Learning disabilities can be overcome although solutions are complex and costly. The range of individual disabilities is wide, and improper screening and diagnosis is common. A learning disability is a disorder affecting understanding or the use of spoken or written language. Approximately 5 percent of adults have such disabilities. In addition, as many as one-half of all literacy students could have learning disabilities. A key problem is that learning disabilities is a catch-all phrase. Basic screening of hearing and sight is critical to rule out learning disabilities. Clinical evaluation is needed to determine a learner's specific skills and possible disabilities. Literacy organizations are emphasizing more flexible teaching approaches and assessment of learning styles. Literacy experts are emphasizing a need for research on related topics. In addition, funding for adult learning disabilities staff training is needed. Efforts are underway to increase awareness of learning disabilities without turning it into the latest literacy fad. (NLA)