Learning Disabilities are defined as disorders in the cognitive and executive processes involved in perceiving, understanding, and/or using concepts through verbal or non-verbal means often manifested in delayed expressive and receptive language.

This disorder manifests itself with a deficit in one or more of the following areas: attention, communication, processing, physical coordination and social integration and executive function. Academic difficulties are further defined as:

• dyslexia, inability or reduced ability to read
• dyscalculia, inability or reduced ability to understand and use mathematics
• dysgraphia, inability or reduced ability to write clearly
• dysphasia, reduced ability in understanding and using language
• dyspraxia, developmental coordination disorder.

Educators have dramatically improved their ability to identify children with learning disabilities and treat them effectively. They understand that the LD brain is wired differently. Techniques have been developed to address learning differences in reading, writing and math.

However when persons with learning disabilities finish school, their connections to education and recreation often end. That’s where Step Out “steps in.”

Learning disabilities affect a person’s ability to learn new tasks, absorb new information, and navigate through the world. Using maps, street signs, instructions, recipes, phone books—all of these can present challenges. Time management and money management can be particularly difficult tasks to master. Learning disabilities affect social interactions as well. Inhibited social development affects all aspects of daily life from family to work. Many times these individuals are lonely and looking for friendships that people without disabilities take for granted. He or she may be left out of “normal” groups and activities and be spending too much time alone. Step Out offers them a connection to education, recreation, and friends.