2016 Annual Conference

Based upon our research, we will describe teachers' beliefs regarding dyslexia and dyscalculia. We will also report how learning disabilities have affected the lives of adults with them. Finally, we will make recommendations regarding how to teach others about dyslexia and dyscalculia to prevent bias in school and work settings.

The target audience will include adult educators who want to better serve their students with learning disabilities such dyslexia and dyscalculia. It will also include adults with learning disabilities themselves who want to know about the experiences of others with learning disabilities as well as how to better advocate for themselves.

Because of personal experiences, both presenters have a deep interest in how dyslexia and other learning disabilities affect teaching and learning. Unfortunately, research shows that many adult educators do not understand how to help students with learning disabilities reach their full potentials. Therefore, it is critically important that these adult educators be helped to better understand their students and ways to help them learn.
The presenters conducted research in which they investigated educators' beliefs regarding dyslexia (reading disability) and dyscalculia (math disability). Results indicate that the majority of educators have significant misconceptions which affect their teaching. The presenters also investigated how adults with learning disabilities perceive that their learning disabilities and others' beliefs have affected their lives. Findings show that learning disabilities are significantly correlated with effects upon adults’ daily routines, occupational choices and psychological health/emotions. Finally, the presenters explored ways that adult educators could be enlightened to better help students with learning disabilities. Comments of the subjects provide interesting insights, and discussion will be encouraged by the presenters. The impact of this presentation is expected to be far-reaching as adult educators and adults with learning disabilities will be encouraged to continue to collaborate after the conference ends.