Life Success
For Students With Learning Disabilities:
A Parent Guide

Presence & Use of Effective Support Systems

My child... Knows when he/she needs help Knows how to get help Seeks help when needed Is willing to use technological supports Is aware of laws to help persons with learning disabilities

It is clear from research that individuals with learning disabilities need support in a number of areas including: education, employment, social relationships, psychological health, independent living, family relationships, and recreational activities. It is critical that individuals with learning disabilities are aware of, and know how to access and utilize, support services in each of these areas. Particular attention should be directed at helping children with learning disabilities:

• Understand the benefits of using support systems;
• Develop strategies for finding, accessing, utilizing, and maintaining support systems;
• Recognize "triggers" indicating that help is needed;
• Learn to accept help, give help, and develop trust in others;
• Understand laws that mandate support/assistance for persons with disabilities;
• Gain awareness of learning disabilities organizations and advocacy groups;
• Learn to use technological help.

In order to foster the ability to develop and use support systems, the following activities are recommended.

GENERAL ACTIVITIES FOR DEVELOPING AND USING SUPPORT SYSTEMS Model how to ask for help in daily family interactions. Share stories (tell, read, see movies) about individuals who needed help from others, how they got it, and the benefits of receiving it. Seize opportunities to analyze examples of individuals in need of help. Discuss possible sources and means of accessing support as well as possible outcomes with and without support (for example, news stories, TV sitcom crises, reports of friends in need of help). Obtain information on federal laws related to individuals with disabilities and discuss it with your child. Have your child try out technology that might be helpful in compensating for his/her difficulties, such as spell checkers, tape recorders, and word processors.

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