Learning disability support can come from educators, support groups, allied health professionals, and family members, among other sources. Numerous forms of assistance may be available, depending on the nature of a diagnosis. An adviser can provide information on available resources and how to utilize them effectively. People with newly-diagnosed learning disabilities may want to consider contacting advocacy organizations in their nation or region to start generating a list of resources that could be helpful.
Many people are diagnosed in an academic environment, and as a result, schools can have a number of learning disability support resources available. Disability counselors and support services may be available directly through a school or it can contract to make such services available through a third party. These can include counselors to evaluate children and determine their needs, tutors, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other resources to help students succeed.
Outside the school environment, allied health professionals can provide direct learning disability support to people of all ages. Counselors can help adults connect with government benefits they may be entitled to, for example, such as disability pay to help them if they cannot work. Therapists to help people develop job skills or improve their abilities to communicate are also available. Some of these services may be free to eligible patients, while others may be covered by insurance programs.
Advocacy organizations are another possible source of learning disability support. They compile information to educate patients and their families, and may maintain listings of care providers and services. These can include suppliers of adaptive equipment that patients may find helpful, such as dictation programs for people who have difficulty writing or typing. Patients with an interest in activism can keep up on proposed policy and legislation that may affect people with learning disabilities through the offices of an advocacy group.
Community centers are also available in some regions to offer learning disability support. They can provide options like adult day care, supported housing, and mentoring for people who want to engage in community activities. Another option can be a support group, which may include patients as well as family, depending on how it is organized. Such groups allow people to exchange information, socialize, and develop friendships with members of the learning disability community. Some are facilitated by, and for, people with learning disabilities to foster independence and social skills, while others may include therapists, counselors, and other professionals.
