Training Seminar to Explore Specific Learning Difficulties
Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder are just some of the Specific Learning Difficulties (SPLDs) that will be explored at a special two-day training seminar organised by National Learning Network, the training and education division of the Rehab Group. The seminar will take place in the Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown (Block A) on Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th July 2006 from 9.30am to 4.00pm.
It is estimated that as many as nine per cent of the Irish population has a Specific Learning Difficulty. Despite the high prevalence of these disorders and the impact they can have on a person’s day-to-day life, there has until recently been little comprehensive training available in the area of SPLDs. This two-day seminar seeks to address this deficit.
People with SPLDs can have trouble finding the right words to express their ideas and experience difficulties in understanding other people's use of language. SPLDs can also affect an individual's ability to interact socially and to understand other person's feelings and emotions. Activities many of us take for granted such as reading, writing and even driving a car, can require large amounts of attentional resources from an individual with a specific learning difficulty.
The seminar will focus on the components of information processing and will explore the ways in which our own learning is processed. The range of Specific Learning Difficulties and the overlap that exists between the different SPLDs will also be considered and participants are encouraged to bring case studies to the discussion.
The array of assistive and adaptive technologies that are suitable for people with SPLDs will also be examined, in addition to the interventions and supports- such as learning strategies and study skills - that are available to assist learners with SPLDs.
The two-day seminar will be delivered by expert staff from National Learning Network’s Assessment Service including an Educational Psychologist. National Learning Network’s Assessment Service is based in the Blanchardstown Institute of Technology and provides assessment and support to people across the full spectrum of Specific Learning Difficulties.
Places are limited for this popular seminar, which will be of particular interest to teachers, health professionals, guidance counsellors and resource teachers. The cost of the two-day seminar is €450 per participant.
Further information on this seminar and other forthcoming Continuous Professional Development courses, such as Skills for Trainers and Assessment Practice both of which take place in June 2006, is available from Marianne Fox, National Learning Network telephone (087) 2330323, or the CPD team on (01) 4526634; email cpd@nln.ie or visit the National Learning Network website www.nln.ie to download a booking form.
