Most Americans Do Not Understand Learning Disabilities, Poll Finds

USA Today (10/7, Klinck) reports, "Despite an increased understanding that kids learn differently, a majority of Americans still do not completely understand what conditions are related to learning disabilities," finds a new poll conducted by the Tremaine Foundation. According to USA Today, the Tremaine Foundation's "report says that 79% of parents and 80% of non-parents incorrectly associate mental retardation with a learning disorder. ... These misconceptions may lead to shortcomings in addressing learning disabilities in schools."

 

Education Week (10/6, Samuels) adds that "despite a general perception among" poll "respondents that they have heard a lot about learning disabilities and understand the nature of learning differences, many were also willing to chalk learning disabilities up to laziness or the home environment. Many people also linked learning disabilities to other disorders, such as blindness or deafness."