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What is a learning disability?
A learning disability is a life-long condition for which there are many definitions.
- A key indicator of a learning disability is that students may exhibit impaired performance in one aspect of their work which is inconsistent with their average or above average performance in other areas, and is distinct from an intellectual disability.
- For students with a learning disability listening, thinking, talking, reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic and organisational skills may be affected to varying degrees.
- There may also be a discrepancy between their academic performance and their thinking and reasoning abilities.
The Opening All Options 
site points out that a student with a learning disability is not treated the same way under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) as someone with a learning difficulty (which is a result of poor environment and/or health, intellectual disability, emotional disturbance or sensory impairments and which responds to effective education intervention).
In order to have a learning disability recognised, a student must undergo a rigorous assessment process. A student may not choose to identify him or herself, however, which is why inclusive teaching is an important tool in working with such students.
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The following working definition of learning disability
, is taken from the Australian Learning Disability Association 
: