Learning Disabilities Resources
One important way to help someone with a learning disability is to encourage them to get the disability documented. Ask the school or educational program how to do this, or call D.C. LEARNs at (202)-331-0141 for guidance. Obtaining an official diagnosis for a learning disability may take several days and up to $2,000; however, a diagnosis opens doors to accommodations and protections. Medicaid may also pay for the diagnosis. Public school systems are required to pay for the diagnosis of anyone under twenty-two years of age. Unemployed and underemployed adults may be covered for the diagnosis by the Vocational Rehabilitation Services Administration. Someone with a documented disability is protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and someone under age 22 is guaranteed special education and related services. Learn more from IDEA Partnerships. Proof of a learning disability also opens the door to accommodations on tests like the GED. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) helps ensure that all U.S. citizens have access to public services and prohibits employment discrimination.
Research in the first half of the 1990s indicated that anywhere from 33-66% had low basic skills that may have been partially the result of learning disabilities. Some important definitions of learning disabilities are available from the National Institute for Literacy.
Some programs in D.C., including the Lab School of Washington and the Kennedy Institute for Continuing Education specialize in assisting persons with learning disabilities. Additional online resources are included below.
CAST
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a new paradigm for teaching, learning, and assessment that draws on brain research and media technologies to respond to individual learner differences. A site on universal design for learning is maintained by the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), a not-for-profit organization that uses technology to expand opportunities for all people, especially those with disabilities.
Last Updated: October 20, 2004Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is an international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with disabilities and/or exceptionalities. CEC advocates for government policy, sets professional standards, provides professional development opportunities, advocates for underserved individuals with exceptionalities, and helps connects professionals with resources to enhance effective professional practice.
Last Updated: October 20, 2004DOIT
The University of Washington's Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology (DOIT) site offers resources on technology and accommodations for learning and other disabilities for K-12 educators, postsecondary faculty and administrators, librarians, employers, and parents and mentors.
Last Updated: October 20, 2004Learning Disabilities Special Collection
The National Institute for Literacy's LINCS Literacy & Learning Disabilities Special Collection Web site aims to provide a single point of access to information on LD issues important to adults with
learning disabilities, their families, adult education teachers and tutors, staff of Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, and One-Stop offices, and employers of persons with learning disabilities.
New Freedom Initiative
The New Freedom Initiative (NFI) is a part of a nationwide effort to remove barriers to community life for the over 54 million Americans with physical and learning disabilities, by increasing access to assistive technologies, expanding opportunities for Americans with disabilities to integrate into the workforce and to avail themselves of educational opportunities. In 2003, The Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE), in partnership with the Department of Labor (DOL), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), held five regional forums on learning disabilities and adult education. As a result of the forums, OVAE says that participating states are increasing interagency efforts to improve services to adults with learning disabilities, and OVAE has pledged to provide on-going technical assistance and to document state progress.
Last Updated: October 20, 2004The Learning Disabilities Association of America
The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) provides information, support, education and resources through a network state and local affiliates. LDA is a member of the Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities, a coalition of the leading national learning disability organizations dedicated to improving public awareness, and the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities. LDA advances the education and welfare of both children and adults with learning disabilities.
Last Updated: October 20, 2004
