Learning disabilities affect the student's ability to process the written or spoken word and can cause the student to struggle with written expression.  Students with non-apparent disabilities such as learning disabilities may not feel the need to disclose the nature of their disability to you or request accommodations.  Consider the suggestions below should a student with a learning disability request accommodations in your course.

• Students who have learning disabilities may need textbooks in an alternate format.  Staff at DSD can order some textbooks on CD.  However most students with learning disabilities prefer to have text scanned into an electronic format.  There is terrific software available that will read the electronic text to the student while it highlights what is being read.  Carlos Taylor, Ball State's Adaptive Computer Technology Specialist (RB 134G; 285-2000; cetaylor@bsu.edu) can facilitate having texts scanned into this format. 
• The accommodation request that is usually most appropriate for students with learning disabilities is extended time on exams.  If the student requests this or any other exam accommodations, refer the student to DSD to assist in the provision of these accommodations.  If you use Inqsit for online exams, DSD can simply program in the necessary extended time for the student.  If you use Blackboard and a student needs extended time for an exam, you will need to create a separate section of the exam for the student and extend the time allotted for the test.  This is a quick and simple process.  Hamid Tabariasl (285-1844; htabaria@bsu.edu) can assist with this.
• Students with disabilities may need greater access to the instructor for clarification of items discussed or read.  Providing time such as office hours when students can contact you by phone or electronically will be helpful.