Deaf, Learning Disabilities,
Visual Processing Disorder,
& Irlen Syndrome
Visual Processing Disorder,
& Irlen Syndrome
Introduction
Jodi Becker
My name is Jodi Christel Becker, and I am a Deaf adult with learning disabilities. I received a diagnosis of learning disabilities in high school, including a visual processing disorder and slow processing speed, which I later confirmed in college. My Deaf daughter, DJK, also has learning disabilities. We share similar diagnoses, as these traits can be hereditary. To better understand the effects of visual processing disorders, feel free to click on the link to my "Tearing Down the Wall" story.
While DJK was in high school, I was determined to ensure she didn't face the same challenges I did. To help her, I sought various resources, including tutoring centers and the Irlen Institute, before resuming her reading practice. Unfortunately, I encountered several roadblocks while making phone calls. Many of the staff were unfamiliar with Deaf issues, and the cost of hiring an interpreter was another concern. Furthermore, the DVDs I found were not captioned. I even spoke with some Deaf Education teachers who were unaware of learning disabilities or visual processing issues. These topics are not addressed in the Deaf Education Program, which primarily focuses on ASL/English bilingualism, language deprivation, and early language acquisition while neglecting learning disabilities and visual processing issues.
While DJK was in high school, I was determined to ensure she didn't face the same challenges I did. To help her, I sought various resources, including tutoring centers and the Irlen Institute, before resuming her reading practice. Unfortunately, I encountered several roadblocks while making phone calls. Many of the staff were unfamiliar with Deaf issues, and the cost of hiring an interpreter was another concern. Furthermore, the DVDs I found were not captioned. I even spoke with some Deaf Education teachers who were unaware of learning disabilities or visual processing issues. These topics are not addressed in the Deaf Education Program, which primarily focuses on ASL/English bilingualism, language deprivation, and early language acquisition while neglecting learning disabilities and visual processing issues.
@http://www.dys-add.com/dyslexia.html#anchorFamousLists
I believe that Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals can have learning disabilities and ADHD that require attention and intervention. Although we now have access to more educational resources than in the past, support for the Deaf community, particularly in Deaf education, remains limited. This situation prompts me to ask, “Why are Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals not able to access these resources at the same level as their hearing peers?”
This situation inspired me to create the "Deaf, Learning Disabilities, Visual Processing Disorder, and Irlen Syndrome" website to raise awareness about these issues.
The website aims to collect, expand, and share research, resources, and accommodations. Additionally, it provides Deaf and hard-of-hearing students with learning disabilities, visual processing disorders, ADHD, and Irlen Syndrome with effective learning strategies. We welcome teachers, counselors, psychologists, and anyone interested in joining our efforts.
Thank you for visiting this website!
Jodi Christel Becker
This situation inspired me to create the "Deaf, Learning Disabilities, Visual Processing Disorder, and Irlen Syndrome" website to raise awareness about these issues.
The website aims to collect, expand, and share research, resources, and accommodations. Additionally, it provides Deaf and hard-of-hearing students with learning disabilities, visual processing disorders, ADHD, and Irlen Syndrome with effective learning strategies. We welcome teachers, counselors, psychologists, and anyone interested in joining our efforts.
Thank you for visiting this website!
Jodi Christel Becker
