Dyscalculia (a disability regarding math and numbers) is perhaps less common in students than other learning orders like dyslexia, but it is quite prevalent nonetheless. Research indicates dyscalculia may affect up to 7 percent of the population. For those students who struggle with it, this disorder can be a great source of stress, anxiety, and frustration--not to mention that without accommodations, dyscalculia can greatly disrupt a student's academic progression and future life. This is as true in colleges and universities as it is in K-12 schools.
Federal legislation mandates that K-12 schools, colleges, and universities provide specific accommodations for students with disabilities, including those with dyscalculia. Nevertheless, these accommodations are seldom automatically provided. Students and their parents should be aware of these legal rights in order to ensure the student receives proper accommodations. Regrettably, a considerable number of educational institutions do not always fulfill the required support standard for students dealing with dyscalculia. This discrepancy can lead to a suboptimal educational experience at best and, at its worst, might culminate in punitive academic measures such as dismissal for poor academic performance. Worryingly, many parents and students are oblivious that the student's rights are being violated along the way. This is where a skilled education attorney comes in.
If your child is dealing with dyscalculia, the Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team can help your student receive all the legal accommodations they're entitled to. We have nationwide experience in advocating for disabled students and ensuring their schools grant them equal educational opportunities. We are dedicated to staunchly defending your child's rights. For assistance, call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential online form.
Dyscalculia Explained
Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability that impacts an individual's numerical comprehension and math knowledge. Those with dyscalculia encounter difficulties in performing fundamental arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This condition does not reflect a general lack of intelligence or logical reasoning ability; rather, it signifies a specialized challenge in numerical processing. While dyscalculia can affect individuals of all ages, it typically manifests in children during their academic years as they grasp basic math concepts.
The indicators of dyscalculia can vary widely among individuals but often include difficulty with understanding and using numbers, struggling to learn and recall math facts, difficulty in understanding spatial directions (like left and right), and challenges with time management. Students with dyscalculia might also have trouble with conceptualizing time and judging the passing of time. They may also struggle to learn and understand the concept of money, such as estimating the total cost of items or making changes. Difficulty with mathematical reasoning, such as understanding math concepts and solving math problems, is another indicator.
There is no single test to diagnose dyscalculia; it involves a variety of assessments designed to measure various aspects of math learning and number processing. Testing typically includes both intelligence and achievement tests that can help distinguish dyscalculia from other learning disabilities. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in helping individuals with dyscalculia to develop coping strategies and learn math in a way that is suited to their unique learning style.
How Dyscalculia Can Negatively Impact a Student's Education Experience
While the obvious effect of dyscalculia is that the student has trouble with math, this disability can significantly impact a student's educational experience well beyond math class. Since basic arithmetic is foundational for more advanced mathematical concepts, these early challenges can lead to a persistent academic struggle as the education progresses. Many subjects, including science, technology, and economics, incorporate mathematical concepts. Thus, students with dyscalculia may find these subjects equally challenging, limiting their academic choices and potential career paths. For instance, difficulty in understanding spatial relationships and measurements can hinder success in subjects like chemistry and physics, where such skills are often required. Academic underperformance is common among those with dyscalculia (especially when undiagnosed), and the risk of dropping out is high.
The psychological impact of dyscalculia cannot be understated. Students may experience anxiety, frustration, and a sense of inadequacy due to their struggles with math. This can lead to a negative attitude toward learning, avoidance of math-related tasks, and a reluctance to participate in classroom activities. The fear of embarrassment in front of peers can further exacerbate this, leading to social withdrawal or behavioral issues.
Without proper identification and support, dyscalculia can hinder not only academic success but also personal development. Despite its prevalence, dyscalculia tends to receive less attention compared to other learning disorders, such as dyslexia. This disparity can result in delayed diagnosis and intervention, depriving affected students of the crucial accommodations and teaching strategies needed to navigate their educational pathways successfully.
Rights of Students with Dyscalculia Under Disability Laws
Under federal laws, a disability is defined as any “significant physical or mental impairment” that substantially restricts one or more “major life activities.” Since securing an education is a "major life activity," and given dyscalculia's effect on a student's learning ability, this disorder is a recognized disability that educational institutions are legally obliged to accommodate.
U.S. Disability rights are established by three major pieces of legislation: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Collectively, these laws establish the framework for how schools must accommodate students with disabilities, including dyscalculia. While IDEA primarily addresses the needs of K-12 students, the ADA is more applicable to college students seeking accommodations. Section 504 applies to all federally-funded schools, with some provisions (like Free Appropriate Public Education, or FAPE) primarily directed at K-12 public schools.
To obtain a disability accommodation, students or their guardians must submit a formal request to their school. Each school has a specific protocol for processing such requests, and compliance with procedures is essential to ensure proper assessment.
IEP Accommodations for Students with Dyscalculia
A key component of IDEA is the right of eligible students with disabilities to have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) tailored to their needs. This customized educational scheme is structured to meet the student's needs through collaboration among school officials, teachers, and parents. IEP eligibility spans a broad range of conditions, including intellectual difficulties, emotional disturbances, and learning disabilities such as dyscalculia.
Not every scenario warrants an IEP, and not all schools are obligated to provide one. While K-12 students attending public or charter schools might be eligible for an IEP, this eligibility does not extend to private school students. Furthermore, the applicability of an IEP is restricted to the K-12 education system; post-graduation, colleges are not obliged to comply with high school IEP criteria.
For students struggling with dyscalculia, an IEP might involve accommodations that include, but are not limited to:
- Provision of Calculators: To enable the student to focus on problem-solving rather than manual calculation.
- Extended Time on Assessments: Allowing students additional time to complete tests and assignments, thereby reducing anxiety and pressure.
- Visual Aids: Incorporating charts, graphs, and number lines to help conceptualize mathematical concepts.
- Step-by-Step Instructions: Breaking down math problems into smaller, manageable steps with clear instructions.
- Math Manipulatives: Using physical objects like blocks and counters to visualize and solve math problems.
- Adjustment of Problem Sets: Ensuring assigned problems are manageable and not overly burdensome, potentially including fewer problems or providing extra examples for practice.
- Alternative Testing Formats: Offering tests orally or in a multiple-choice format to reduce the barrier of written calculations.
- Instructional Software: Utilizing educational software designed to support math learning in a multisensory approach.
- Tailored Homework Assignments: Adjusting the volume and type of homework to focus on quality over quantity, ensuring it reinforces learning without overwhelming the student.
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for Students with Dyscalculia
According to Section 504 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), every student with a disability is entitled to a comparable public education to that offered to their non-disabled peers. This means that federally-funded educational institutions offering free education must provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to each student with a recognized disability (most notably, public and charter K-12 schools). As colleges and universities are typically not free, FAPE is not a requirement for them.
The specific layout of FAPE for students wrestling with dyscalculia depends on various factors, such as the student's personal needs and struggles, the severity of their impairment, and the policies of the school district they attend. Many of the resources that appear in an IEP may also be used in FAPE. The concept is to ensure the student is educated in the general classroom environment to the maximum extent appropriate, supplemented by any necessary educational services to guarantee equal access to the offered education. It's important to note that while FAPE aims to ensure access, it does not promise the highest possible quality of services or every service a student with disabilities might require.
ADA Reasonable Accommodations for College Students with Dyscalculia
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), higher learning institutions must offer "reasonable accommodations" to students with disabilities to assist them in their academic pursuits. Many colleges and universities have a dedicated department for accommodating students with disabilities. College students dealing with dyscalculia can request such accommodations by submitting pertinent documentation (including their doctor's diagnosis) to the school. A high school IEP can be presented as part of this documentation, serving as proof of previously recognized needs. Although the IEP does not directly apply in college settings, it can help the school identify appropriate equivalent accommodations.
For students grappling with dyscalculia, "reasonable accommodations" may include, but are not limited to:
- Extra Exam Time: Similar to IEP accommodations, the school may offer extra time on exams and assignments to students with dyscalculia.
- Note-taking Assistance: Some schools provide note-taking services for students who struggle to take notes due to a disability. This accommodation can be particularly helpful for those who have difficulty processing information in real time.
- Audio Recordings: Instructors may allow students to record lectures or provide audio recordings of class materials to review at a later time.
- Alternative Format Materials: Students dealing with dyscalculia may benefit from receiving textbooks, handouts, and other materials in alternative formats, such as auditory or electronic versions.
When a School Fails to Accommodate Dyscalculia
Regrettably, students with dyscalculia can occasionally face challenges when seeking the accommodations they require from their schools. Instances may arise where a school either fails to recognize the disability or simply neglects to provide sufficient accommodations to help the student succeed.
In these situations, parents and students need to be fully informed about their legal rights. The best first effort at resolution is to follow the school's procedures for requesting accommodations, aiming for a cooperative solution with the school. If these attempts are unsuccessful, it might be necessary to consult an education law attorney experienced in resolving disputes over disability accommodations.
The Lento Law Firm's Education Law Team: Supporting Students with Dyscalculia
Every student, including those living with dyscalculia, deserves an education that addresses their individual needs and cultivates both academic and personal development. Disability accommodations are vital to ensuring every student has an opportunity to excel academically and in their future career. However, acquiring these accommodations is typically not automatic, and the process can be complicated and frustrating.
At the Lento Law Firm, our Education Law Team has a vast working knowledge of the legal rights the law affords to students with disabilities and how to ensure their right to a high-quality education. With many years of nationwide experience and a history of success with even the most difficult cases, our Team will employ all resources at our disposal, from skilled negotiation to litigation if necessary, to get your student the accommodations they deserve. Call the Lento Law Firm for a consultation at 888-535-3686 or use our online form.
