Argues that ideology is a primary basis for definition in public discourse. Presents a case study of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act to illustrate this. Examines and discusses three potential explanations for this ideology and its implications. (SC)

In addition to a literature review emphasizing definitions, statistics, and legislation concerning learning disabilities, this paper presents the results of a 1987 survey of academic libraries regarding their services for postsecondary learning disabled students. Responses (n=525) to the questionnaire indicated that, as a group, academic…

Discusses how the Guckenberger v Boston University case illustrates the interaction of the psychometrics of ability differences with the concept of learning disability and with the sociopolitics of schooling and society. Urges a more inclusive definition of learning disability which abandons aptitude-achievement discrepancy requirements and a more…

This article examines the research surrounding definitions and selection criteria for learning disabilities and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder at the postsecondary level. Implications from and for the courts follow a critical analysis of the professional literature. The need for theory-based models to investigate relationships between…

Reviews definitional issues of learning disabilities in the context of the Guckenberger v. Boston University federal lawsuit. Four major questions are addressed: (1) Who is learning disabled?; (2) How should learning disabilities be assessed?; (3) Who is qualified to decide whether or not an individual has a learning disability?; and (4) What…

Four questions concerning the admission and enrollment of learning disabled (LD) students relate to: the definition of a learning disability; admissions officers' and/or committees' identification of LD applicants; special considerations, if any, to be used by admissions for LD applications; and special services needed by admitted and…

Conducted survey of state universities (N=13) offering comprehensive services for learning-disabled college students to determine learning disability program characteristics. Found most institutions offered basic support services but of varying quality. Found respondent inconsistencies in identification, assessment, and diagnosis of learning…

This brochure, in a question-and-answer format, provides basic information about learning disabilities for faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The questions address such topics as the definition of a learning disability, diagnostic criteria, documentation criteria, verifying the legitimacy of a student's request for…

This article describes criteria developed by the three Georgia Learning Disorder Centers to determine eligibility for services of college students with learning disabilities. Five definitions for learning disability in adolescents and adults are compared. The specific criteria used by the centers are detailed, as are criteria for accepting outside…

This paper summarizes the information available regarding the effects of teacher enthusiasm in elementary, secondary and postsecondary settings and reports on a recent study examining effects of teacher enthusiasm with learning disabled adolescents. Operational definitions of enthusiasm as well as speculations regarding the nature of its effects…

Intended for use in college-level secondary-education methods courses, the module contains text, an annotated bibliography, and overhead masters. The first section explains the federal definition of learning disabilities (LD), noting the difficulty of measuring many of the characteristics identified in the definition and the resulting increasing…

This article defines self-advocacy, examines differences between high school and college settings, describes key components in a college-based self-advocacy curriculum, and highlights the primary responsibilities that students with learning disabilities face in making self-determination a reality in college. (DB)

Compared to students from affluent public and prep schools, few inner-city students receive extra time or other accommodations when taking high-stakes tests. The growth in "false positives" among affluent youth may partly stem from nonspecific definitions under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Fairness is being…

This guide provides information about the nature of learning disabilities in higher education and about ways of assisting students with learning disabilities at Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.) to fulfill their potential. The booklet uses the metaphor of a "zig zag lightning in the brain" to describe the erratic thinking style…

This training module of the Creating Employment Opportunities Project is designed to inform college professors and instructors on how to accommodate college students with learning disabilities. The module provides a definition and characteristics of a learning disability; provides an understanding of what it means to have a learning disability and…