and change voice
· Comes with a floating bar to read any text in other applications
RESOURCES
Executive Functions: In these easy to read articles, Dr.Thomas Browne explains the role of the executive functions in learning. http://www.drthomasebrown.com/articles/
Paul Gerber's article, "Characteristics of Adults with Specific Learning Disabilities" (1998), is a "go-to" resource for any tutor/ teacher who wants to learn more about how learning disabilities are seen in the adult education classroom.
http://www.ldonline.org/article/Characteristics_of_Adults_with_Specific_Learning_Disabilities?theme=print
Formal Accommodations for GED Testing: For information about formal accommodations available on the GED test for adults with learning, go to http://www.gedtestingservice.com/testers/accommodations-for-disability.
Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities: A Four Dimensional View
"Experts estimate that more than half the students in adult basic skills programs have some type of Learning Difference (LD). Katherine Barratt, former professor at Landmark College, shares her many years of expertise in teaching adults with LD and ADD. This online course will help instructors know more about how, why, and whether learning takes place with our LD students and provide some research-based techniques to help them achieve success."
Learn more at http://ld.appstate.edu/.
Meeting the Needs of Adult Learners
TheWest Virginia ABE Instructor Handbook (2013-14) contains a succinct guide to information about both characteristics and strategies to build success in adult learners who struggle with issues likely related to learning disabilities.
To access this information, go to http://wvde.state.wv.us/abe/teacherhandbook.htm.