The Learning Disabilities Hub is a resource for building understanding and supporting students with learning disabilities. Designed for educators and caregivers, the hub provides accessible, research-informed information about learning disabilities, with a focus on dyslexia and dysgraphia, along with practical resources and strategies to support students’ learning and development.

Definitions

Definition References

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 34 C.F.R. § 300.8(c)(10) (2020). https://ed.gov 

International Dyslexia Association. (2026). Understanding dysgraphia. https://dyslexiaida.org/understanding-dysgraphia/ 

International Dyslexia Association. (2025, October 25). Definition of dyslexia. https://dyslexiaida.org/definition-of-dyslexia/

Specific learning disability

Specific learning disability means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations, including conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia. Specific learning disability does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities, of intellectual disability, of emotional disturbance, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2020)

Dyslexia

A specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography. These difficulties occur along a continuum of severity and persist even with instruction that is effective for the individual’s peers. The causes of dyslexia are complex and involve combinations of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental influences that interact throughout development. Underlying difficulties with phonological and morphological processing are common but not universal, and early oral language weaknesses often foreshadow literacy challenges. Secondary consequences include reading comprehension problems and reduced reading and writing experience that can impede growth in language, knowledge, written expression, and overall academic achievement. Psychological well-being and employment opportunities also may be affected. Although identification and targeted instruction are important at any age, language and literacy support before and during the early years of education is particularly effective.

Dysgraphia

Dysgraphia is a specific learning disability that affects how easily children acquire written language and how well they use written language to express their thoughts (IDA, 2026).