Resources for Adults with Learning Disabilities in Massachusetts

There are a growing number of resources for adults with Learning Disabilities (LD); however some research is required to locate these resources. Students with LD are typically well provided for through their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and transition planning is becoming more prevalent as a part of Special Education services for students as they move out of the high school years. Transition planning is a start, but adults with LD can benefit from a variety of resources to aid them in many aspects of daily life.

In researching online resources for students with disabilities, I came across www.ldonline.org, a website with a large number of resources for parents and teachers. This site also contains a great deal of information for adults with LD, ranging from research articles, information about past and future conferences, organizations, book reviews, and informational articles. Another website with a great deal of information concerning adults with LD is www.ldam.org/ however; a membership is required to access all this site has to offer. What caught my eye on this website was an article about adult LD coaching. Job and college coaching are services offered by various private and state agencies, varying from state to state.

Locally, in Massachusetts, an organization established in 1992 called the LD/ADHD Task Force became works to serve the needs of adults with LD and ADHD (Associated with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission), increasing the number of consumers with Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder served by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) since it's inception. The Task force works to further the public's knowledge as wells as the MRC professionals' awareness and understanding of what are considered 'hidden' disabilities. The LD/ADHD Task Force works on improving services for MRC consumers in an effort to help adults with LD lead independent and successful lives. The Task Force provides a great deal of resource information and support, and is the best starting point for an adult with LD in Massachusetts.

The MRC website offers several links for more information on adults with LD, including a link to http://www.ncddr.org, which serves as a clearinghouse of resources and information on a variety of disabilities; it's the website of the National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR). "Established in 1995, the NCDDR performs research, and provides technical assistance and demonstration activities focusing on the dissemination and utilization of disability research funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research" (NCDDR, 2005).

Rebecca Rich (1999) provides a handbook of sorts, covering a vast array of topics topics concerning the adult with LD in her book "With Learning Disabilities";
"With Learning Disabilities is an invaluable resource not only for learning disabled adults, but also high school and college students with learning disabilities, parents, professionals across disciplines, and the lay public. Here is the most up-to-date information on the causes and symptoms of learning disabilities, specific conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia, a review of definitions, an update of research and advances in the neurosciences, assessment and intervention, pertinent legal issues, making college and employment plans, the role of professionals, and much more. The authors review meta-cognitive theory and emphasize the role of strategic approaches to learning both in and out of school. Clinical examples make a compelling case that individuals with learning disabilities can - and do - attain significant levels of success" (Shapiro, 2004).

Students with LD are provided IEPs and transition planning becomes a part of the IEP as the student progresses through high school, but adults with LD can benefit from a variety of resources to aid them in many aspects of daily life. At first sight, it may appear that there is little information for adults with learning disabilities out there today. A little research will prove otherwise. The web is full of information however, many people start at their local or state agency to begin their search for information.