Title: Students with disabilities and independent learning | Genio

URL Source: https://genio.co/blog/independent-learning-and-disability

Published Time: 2019-03-31T23:00:00.000Z

Markdown Content:
# Students with disabilities and independent learning | Genio

[Skip to main menu](https://genio.co/blog/independent-learning-and-disability#main-menu)[Skip to footer](https://genio.co/blog/independent-learning-and-disability#footer)

*   [Sign in](https://app.genio.co/account/sign-in)
*   [Get started for free](https://genio.co/pricing/get-genio-free)
*   [Activate a licence](https://app.genio.co/notes/activate)Activate a licence

[](https://genio.co/)Genio logo - home

*   Products
*   Pricing
*   Resources
*   About Genio

[Watch a demo](https://genio.co/watch-demo)

[Genio Notes](https://genio.co/notes)Genio Notes

![Image 1: Learner support and retention icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/the_glean_study_tool_Icon.svg)

Genio Notes
The #1 note taking solution to boost knowledge, skills and confidence

[The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass](https://genio.co/the-confident-notetakers-masterclass)The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass

![Image 2: The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_studying%20mh%20challenge.svg)

The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass
An on-demand online note taking course that helps you prepare for your studies

[Genio Present](https://genio.co/present)Genio Present

![Image 3: Genio Present icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/present%20icon.png)

Genio Present
Our brand new tool to reduce presentation anxiety and build lasting communication skills

Enter search term Search

[Genio for institutions](https://genio.co/solutions/institutions)Genio for institutions

![Image 4: Implement Genio in your institution icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_higher%20ed.svg)

Genio for institutions
Learn why over 1,000 institutions around the world choose Genio

[Genio for students](https://genio.co/solutions/students)Genio for students

![Image 5: Learner support and retention icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/the_glean_study_tool_Icon.svg)

Genio for students
Over 160,000 students are using Genio tools to unlock better learning

[Recommend Genio](https://genio.co/resources/assessors-toolkit)Recommend Genio

![Image 6: Recommend Genio in needs assessments icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/recommend-glean-icon.svg)

Recommend Genio
Confidently demonstrate and recommend Genio's solutions

[Why choose Genio](https://genio.co/solutions/why-choose-genio)Why choose Genio

![Image 7: Genio website favicon 300x300-1](https://genio.co/hubfs/Genio%20website%20favicon%20300x300-1.svg)

Why choose Genio
Explore all the reasons Genio is the #1 note taking solution to boost knowledge, skills and confidence

[Packages for institutions](https://genio.co/pricing/institutions)Packages for institutions

![Image 8: roi-calculator-icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/roi-calculator-icon.svg)

Packages for institutions
Explore our packages and provide Genio Notes for students

[Individual plans for students](https://genio.co/pricing/individuals)Individual plans for students 

![Image 9: Individual plans for students icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/icon_individual%20pricing.png)

Individual plans for students 
Purchase a Genio Notes subscription for your studies or on behalf of someone else

[Get Genio Notes free](https://genio.co/pricing/get-genio-free)Get Genio Notes free

![Image 10: icon_get genio free](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/icon_get%20genio%20free.png)

Get Genio Notes free
Find out if you can get Genio Notes through government programs or your institution

Enter search term Search

[Institution Wide](https://genio.co/pricing/institution-wide)Institution Wide

![Image 11: Institution Wide icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/faculty-support-icon.svg)

Institution Wide
Drive student engagement and retention at your institution

[ROI calculator](https://genio.co/resources/roi-calculator)ROI calculator

![Image 12: ROI calculator icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_balancing%20work.svg)

ROI calculator
See how much you could save by improving retention and persistence with Genio Notes

[Request a demo account](https://genio.co/solutions/recommend-genio/demonstrator-account)Request a demo account

![Image 13: Request a demo account icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/tool-for-admins-icon.svg)

Request a demo account

[Activate a Genio Notes licence](https://app.genio.co/notes/activate)Activate a Genio Notes licence

![Image 14: Learner support and retention icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/the_glean_study_tool_Icon.svg)

Activate a Genio Notes licence

###### Explore

[Product and feature guides](https://genio.co/resources/product-and-feature-guides)Product and feature guides

![Image 15: Product and feature guides icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/video_guides-icon-01.svg)

Product and feature guides

[Learner support and retention](https://genio.co/resources/learner-support-and-retention)Learner support and retention

![Image 16: Learner support and retention icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/the_glean_study_tool_Icon.svg)

Learner support and retention

[Recommend Genio in needs assessments](https://genio.co/resources/assessors-toolkit)Recommend Genio in needs assessments

![Image 17: Recommend Genio in needs assessments icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/recommend-glean-icon.svg)

Recommend Genio in needs assessments

[Tips and advice for students](https://genio.co/resources/tips-and-advice-for-students)Tips and advice for students

![Image 18: Tips and advice for students icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_learning%20accessible.svg)

Tips and advice for students

[Implement Genio in your institution](https://genio.co/resources/implement-genio)Implement Genio in your institution

![Image 19: Implement Genio in your institution icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_higher%20ed.svg)

Implement Genio in your institution

[Accessibility and compliance](https://genio.co/resources/compliance-and-accessibility)Accessibility and compliance 

![Image 20: Accessibility and compliance icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/it-icon.svg)

Accessibility and compliance 

[Genio AI Hub](https://genio.co/ai-hub)Genio AI Hub

![Image 21: Genio AI Hub](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/about-us-icon.svg)

Genio AI Hub

[Support for STEM students](https://genio.co/notes/stem-study-support-tools)Support for STEM students

![Image 22: roi-calculator-icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/roi-calculator-icon.svg)

Support for STEM students

Enter search term Search

###### Browse

[Events and webinars](https://genio.co/resources/events-and-webinars)Events and webinars

![Image 23: Events and webinars icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/events-icon.svg)

Events and webinars

[Case studies and user stories](https://genio.co/resources/case-studies-and-user-stories)Case studies and user stories

![Image 24: Case studies and user stories icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/case-studies-icon.svg)

Case studies and user stories

[Blog](https://genio.co/blog)Blog

![Image 25: Blog icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/blog-icon.svg)

Blog

[Research and insights](https://genio.co/resources/research-and-insights)Research and insights

![Image 26: Our Brand Story icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/guides-icon.svg)

Research and insights

[Help center](https://help.genio.co/)Help center

![Image 27: Help center icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/customer-support-icon.svg)

Help center

[Genio Podcast: Learning Outcomes Leaders](https://genio.co/resources/learning-outcomes-leaders-podcast)Genio Podcast: Learning Outcomes Leaders

![Image 28: Genio Podcast: Learning Outcomes Leaders](https://genio.co/hubfs/mic.png)

Genio Podcast: Learning Outcomes Leaders

[About us](https://genio.co/about)About us

![Image 29: About us icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/Genio%20website%20favicon%20300x300.svg)

About us

[Careers](https://genio.co/about/careers)Careers

![Image 30: Careers icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/careers-icon.svg)

Careers

[Research Accreditation Hub](https://genio.co/about/research-accreditation-hub)Research Accreditation Hub

![Image 31: Research Accreditation Hub icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/icon_research%20accreditations.png)

Research Accreditation Hub

[Our Brand Story](https://genio.co/about/our-brand-story)Our Brand Story

![Image 32: Our Brand Story icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/guides-icon.svg)

Our Brand Story

[Life at Genio](https://genio.co/about/careers/life-at-genio)Life at Genio

![Image 33: Life at Genio icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_faculty%20staff.svg)

Life at Genio

[Contact us](https://genio.co/contact)Contact us

![Image 34: Contact us icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/contact-us-icon.svg)

Contact us

Enter search term Search

[Home](https://genio.co/)

*   [Sign in](https://app.genio.co/account/sign-in)
*   [Get started for free](https://genio.co/pricing/get-genio-free)
*   [Activate a licence](https://app.genio.co/notes/activate)
*   [Watch a demo](https://genio.co/watch-demo)

Enter search term Search

*   Products  
    *   [Genio Notes](https://genio.co/notes)Genio Notes![Image 35: Learner support and retention icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/the_glean_study_tool_Icon.svg) Genio Notes
The #1 note taking solution to boost knowledge, skills and confidence   [The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass](https://genio.co/the-confident-notetakers-masterclass)The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass![Image 36: The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_studying%20mh%20challenge.svg) The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass
An on-demand online note taking course that helps you prepare for your studies   [Genio Present](https://genio.co/present)Genio Present![Image 37: Genio Present icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/present%20icon.png) Genio Present
Our brand new tool to reduce presentation anxiety and build lasting communication skills    
    *   [Genio for institutions](https://genio.co/solutions/institutions)Genio for institutions![Image 38: Implement Genio in your institution icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_higher%20ed.svg) Genio for institutions
Learn why over 1,000 institutions around the world choose Genio   [Genio for students](https://genio.co/solutions/students)Genio for students![Image 39: Learner support and retention icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/the_glean_study_tool_Icon.svg) Genio for students
Over 160,000 students are using Genio tools to unlock better learning   [Recommend Genio](https://genio.co/resources/assessors-toolkit)Recommend Genio![Image 40: Recommend Genio in needs assessments icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/recommend-glean-icon.svg) Recommend Genio
Confidently demonstrate and recommend Genio's solutions   [Why choose Genio](https://genio.co/solutions/why-choose-genio)Why choose Genio![Image 41: Genio website favicon 300x300-1](https://genio.co/hubfs/Genio%20website%20favicon%20300x300-1.svg) Why choose Genio
Explore all the reasons Genio is the #1 note taking solution to boost knowledge, skills and confidence    

*   Pricing  
    *   [Packages for institutions](https://genio.co/pricing/institutions)Packages for institutions![Image 42: roi-calculator-icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/roi-calculator-icon.svg) Packages for institutions
Explore our packages and provide Genio Notes for students   [Individual plans for students](https://genio.co/pricing/individuals)Individual plans for students ![Image 43: Individual plans for students icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/icon_individual%20pricing.png) Individual plans for students 
Purchase a Genio Notes subscription for your studies or on behalf of someone else   [Get Genio Notes free](https://genio.co/pricing/get-genio-free)Get Genio Notes free![Image 44: icon_get genio free](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/icon_get%20genio%20free.png) Get Genio Notes free
Find out if you can get Genio Notes through government programs or your institution    
    *   [Institution Wide](https://genio.co/pricing/institution-wide)Institution Wide![Image 45: Institution Wide icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/faculty-support-icon.svg) Institution Wide
Drive student engagement and retention at your institution   [ROI calculator](https://genio.co/resources/roi-calculator)ROI calculator![Image 46: ROI calculator icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_balancing%20work.svg) ROI calculator
See how much you could save by improving retention and persistence with Genio Notes   [Request a demo account](https://genio.co/solutions/recommend-genio/demonstrator-account)Request a demo account![Image 47: Request a demo account icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/tool-for-admins-icon.svg) Request a demo account   [Activate a Genio Notes licence](https://app.genio.co/notes/activate)Activate a Genio Notes licence![Image 48: Learner support and retention icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/the_glean_study_tool_Icon.svg) Activate a Genio Notes licence    

*   Resources  
    *   [Product and feature guides](https://genio.co/resources/product-and-feature-guides)Product and feature guides![Image 49: Product and feature guides icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/video_guides-icon-01.svg) Product and feature guides   [Learner support and retention](https://genio.co/resources/learner-support-and-retention)Learner support and retention![Image 50: Learner support and retention icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/the_glean_study_tool_Icon.svg) Learner support and retention   [Recommend Genio in needs assessments](https://genio.co/resources/assessors-toolkit)Recommend Genio in needs assessments![Image 51: Recommend Genio in needs assessments icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/recommend-glean-icon.svg) Recommend Genio in needs assessments   [Tips and advice for students](https://genio.co/resources/tips-and-advice-for-students)Tips and advice for students![Image 52: Tips and advice for students icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_learning%20accessible.svg) Tips and advice for students   [Implement Genio in your institution](https://genio.co/resources/implement-genio)Implement Genio in your institution![Image 53: Implement Genio in your institution icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_higher%20ed.svg) Implement Genio in your institution   [Accessibility and compliance](https://genio.co/resources/compliance-and-accessibility)Accessibility and compliance ![Image 54: Accessibility and compliance icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/it-icon.svg) Accessibility and compliance    [Genio AI Hub](https://genio.co/ai-hub)Genio AI Hub![Image 55: Genio AI Hub](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/about-us-icon.svg) Genio AI Hub   [Support for STEM students](https://genio.co/notes/stem-study-support-tools)Support for STEM students![Image 56: roi-calculator-icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/roi-calculator-icon.svg) Support for STEM students    
    *   [Events and webinars](https://genio.co/resources/events-and-webinars)Events and webinars![Image 57: Events and webinars icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/events-icon.svg) Events and webinars   [Case studies and user stories](https://genio.co/resources/case-studies-and-user-stories)Case studies and user stories![Image 58: Case studies and user stories icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/case-studies-icon.svg) Case studies and user stories   [Blog](https://genio.co/blog)Blog![Image 59: Blog icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/blog-icon.svg) Blog   [Research and insights](https://genio.co/resources/research-and-insights)Research and insights![Image 60: Our Brand Story icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/guides-icon.svg) Research and insights   [Help center](https://help.genio.co/)Help center![Image 61: Help center icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/customer-support-icon.svg) Help center   [Genio Podcast: Learning Outcomes Leaders](https://genio.co/resources/learning-outcomes-leaders-podcast)Genio Podcast: Learning Outcomes Leaders![Image 62: Genio Podcast: Learning Outcomes Leaders](https://genio.co/hubfs/mic.png) Genio Podcast: Learning Outcomes Leaders    

*   About Genio  
    *   [About us](https://genio.co/about)About us![Image 63: About us icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/Genio%20website%20favicon%20300x300.svg) About us   [Careers](https://genio.co/about/careers)Careers![Image 64: Careers icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/careers-icon.svg) Careers   [Research Accreditation Hub](https://genio.co/about/research-accreditation-hub)Research Accreditation Hub![Image 65: Research Accreditation Hub icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/icon_research%20accreditations.png) Research Accreditation Hub   [Our Brand Story](https://genio.co/about/our-brand-story)Our Brand Story![Image 66: Our Brand Story icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/guides-icon.svg) Our Brand Story   [Life at Genio](https://genio.co/about/careers/life-at-genio)Life at Genio![Image 67: Life at Genio icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/megamenu%20icon_faculty%20staff.svg) Life at Genio   [Contact us](https://genio.co/contact)Contact us![Image 68: Contact us icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/menu-icons/contact-us-icon.svg) Contact us    

*   [Watch a demo](https://genio.co/watch-demo)

1.   [Blogs](https://genio.co/blog)
2.   [Disability Services](https://genio.co/blog/tag/disability-services)

# Independent Learning & Disability

Independent Learning is a hugely important part of being a higher Ed student. What is it and what barriers do students with disabilities face in achieving it?

![Image 69: Clock](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/clock.svg) 4 min read ![Image 70: Calendar](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/calender.svg)Published: 1 Apr 2019

![Image 71: Author](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/author.svg)Luke Garbutt

![Image 72: Independent Learning & Disability](https://genio.co/hubfs/blog_independent_learning_disabilities_THUMB_237103c1f7.png)

![Image 73: Independent Learning & Disability](https://genio.co/hubfs/blog_independent_learning_disabilities_HERO_66_30c5d357a9.png)

Independent Learning is a hugely important part of being a higher ed student. So what exactly is it? And what barriers do students with disabilities face in achieving it?

Higher Ed: It’s all about independence

No matter what course you take or where you study, the higher ed experience has always been linked to independence.

It might be the first time you’ve lived away from home. It will probably be the first time you’ve had to organize your learning. And it could be the first time you’ve been responsible for getting the support you need. All of these ‘firsts’ demand self-reliance, self-advocacy and, underpinning it all, a sense of independence.

#### But what does that mean?

As much as we hear terms like ‘independent study’ or ‘student independence’, what they really mean often gets lost or confused. Yet it’s vital for institutions to encourage these skills, especially among students with disabilities.

We want to do our bit to keep these ideas in focus. So, let’s take a look at independent learning and what it means in practice.

#### Independent Learning

Independent learning is a skill that’s expected of students at higher ed level. A huge part of it is simply the ability to follow your own path through a course. Educators will no longer be giving you absolutely everything you need to excel – you’ll have to find a lot of material yourself, and will be to a certain degree responsible for your own learning.

A [study commissioned by the UK’s Higher Education Academy](https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/knowledge-hub/effective-practice-design-directed-independent-learning-opportunities) analyzes best practice in encouraging independent learning. The authors discuss ‘Directed Independent Learning’, and how institutions can go about facilitating it.

‘Directed Independent Learning’ is:

> **‘understood as learning in which students are guided by curriculum content, pedagogy and assessment, and supported by staff and the learning environment, and in which students play an active role in their learning experience – either on their own, or in collaboration with others’.**

#### How this works

Drawing on Principles of Good Practice for Undergraduate Education (Chickering & Gamson, 1987), Directed Independent Learning is manifested by:

*   Encouraging contact between students and faculty
*   Developing cooperation among students
*   Encouraging active learning
*   Giving prompt feedback
*   Emphasizing time on task
*   Communicating high expectations
*   Respecting diverse talents and ways of learning

#### Why we like Directed Independent Learning

The scope of ‘Directed Independent Learning’ goes far beyond formal education. It’s about creating **‘lifelong learners’** who develop skills through higher ed that last long into adult life that become valuable in the workplace, in personal development and in a general spirit of inquiry or curiosity.

Ultimately, it’s about making higher education a life-changing experience.

The potential benefits, the [HE Academy](https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/knowledge-hub/effective-practice-design-directed-independent-learning-opportunities) argues, are numerous:

*   The ability to cover more ground and reach further than the minimum level of understanding of a topic
*   It can create lifelong learners
*   It creates a sense of belonging for students in the academic environment
*   It motivates students by showing how what they’re learning impacts and relates to the real world
*   The skills developed in independent learning are skills also useful for employment
*   It’s easier to monitor student engagement
*   Practical benefits such as flexibility

#### The Problem

The reality is that many students don’t have immediate access to this kind of learning independence. Barriers that a disability or mental illness place in front of learning can be difficult for some students to hurdle without the right support.

But it’s also true that there are measures institutions, faculty and students can take to make higher ed the experience it could be for all.

First, let’s look at some general barriers students face with independence in the classroom. Then, we’ll lay out some of the common issues affecting students with disabilities.

**Overly prescriptive teaching:** Directed independent learning emphasizes how important the role of educator as ‘facilitator’ rather than ‘teacher’ is for creating the conditions for independence. Classrooms should be less about ‘traditional knowledge transmission’ and more about facilitating different kinds of engagement with course content and the learning process, like enquiry-based learning, peer learning and problem-based learning.

**A lack of study skills instruction:** Lectures are less valuable without a good set of notes. But how often do institutions or schools actually teach a skill like note taking? It’s worth thinking about, because students are expected to have a certain level of proficiency with it. Without the necessary instruction in good study habits and skills, students could be at risk of alienation and disengagement. It is, however, worth mentioning that many student success and academic support departments are doing a great job of providing this instruction. Often, they just need better publicity and support in their efforts.

**Accommodations:** Staying with note taking, a traditional way of accommodating students with a disability that have problems with this skill is to assign them a peer note taker, who will give a complete set of notes to the student in question. This threatens independence by making students reliant on others, and could harm engagement by depriving students of a learning process that makes lectures valuable. A widely adopted solution is to introduce assistive technology

These are a few examples of where institutions or educators can improve student independence. But what about the specific obstacles students with disabilities face in the classroom?

#### A different ballgame

As we’ve visualized in a previous post, students with disabilities have lower rates of completion than students without. **In fact, in 4-year colleges, graduation rates are at a mere 34%**. That’s why we believe it’s imperative for institutions to be fully aware of the obstacles these students routinely face.

We have separate articles on students living with common disabilities like autism, dyslexia, ADHD/ADD and physical impairments, as well as how depression and anxiety affect learning.

Here we’ll list some of the more common barriers students with conditions like these might be experiencing:

*   Engagement

A problem central to understanding disabilities among higher ed students is classroom engagement. A disengaged student is less likely to build the skills necessary to achieve learning independence, and is more likely to experience problems progressing through their studies. Unless properly addressed, students with disabilities might be experiencing the following barriers to engagement:

*   Impaired Motor Functions:

If a condition causes impairment of motor functions, the process of writing, reading and other traditional study activities can be hampered. Without an adequate solution, students could face real accessibility issues

*   Sensory Issues:

Sensory overload in the classroom can affect the concentration of students with ADHD, Autism, Anxiety and other conditions, while sensory impairment comes with its own set of potential problems.

*   Working Memory:

Those with learning disabilities may experience deficiencies in working memory. This could present problems with retaining information in the classroom, taking notes and recall of course content, among other potential issues.

*   Cognitive Impairment:

Issues with verbal communication, attention, mental processing and other signs of cognitive impairment create significant obstacles at higher ed, and require special attention in the classroom.

## Share this blog

 Facebook 

[![Image 74](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgenio.co%2Fblog%2Findependent-learning-and-disability%3Futm_campaign%3Dshare-links%26utm_source%3Dfacebook%26utm_medium%3Dsocial)

 LinkedIn 

[![Image 75](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/linkedIn.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgenio.co%2Fblog%2Findependent-learning-and-disability%3Futm_campaign%3Dshare-links%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin%26utm_medium%3Dsocial)

 Twitter 

[![Image 76](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fgenio.co%2Fblog%2Findependent-learning-and-disability%3Futm_campaign%3Dshare-links%26utm_source%3Dtwitter%26utm_medium%3Dsocial)

 Email 

[![Image 77](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/email.svg)](mailto:?subject=Independent+Learning+%26amp%3B+Disability&body=https%3A%2F%2Fgenio.co%2Fblog%2Findependent-learning-and-disability%3Futm_campaign%3Dshare-links%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Dsocial)

[![Image 78](https://genio.co/hubfs/raw_assets/public/genio-2025/images/copy_link.svg)](https://genio.co/blog/independent-learning-and-disability)

![Image 79: Time for a simpler, smarter note taking accommodation?](https://genio.co/hubfs/cta_image.svg)

## **Time for a simpler, smarter note taking accommodation?**

Genio Notes is the online note taking tool that makes compliance simple, reduces cost and admin burden, and improves student outcomes.

[![Image 80: Learn More](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/24880982/bb72ad99-819d-4e8a-befd-88c21fc390a4.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/24880982/bb72ad99-819d-4e8a-befd-88c21fc390a4)

## More from **Disability Services**

[View All](https://glean.co/blog/tag/disability-services)

[View All](https://glean.co/blog/tag/disability-services)

[Genio logo - home](https://genio.co/)

*   Products
    *   [Genio Notes](https://genio.co/notes)
    *   [The Confident Notetaker's Masterclass](https://genio.co/the-confident-notetakers-masterclass)
    *   [Genio Present](https://genio.co/present)

*   Pricing and plans
    *   [For institutions](https://genio.co/pricing/institutions)
    *   [Institution Wide package](https://genio.co/pricing/institution-wide)
    *   [Individual user quote](https://cc.genio.co/genio-individual-user-quote-request)
    *   [ROI calculator](https://genio.co/resources/roi-calculator)
    *   [For individuals](https://genio.co/pricing/individuals)
    *   [Get Genio Notes for free](https://genio.co/pricing/get-genio-free)

*   Why choose Genio
    *   [Genio for institutions](https://genio.co/solutions/institutions)
    *   [Genio for students](https://genio.co/solutions/students)
    *   [Recommend Genio](https://genio.co/resources/assessors-toolkit)

*   Resources
    *   [Blog](https://genio.co/blog)
    *   [Events and webinars](https://genio.co/resources/events-and-webinars)
    *   [Case studies and user stories](https://genio.co/resources/case-studies-and-user-stories)
    *   [Product and feature guides](https://genio.co/resources/product-and-feature-guides)
    *   [Research and insights](https://genio.co/resources/research-and-insights)

*   [Sign in](https://app.genio.co/account/sign-in)
*   About us
    *   [About us](https://genio.co/about)
    *   [Careers](https://genio.co/about/careers)
    *   [Our Brand Story](https://genio.co/about/our-brand-story)
    *   [Our history](https://genio.co/about/our-history)
    *   [Research Accreditation Hub](https://genio.co/about/research-accreditation-hub)
    *   [Media Kit](https://genio.co/about/media-kit)

*   Contact and support
    *   [Get in touch](https://genio.co/contact)
    *   [Help centre](https://help.genio.co/)Opens in a new tab
    *   [Device compatibility](https://genio.co/specification)
    *   [Service status](https://status.genio.co/)Opens in a new tab

*   [Visit us on our social](https://www.facebook.com/GenioLearn)
*   [Visit us on our social](https://www.instagram.com/geniolearn)
*   [Visit us on our social](https://uk.linkedin.com/company/geniolearn)
*   [Visit us on our social](https://www.youtube.com/@geniotools)
*   [Visit us on our social](https://www.tiktok.com/@geniolearn)

*   [![Image 81: Icon](https://genio.co/hs-fs/hubfs/website/vectors/Google_Play_Store_badge_EN.png?width=120&name=Google_Play_Store_badge_EN.png)Download app](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.genio.notes)
*   [![Image 82: Icon](https://genio.co/hubfs/website/vectors/Download_on_the_App_Store_Badge_US-UK_RGB_blk_092917.svg)Download app](https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/genio-notes/id6758772863)

*   [Privacy Notice](https://genio.co/privacy-notice)
*   [Service Agreement](https://genio.co/service-agreement)
*   [Accessibility Statement](https://genio.co/accessibility-statement)
*   [Data Security](https://genio.co/security)
*   [Third Party Licenses](https://genio.co/third-party-code-licenses)
*   [Cookie Preferences](https://genio.co/cookies)

[](https://genio.co/blog/independent-learning-and-disability)