The Voices of Young Adults with Learning Disabilities: Their Perceptions of Elementary and Secondary Schooling

The classroom is a space in which students can participate in both academic and social experiences. Researchers suggest that students with learning disabilities may experience a sense of being different and isolated from their peers because of their learning differences (Alexander-Passe, 2008; Lackaye & Margalit, 2006). This qualitative research describes the perceptions of three young adults (aged 18?21) with learning disabilities (YALD) about their educational experiences in elementary and secondary school. Furthermore, this study identified academic, social, and interconnection of academic and social experiences from the participants? discussions. The lack of understanding about learning disabilities from teachers and peers, especially in elementary school, was a predominant theme in this study. The participants suggested that teachers should get to know the student rather than identifying characteristics of exceptionalities in order to help teachers better understand and work with students with learning disabilities.