New Perspectives on Teaching From Successful Adults with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

The experiences of adults with learning disabilities who have found success in employment may provide new perspectives about teaching students with learning disabilities. A qualitative research project with 71 successful adults with learning disabilities indicates that their individual achievements share a number of commonalities. Moreover, these commonalities represent skills and processes that can be taught and learned. This article presents a model of vocational success developed from interviews with the 71 subjects. The authors discuss methods so that practitioners may use the model to help students with learning disabilities inculcate behaviors that will facilitate successful adult adjustment. Instructional approaches that teach these skills and processes will embrace a success rather than deficit model, a focus on strengths rather than a preoccupation with weaknesses.