FAQ’s
Where can I get an assessment to diagnose a learning disability and how much does it cost?
The diagnosis of learning disabilities requires a psycho-educational assessment done by a registered psychologist. For children, the main test is the WISC, the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children. For adults the WAIS, the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale, is used. These tests are used to measure the individual’s intelligence as reflected in both verbal and nonverbal (performance) abilities. Educational testing of reading, writing, and mathematics abilities is also done to determine whether the child or adult is performing at a level commensurate with his/her cognitive ability. A written report is provided by the psychologist and explained to the parent(s) of the child or the adult. The testing will take a few hours to complete and is usually conducted over several appointments. The report is an important legal document providing proof that a learning disability exists and will be recognized by schools, universities or colleges, employers, medical practitioners, and government agencies, if necessary.
What supports are available for secondary and post-secondary students?
In the Surrey School District, secondary schools have Learner Support Teams (LST) who provide support for students identified as having a learning disability. Your child’s school progress reports, Psych-Ed assessment and previous IEP will be used as the basis for determining eligibility for support services in grade 8. A child with a LD designation (determined by Psycho-Ed assessment) will have an established Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The IEP may outline many accommodations i.e. where exam testing is done in a smaller classroom setting like the school’s Learning Assistance Room, longer time given to write exams or extensions given to do assignments. Each school district funds alternate programs. These programs are designed for all students who are not succeeding within the regular classroom, and not just for students with learning disabilities or ADHD. There is more information on Surrey, Delta and Langley alternate programs in our resource section and on your school district’s website.
Provincially funded post-secondary schools have Student Services for Persons with Disabilities departments. If an individual has been officially diagnosed with a learning disability, this department will assist in liaising with instructors to ensure that accommodations recommended by the psycho-educational assessment are implemented. Students must be proactive and advocate for this support by disclosing their disability. There is a provincial grant individuals, diagnosed LD, are eligible to apply for. It can assist with purchasing assistive technology or paying for tuition. For more information go to: www.aved.gov.bc.ca/studentaidbc/specialprograms/documents/assistanceprogramdisabilities_application.pdf
What is assistive/adaptive technology and how can it help?
Any piece of equipment or system that helps bypass, work around or compensate for learning difficulties is considered assistive technology. It may be a system of no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech tools and strategies that match a person’s needs, abilities, and tasks. The following examples illustrate how assistive technology may help someone with learning or performance difficulties:
♦ Draft Builder and Inspiration - are software programs for computers. These programs enable individuals to produce well-organized, attractive pieces of written work. (High Tech)
♦ Coloured Highlighters - are used to make certain words or phrases stand out on a page. This can enhance memory, comprehension, and organization. (Low Tech)
♦ Notetakers - having notes reproduced from another student’s notes using NCR paper or photocopying. (Low Tech)
♦ Dragon Naturally Speaking - is computer software which converts what is spoken into print. For those with written output disorder, this can eliminate many challenges when composing. (High Tech)
♦ Digital Recorders - can be used to record homework, details about an assignment, a list of things to remember, or the boss’s instructions. This benefits those with memory, sequencing, or writing difficulties. (High Tech)
♦ Amazon KindleTM- a wireless portable reading device with instant access to more than 190,000 books, blogs, newspapers and magazines. (High Tech)
♦ Kurzweil - is a text-to-voice program for computers. It will read aloud any text material which is scanned into the computer. This allows individuals to focus on the comprehension of what is read, and it speeds up the process of completing reading assignments.
It is, therefore, important that a psychological assessment be done by a registered psychologist so these adaptations can be implemented. (High Tech)
Can my child be exempt from taking a second language in high school and still graduate?
Yes! This exemption is possible and is based on a solid review of your child’s Psych-Ed assessment, IEP, history of school progress, learning support team’s recommendations, etc. Again, this will require advocacy and an organized tracking log of your child’s education history.
The school as designated my son a category ‘Q’ Learning Disability, does this give my child additional resources?
In the Surrey School District, this designation entitles your child to an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which follows the recommendations of the Psycho-Ed assessment.
What is the difference between a ‘modified’ curriculum and an “adapted” curriculum?
In a modified curriculum the content and the assignments have the difficulty level reduced, making it less demanding. Typically a modified curriculum will not qualify your child for a Dogwood / High School graduation certificate, but rather a ‘High School Completion Certificate’. Most students with learning disabilities who have average or above average IQ scores can be successful on an adapted curriculum, which includes all recommended accommodations for their learning disabilities. Be aware of the implications of having your child placed on a modified program unless your child has a low IQ. Always verify with school administrators the graduation affects of any adjustments that are made to your child’s education plan.
In an adapted curriculum the school curriculum is the same as that of all students, but is delivered with recommended accommodations, such as note-taker, oral answers to questions, scribes, keyboarding and/or spellchecker allowed in tests/exams, etc.
How does my child get an Individual Education Plan (IEP)?
Typically an IEP includes individualized goals with measurable objectives, adaptations and/or modifications where appropriate, the strategies to meet these goals, and measures for tracking student achievement in relation to the goals. More information on IEPs and other information to support your child’s special education are available at this link: