The purpose of this study was to find out whether the use of learning smart card media can improve the reading ability of grade 3 mentally retarded students at SLB BC YMS Ngadirojo. This study used the SSR (Single Subject Research) method with an A-B-A (Applied Behavior Analysis) design. The research subjects were two mentally retarded students in grade 3 at SLB BC YMS Ngadirojo. This study will use data collection techniques in the form of oral tests. In the SSR research, the data analysis used was a visual data analysis technique. The results of this study are the influence of the use of learning smart card media on improving the initial reading ability of grade 3 mentally retarded students. With a tendency of stability reaching 100% at three stages of the research design. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that learning smart card media has a positive impact on improving the initial reading ability of mentally retarded students in grade 3 at SLB BC YMS Ngadirojo.