Critical Issues in Learning Disabilities. the Cross-Cultural Nature of Learning Disabilities: A Profile in Perseverance

Abstract

Accumulating research offers evidence that the condition of learning disabilities affects people in all nations, languages, and cultures (Junkala & Paul, 1987; Cruickshank, 1987; Hsu, 1988; Lerner, 1989). Yet the universality and cross-cultural nature of learning disabilities is not well known, and is even disputed. This article is a profile of Dr. Andy Chen, an individual from Taiwan with learning disabilities. Although his early experiences coping with his learning disability occurred in a school in Taiwan, his story parallels the bewildering experiences many children encounter in school.

To tell the story of Andy Chen, the authors use a question and answer format, with Janet Lerner posing the questions (Q) and Andy Chen responding (AC). Dr. Chen is currently an assistant professor of accounting at Northeastern Illinois University.

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References

Cruickshank

W. M

. (1987). Learning Disabilities: An International Overview. Paedoperisse, 1, 1 (Special Monograph Issue on International Perspectives on Learning Disabilities). 5–16.

Hsu, Chen-chin. (1988). Correlates of reading success and failure in a logographic writing system. Thalmus, 6 (1), 33–59.

Junkala

, & Paul

. (1987). Learning Disabilities: An International Perspective. Paedoperisse, 1, 1 (Special Monograph Issue on International Perspectives on Learning Disabilities). 1–5.

Lerner

J. W

. (1989). Learning Disabilities and Cultural Diversity. Houghton Mifflin Educators’ Forum, 3–5.