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From http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/jun/20/learning-languages-special-education-needs

Inspiring students with learning disabilities to take up a language
With a different approach, language lessons for students with special education can be inclusive, exciting and relevant
by Martin Williams
June 20, 2014

Every year thousands of language learners struggle with the additional challenge of a learning disability. In England alone, there are more than 229,000 school students with special education needs (Sen), with many going on to successfully take qualifications in French, Spanish and German.

Retired special needs teacher David Wilson says: "Even those who are suffering from learning difficulties in the purest sense, if you delve deeply enough, you'll always find there's a real spark in there."

Sen covers a wide range of learning disabilities, from mild dyslexia to severe, non-verbal autism. "There's not a one size fits all approach for teaching languages to Sen students," says Wilson. "You have to look for the strengths rather than worrying too much about the weaknesses."

Read the full article at http://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/jun/20/learning-languages-special-education-needs