Posted on Oct. 7: How learning computes
For the approximately 150 McMaster students who have been diagnosed with learning disabilities, balancing academic success with the everyday learning challenges can be an uphill pursuit. Now, a new computer lab equipped with software designed to help those students overcome academic obstacles could help level the playing field.
The ATLAS lab (Assistive Technology, Learning and Academic Support Program), which opened for the first time on Oct. 6, is located in the Commons Building (B104) where it will house seven computers available daily for the use of students with learning disabilities.
People with learning disabilities are very intelligent but they require certain accommodations to help them succeed as well as others do, says Caroline Cayuga, learning disabilities co-ordinator. Until now, many of the students have coped academically using resources such as books on tape or the help of volunteer readers and scribes.
Cayuga says students with learning disabilities have average or above average intelligence, but due to processing deficits they have significant problems in one or more areas of academic achievement such as reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, or comprehension. A psycho-educational assessment which involves a minimum of 10 hours of consultation and evaluation helps Cayuga determine whether a student meets the criteria to be diagnosed with a learning disability.
The lab will be equipped with new software called assistive technology ranging in functions from voice-to-text and text-to-voice, to programs that are designed to help organize thoughts for writing essays and papers.
Our goal is to integrate assistive technology with study strategies, says Kim Shaw, assistive technologist. She'll work with students on an individual basis to determine which programs are best suited for them, and learning strategist Nancy McQuigge will provide one-to-one support and counseling on study skills, time management, and organization.
Three peer helpers and two work-study students will also help staff the lab. For more information about the lab, or a full list of services available, contact the Centre for Student Development at ext. 24711 or visit csd.mcmaster.ca.
Funding for the ATLAS program was made possible through the Provincial Government's Learning Opportunities Task Force, McMaster Student's Union and Office of Student Affairs.
