The term Learning Disability (LD) is a general term that refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical abilities.  These disorders are intrinsic to the individual, presumed to be due to central nervous system dysfunction, and may occur across the life span.  Problems in self-regulatory behaviors, social perception, and social interaction may exist with learning disabilities, but do not by themselves constitute a learning disability (National Joint Committee or Learning Disabilities, 1988)

 A student who is LD may have intellectual ability in the average to superior range and adequate sensory motor systems, but may be achieving significantly below expected ability in one or more areas.  Documentation of a learning disability is required not only to establish the need for individual services, but also to determine the individual nature of necessary services.  While learning disabilities cannot be “cured,” their impact can be ameliorated by academic accommodations and by learning compensatory strategies.  In general, faculty members who use a variety of instructional modes will enhance the success of students with learning disabilities.  Since each student with a learning disability is unique in learning needs, the student can provide valuable information regarding the type of academic adaptation that works best for them.