Learning Disabilities are What You Have Not Who You Are

To contact us Click HERE
For 35 years the National Center for Learning Disabilities(NCLD) has existed to help all students who have LD graduate from HS with a standard degree and prepare for college and the world. They have an admirable mission of being committed to helping an at risk population reach their highest potential. A recent article from the NCLD called Learning “Disabilities:” No Shame in the Name by Sheldon Horowitz, Ed.D gives one of the best explanations why the euphemism “learning difference” is actually less supportive and accepting  than the term “learning disability”.

In the private special needs world of Atlanta that the Orion School exists in, it standard for everyone to tiptoe around terms used. PC rules; and people are publicly flogged on social media for perceived insensitivity. In all this awareness and sensitivity, the need for being clinical and objective sometimes gets lost. Using the term “difference” is one of the darling phrases that replaces “disability” in the advocacy world. It also confuses the real need for support. The NCLD article explains succinctly how shying away from using the term “learning disability” actually shows a shame in the reality of a student's challenges. Using the term difference outside the context of education indicates a benign difference that exists between people – like eye color, height, or skin color. It can also imply that there is a choice or a preference, such a difference in things someone might like to do, eat, or wear.  The word difference also gives the impression that something is not permanent, and that it might even go away. 

A difference indicates an option and this is just not the case for learning disabilities. If given the choice, a student would not choose to struggle more than their classmates in the areas of reading, writing, math or any number of academic tasks. Using the term difference takes away the challenge this student has and denies them the kind of support that will ensure a successful academic outcome with intact self esteem.  The NCLD article states wisely that "LD is what you have, not who you are". Having  a learning disability  in no way means a student will not be a successful and happy adult. It means the journey may be a longer and tougher fought one. Hiding the term learning isability may actually prevent a student from getting the right kind of support. A "learning disability" gets services in school, a "learning difference" or "learning preference" does not.  Acceptance really means embracing reality and impacting a more successful future, not denying reality for a superficial sense of justice.