Return-Path: <nifl-ld@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id gB628NX09910; Thu, 5 Dec 2002 21:08:23 -0500 (EST) Date: Thu, 5 Dec 2002 21:08:23 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <CJEGLEBGEJGFHJKGPLLCOEHEFAAA.veb8899@fastmail.fm> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-ld@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-ld@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-ld@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "VB" <veb8899@fastmail.fm> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-ld@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-LD:4064] RE: Non-verbal LD & a Request X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook IMO, Build 9.0.2416 (9.0.2910.0) Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; Status: O Content-Length: 3860 Lines: 92 Hi Margaret, <<Vivian, thanks so much for bringing attention to non-verbal learning disabilities. If anything, these seem even more invisible and less understood than some other forms of LD. You talked briefly about how you are impacted; would you be willing to say more?>> Thanks Margaret, I greatly appreciate your interest. You're right, NLD is an invisible disability but I have noticed on campus that is it is getting more attention in LD and Special Ed Journals. So I find that encouraging. How it affects me. A perfect example is a temporary assignment I am on. The people couldn't be nicer so I have no complaints about that. But my supervisor was giving instructions and because she wasn't explicit, I was at a loss as to what she was talking about. Fortunately, I did catch on but a lot of NLDers would not have. Because I don't visualize instructions very well, I have to write things down even for tasks that most people would not find the need to. I joke it is that fading middle aged memory and usually, people will buy that. My visual spatial skills are very poor. For example, I had learned my way around pretty well at the place I am doing temporary work. But any little change can throw me off. For example, on Friday, the door to the conference room was open and that made me hesitate and think I wasn't headed in the right direction. Even though I feel I have learned to compensate well in reading non verbal language, it is still a big effort and is not something that comes automatically and effortlessly like it would for people without NLD. I avoid noisy events if at all possible because due to auditory processing difficulties in addition to NLD, it is just too much of an effort to compensate. Finally, I have organizational difficulties. Interestingly, I have learned to compensate better at work than I do in my home life. I have all the gadgets and they are quite helpful but my guess is it will always be a struggle. I hope that gives you some idea and again, I greatly appreciate you asking what it is like to have NLD. That is such a refreshing change from a lot of the insensitive comments that we usually receive that are said with good intentions but just aren't the right thing to say. I will definitely visit your collection of resources on LD as I am always interested in what other sites list. I also probably should be familiar with it as an assistive technology student. Vivian PS - One more thing in the struggle area - Because of my visual perceptual problems, I struggle with putting on makeup correctly. Since appearance is everything in a job interview, that might be a problem. I know there is help for the things I have mentioned but finding the money is another issue. Over the years I've learned the most about LDs through conversation with those struggling with them. I -and probably others - would appreciate hearing your experience and insights. I coordinate the Literacy & LD Special (online) Collection of resources for NIFL. http://ldlink.coe.utk.edu/ Even though non-verbal LD is included through links, it is not as easily found as some other forms of LD -- and that is going to change. To all of you on the LD discussion list: an Invitation & Request. Please visit the LD Special Collection and share your thoughts with me: what's helpful, what's missing? etc. AND --please send along the web-addresses of valuable web sites! You're a well informed group - & we need your help to keep the LD Collection up to date with high quality resources. Thanks so much, Margaret Margaret Lindop Coordinator, LINCS Literacy & Learning Disabilities Special Collection http://ldlink.coe.utk.edu/ Center for Literacy Studies The University of Tennessee 600 Henley St., Suite 312 Knoxville, TN 37996-4135 Phone 865-974-6659 FAX 865-974-3857 email glindop@utk.edu
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