Between 10-15% of the general population has a learning disability. Learning disabilities are common, and with the appropriate support and accommodations, people with learning disabilities succeed in learning settings and live full lives. But research suggests that between 30-80% of adult learners in adult literacy settings have a learning disability that has not been diagnosed or accommodated in regular school settings. This has consequences for people’s social, emotional and economic well-being. According to the 2007 Putting a Canadian Face on Learning Disabilities (PACFOLD) Study:
A significant number of youth and adults with learning disabilities drop out of the education system altogether, with over one-quarter of Canadians with LD aged 22 to 29 (28.3%) reporting less than a high school certificate as their highest academic achievement, compared to 14.9% of the general population. Learning disabilities also have an impact on employment opportunities. In a pattern that remains constant throughout their lifetimes, just over half of adults with LD aged 30 to 44 (51%) reported being employed the week prior to the 2001 census, compared to 89.1% of the total population in the same age group. Canadians with learning disabilities are also two to three times more likely to report high levels of distress, depression, anxiety disorders, suicidal thoughts, and visits to a mental health professional and poorer overall mental and physical health compared to the general population (LDAC 2007).
Although adult educators have long recognized the unique learning needs of their students, there is a need for much more training and information about learning disabilities and the many ways we can support adults with difficulties learning.
Read more about learning disabilities and the PACFOLD study and check out the links below for more ideas and information about LD in adult literacy settings.
