This booklet provides basic background information on learning disabilities in order that the family and consumer sciences teacher can better understand the experiences of their students with learning disabilities. The following topics are discussed: (1) legislative initiatives affecting special populations; (2) characteristics of students with learning disabilities; (3) input disabilities (visual perception and auditory perception); (4) integration disabilities; (5) memory disabilities; (6) output disabilities (demand language, gross motor, and fine motor); (7) classroom adaptations for learning disabilities; (8) techniques for assisting students with spelling, handwriting, composition skills, and math skills; (9) strategies for helping students with reading assignments and written exams; (10) providing a safe environment for all students; (11) using peer tutors or adult volunteers to assist students; (12) classroom organization; (13) helping students with learning disabilities develop study skills; (14) managing students with learning disabilities; (15) using assistive technology when working with students with learning disabilities; (16) behavior disorders; (17) characteristics and feelings of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; and (18) characteristics of students with mild mental retardation and physical and health disabilities. Activities are provided to simulate what it is like to have a learning disability. An appendix includes a list of Individual Education Program components. (Contains 31 references.) (CR)