Learning Strategist with learning disabilities?

Question

I live in Canada (BC) . I am in 10th grade. I have an IPP for learning disabilities (in the states y'all call them IEP). I'm at a new school this year, and I recently had my first opportunity to speak one on one with my learning strategist (for my finals accommodations) and to reassure she kept telling me she had the same difficulties as me and that she had learning disabilities too. This did two things for me

1) Made me think that if she can be a learning strategist, I can be a teacher when I grow up (a 'normal' teacher so to say, to special ed)

2)Keeps me out. Isn't that kinda like the blind leading the blind?

My question is, in your opinion, can a learning strategist be fully capable of her job if she has learning disabilities, and should she tell this to her students if she can?

Answer 1

In my opinion, we all have disabilities.  While our individual package of disabilities, including degree of severity, may impact our job performance, precluding anyone from accepting a position in a particular field of employment is like requiring perfection before hiring anyone.

Unfortunately there remain those in society that feel like they are near enough to perfection that they should be included in societal benefits, such as employment, as wish to label and restrict others from the same opportunities by exclusion and defamation.

Do not let anyone do this to you.  Least of all, do not do it to yourself.

Yes, certainly, a person with disabilities can perform valuable functions with others who have disabilities!  You may have to do it differently.  You will need to compete for the position.  But you can, and should, do what YOU believe that you can and should do.

Answer 2

Believe it or not the blind do lead the blind and they get where they are going together. I have learning disabilities and I am a special education teacher and assistive technology specialist.  There is nothing wrong with being open and honest with your students that you have a learning difference. It is a way to connect and let them know that you human that something’s come easier then others.

Think of it this way: Who better to help you figure out strategies then a person who has tested them and found success. I was supposed to be working in some fast food restaurant flipping hamburgers because of my learning disabilities. I have my undergrad degree – a masters – a certification as an assistive technology specialist and now attending law school. A learning disability is nothing to be ashamed of. Depending on how you use your disability it can be a wonderful gift. I can multi-task with the best of them, I have a great memory (recalling dates, times and conversations) and I can teach others in a common sense no jargon way.

Not everyone is perfect. We all learn differently. People with learning disabilities see and hear things just a little different then their peers. But adults with disabilities have been where you are. We have felt the frustration because we can’t do what others do, we felt the frustration when we couldn’t spell that word, we have felt the frustration of not begin organized and having the items we need and we have felt the embarrassment of not being able to read as well as others or getting a good grade on a test. What we retain from all those experiences is that we came through them stronger, we learned that we had strategies that worked for us and we learned that we want to make it better for another person with a learning disability.

So don’t look down on the person who trying to help you. She is sharing her story because she wants to know that you are not alone. That you can come out stronger, more determined and you have your whole world opened to you. You can be what you wish as long as you believe you can be that person. A fancy degree does not make you a teacher. The passion, drive and wanting to share with others makes you a teacher. I learned how to be a teacher from my students not from the books or the college lectures.

Best of Luck. I have listed some resources that you may find helpful.

Answer 3

No it isn't like the blind leading the blind. It is a formerly almost blind person who figured out how to use glasses. Now she can teach you to figure it out too.

The truth is that smart people with learning disabilities often benefit from the strategies they learn or they invent strategies of their own. Because you teacher is smart, she was able to learn to "get around" her learning disabilities.

There are a huge number of modifications and accommodations to assist students with learning disabilities. Having gone to college, she not only learned most of these but also knows on a personal level, what works best. You are lucky to have her.

I work well with children who have emotional disabilities because I had one myself when going through school. I have a unique understanding of what kids with these disabilities need. It has helped me wonderfully through out my career.

Answer 4

Yes!! 100% as long as she seemed to be knowledgeable about really helping you. I am a special education teacher and people with learning disabilities can do just about everything others can by overcoming their problems. I tell my students you will have to work much hard at your goals so you need more determination than anyone to do it, but if you want it it is there for the taking! Getting help from peer students and teachers will be a great benefit. And you must study, do all your homework, pay attention in class, ask your teacher or a peer for a copy of in class notes and take notes every class. Also, get a tutor or someone you can call up at night when you get stuck on homework questions. Don't give up, you can do whatever your passion in life is! Good luck and keep up the good work! Jennifer from MS.