About ALRC Learning Disabilities Services
The 1990’s saw an increased focus on individuals with learning disabilities by adult educators, advocacy groups, and researchers. Adults with learning disabilities face challenges in several areas of daily life including employment and education. It is estimated that 35% of students with learning disabilities do not complete high school, 62% of individuals identified as having learning disabilities are not fully employed one year after graduating from high school, 35% of individuals on welfare have learning disabilities. These figures indicate a high probability that adult basic educators will have individuals within their classes who have a learning disability.

The Adult Learning Resource Center (ALRC) provides professional development and inservice training to staff and administrators on serving adults with learning disabilities. Through initiatives such as the Institute to Credential Special Learning Needs Resource Specialists and the Employability Skills for Adults With Learning Difficulties Curriculum the ALRC, in conjunction with the Illinois Service Center System, has trained teachers throughout the state.

ESL/LD
Many adult educators working with ESL students have been confronted with a learner who, no matter how hard he tries, seems to make little or no progress. The question is often asked, "How can I tell if this is a learning disability or the result of cultural differences and/or other temporary challenges with language acquisition? The ALRC is now offering LD training for ESL instructors. If you are interested, contact Laurie Martin lmartin@thecenterweb.org

Institute to Credential Resource Specialists for Special Learning Needs
The Institute is an intensive 8 ½-day training designed to enhance program capacity to meet the needs of adults with special learning needs (SLN) through the development of local resource specialists.
More information....

Regional Provider Group

The Special Learning Needs Provider Group is made up of teachers and administrators who are interested in helping adults with learning difficulties or disabilities. This provider group meets bimonthly to share information and learn about working with this population. Join us! Contact Laurie Martin at 224-366-8500. Upcoming topics include:

• Math and Learning Disabilities
• Transitioning Students with Learning Disabilities into the Real World (i.e., jobs)

Have any questions or need assistance?
Contact: Laurie Martin at lmartin@thecenterweb.org