Learning Disabilities Association: An Invaluable
Resource
The Learning Disabilities Association of America strives to provide
an exhaustive resource for those affected by learning disabilities.
Separate sections of the website (www.ldaamerica.org) are designed
for Parents, Teachers, Professionals, and Adult sufferers. The
Association is extremely active in sponsoring scholarly research,
conferences, and seminars as well as educating the public.
Those who log onto the website for the first time should begin by
clicking on the "Start Here" logo. This link leads to a series of
pages that explain the basics of learning disabilities, diagnosis,
treatment, and so forth. The pages are very positive and can provide
reassurance to newly diagnosed adults with learning disabilities or
parents of learning disabled children.
Beyond the basics, the Learning Disabilities Association provides a
wealth of information on topics ranging from legal rights, to
assessment and classroom issues, to workplace issues. A particularly
nice feature in this section is dedicated to adults with learning
disabilities. Learning disabilities were not always recognized in
schools until a few years ago and even today, many children slip
through the cracks. Large numbers of adults with learning
disabilities have never been diagnosed. The Learning Disabilities
Association provides information on learning disabilities tests for
adults, as well as coping strategies and techniques for adults with
learning disabilities. Practical information is provided on dealing
with your learning disability at work as well as legal protections
that may be in place under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Learning Disabilities Association provides equally exhaustive
resources for parents of learning disabled children. Parents can
take a 4 hour self-paced training course on the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act. This helpful course educates parents on
the services that are provided under the Act and how to obtain them.
There is also information designed to help parents determine whether
their learning disabled children need special education programs or
learning disability schools, or whether assistive technology within
a mainstream classroom would be appropriate.
The Learning Disabilities Association website resources for
Professionals offer discussion and information on all aspects of
learning disability research. Specific learning disabilities are
covered at length, as are related conditions such as Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Additionally, information is given
on the legal aspects of learning disability treatment, such as the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
The website section for Teachers is invaluable. With the current
trend towards mainstreaming, it is statistically likely that every
classroom teacher will encounter learning disabled children in his
or her classroom. Many teachers are unfamiliar with the recognition,
assessment, and treatment of learning disabilities, yet it is often
the teacher that first encounters the symptoms. The Learning
Disabilities Association provides comprehensive information about
specific learning disabilities as well as learning disabilities in
general, which can help classroom teachers to become better
providers and advocates for the students with learning disabilities
in their care.
If your life is affected by a learning disability, be sure to seek
support from the Learning Disabilities Association. While learning
disabilities cannot currently be cured, they can be managed, and
information is your best support. Visit the website at
www.ldaamerica.org for a variety of resources.
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