Learning disabilities can last a lifetime. While individuals may learn to compensate for these types of
disabilities, they may need support long after they’ve left school. There are many organizations world-wide that provide support for individuals with LD. If you, or someone you care for, need assistance or information on LD, the following resources, organizations and support groups can offer assistance.
The National Association of African American Children with Learning Disabilities provides support for African American children with LD, their families and caregivers, professionals and educators. The organization lends support through their parent network, parent leadership institute, parent leadership training and by providing trained parent advocates at school meetings with administrators.
Also known as CHADD, the Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder provides support and educational resources for individuals with AD/HD and their caregivers. They are advocates and seek to effect change through public policy and recognition of the disorder. They publish a magazine,
Attention, which is published six times per year.
The CLD mission is to promote "evidence-based teaching, collaboration, research, leadership, and advocacy. CLD is comprised of professionals who represent diverse disciplines and are committed to enhancing the education and quality of life for individuals with
learning disabilities and others who experience challenges in learning." They are advocates for individuals with LD, provide educational resources, support educators through training opportunities and conferences and publish the
Learning Disability Quarterly and the
LD Forum.
Under the U.S. Department of Education, IDEA oversees state and public organizations that provide education services to children with disabilities. IDEA Part B provides services to children aged 3 through 21 and IDEA Part C provides services to infants through age 2.
The Dyslexia Association’s mission is to promote “effective teaching approaches and related clinical educational intervention strategies for people with dyslexia. We support and encourage interdisciplinary research. We facilitate the exploration of the causes and early identification of dyslexia and are committed to the responsible and wide dissemination of research based knowledge.” They are dedicated to advocating for individuals with dyslexia in the global community and provide support, educational resources, and referral services to parents and caregivers.
While the Learning Disabilities of America is located in the United States, it has members in 27 countries around the world. Their mission is to provide services to individuals with
learning disabilities across the lifespan, provide ongoing collaborative activities and position papers to support the organization’s efforts and to support caregivers and professionals who work with individuals who have LD.
The National Association for Adults with Special Learning Needs is "committed to ensuring and expanding opportunities for adults with special learning needs to become successful and productive lifelong learners." To achieve these goals the organization provides support, services (such as assessments and instruction), professional development opportunities, and research. They provide online webinars and newsletters as well as conferences for educators, professionals and members of the organization.
The NCGI provides support for women and girls who have Attentention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. They provide support, educational materials and assessment tools for adults who suspect they may have AD/HD. The organization offers a newsletter as well as links to numerous research articles on AD/HD.
The NCLD advocates for the nation’s 15 million students to ensure that they have equal opportunities in the classroom. They provide information to teachers, parents, professionals and individuals with learning disabilities. Their mission is to 1) Connect parents and others with resources, guidance and support so they can advocate effectively for their children. 2) Deliver evidence-based tools, resources and professional development to educators to improve student outcomes and 3) Develop policies and engage
advocates to strengthen educational rights and opportunities.
The mission of the NICHD is “to ensure that every person is born healthy and wanted, that women suffer no harmful effects from reproductive processes, and that all children have the chance to achieve their full potential for healthy and productive lives, free from disease or disability, and to ensure the health, productivity, independence, and well-being of all people through optimal
rehabilitation.” Health education resources include
Autism Research at NICHD and numerous publications that can be downloaded on topics ranging from Autism and Fragile X to Rett Syndrome.
The mission of NIMH is to “to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.” They provide information on ADHD, ADD and Autism Spectrum Disorders for professionals, individuals with LD and their caregivers.
