What is LDA?
LDA (formerly ACLD, the Association for
Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities) was formed in 1964 by a
group of concerned parents on behalf of children with learning
disabilities. LDA is devoted to defining and finding solutions for the
broad spectrum of learning disabilities.
LDA is the largest non-profit volunteer
organization advocating for individuals with learning disabilities. LDA
has nearly 300 state and local affiliates in 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Membership totals more than 40,000. The membership, composed of
individuals with learning disabilities, family members and concerned
professionals, advocates for the over two million students of school age
with learning disabilities and for adults affected with learning
disabilities. The state and local affiliates, through their affiliation
with the national LDA, work continuously for individuals with learning
disabilities, their parents and the professionals who serve them.
What are LDA's Goals?
- LDA seeks to educate individuals with
learning disabilities and their parents about the nature of the
disability and inform them of their rights.
- LDA encourages research in
neuro-physiological and psychological aspects of learning
disabilities.
- LDA strives to create a climate of public
awareness.
- LDA works to improve regular and special
education through collaboration with the U.S. Department of
Education and the State Departments of Education in each state.
- LDA develops and disseminates an annual
legislative agenda..
- LDA disseminates information widely.
- LDA provides advocacy information and
training.
- LDA works to establish career opportunities.
- LDA promotes education and training on
learning disabilities for special education and regular education
teachers.
LDA accomplishes its goals and objectives
through its national committees
on advocacy, adult issues, education, legislation, early childhood,
research, communications/outreach. The board and committees are composed
of individuals with learning disabilities, their parents and concerned
professionals. LDA's Professional Advisory Board, offers counsel in
professional and technical areas. The ACLD
Foundation, provides funds for research, education, and creating
public awareness of learning disabilities.
Services LDA offers
For Parents
Being a member of LDA can be an enormous
support to the parents of a child with a learning disability. When
parents initially discover that their child has a learning disability,
they may have feelings of guilt, worry, uncertainty, self-pity and anger.
There may be a lack of knowledge as to what the problem really is.
Parents look for help, they may receive conflicting advice and become
more confused and frustrated. Understandably, they may develop anger
towards the community, schools, professionals and themselves. Parents
may even deny the problem or blame each other. An effective LDA
affiliate can help parents understand and cope with their special child.
LDA Information and Referral Network
An inquiry to the local affiliate, state office, or national
LDA office may be a critical first step in providing help to a
person with learning disabilities.
Through the Annual
International Conference and the state affiliate conferences and
workshops LDA provides a forum for questions on learning disabilities
and new technology and approaches for teaching individuals with learning
disabilities. Attendance at the conferences, workshops, symposiums and
support groups reaches 75,000 participants yearly. Parents, teachers and
other professionals and individuals with learning disabilities are the
participants that gather for education, networking, and advocacy.
LDA and Legislation
LDA representatives testify at the request of Congress on matters
relating to special education. LDA holds and participates in numerous
forums on legal rights of individual students with learning disabilities.
LDA provides information and recommends action on pending legislation
which may affect individuals with learning disabilities and/or their
families.
LDA and School Program Development
LDA and its state and local affiliates work with school systems to
assure quality programs and better services for students with learning
disabilities. LDA offers scholarships annually to school principals
attending the International Conference. This service has provided some
300 principals with an ongoing network of information and support. In
its national headquarters LDA maintains an extensive inventory
of books and materials covering every aspect of learning
disabilities. These materials are ordered by schools, libraries and
thousands of individuals with learning disabilities. LDA publishes a
journal, Learning
Disabilities: A Multidisciplinary Journal quarterly.
LDA and its state affiliates frequently work
directly with school systems in planning and implementing programs for
early identification and diagnosis, as well as remediation in resource
and special education classroom situations. Because of the relationship
of learning disabilities to school drop-out and delinquency, the Adult
Issues Committee works with educators, correctional authorities and
jurists in order to develop comprehensive approaches to education and
employment.
Membership in LDA
LDA membership is open to the public. Members
receive the national newsletter, Newsbriefs,
six times a year, along with state and local affiliate newsletters.
Parents learn how to advocate for their child and have access to support
groups and educational meetings. Parents learn about federal and state
laws that affect their child. They meet and share a common bond with
other parents and professionals who have similar concerns. Professionals
have access to the latest information relating to learning disabilities.
Individuals with learning disabilities learn how to understand the
disability and advocate for themselves through support groups and
conferences.
You can help LDA achieve its vision of a world
in which all individuals with learning disabilities thrive and
participate fully in society and in which the causes of learning
disabilities are understood and addressed. Join LDA today! |
