How to lower the arsenic in your family’s rice
A daily staple for many families, rice has hidden health risks. The Learning Disabilities Association participated in another food testing project with Healthy Babies Bright Futures and other partners. LDA helped submit rice samples from Arkansas, Maine, and South Carolina. In total, 145 samples of rice were tested and 100% had arsenic and all but […]
LDA Recognizes Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and LDA of America’s Mental Health Committee highlights the link between learning disabilities and mental health disorders. Understanding this connection is crucial, as individuals with learning disabilities often face challenges that can impact their mental well-being. Throughout this month, we encourage open conversations about mental health, promote resources for […]
IEPs & 504 Plans Post-Executive Order: A Q&A with a Special Education Attorney
This Q&A is based on the most current information available shared during an April 9, 2025 webinar with Heidi Goldsmith of Bradley Goldsmith Law, a member of LDA’s Professional Advisory Committee. What Does the Department of Education Do? The U.S. Department of Education plays a vital role in ensuring that children with disabilities receive the […]
Now is the Time: Stepping Up for Students with Learning Disabilities
Today’s students face immense challenges, but for those with learning disabilities, the barriers are even greater. With the right resources, these students can thrive—but without them, too many fall behind. Teachers are doing their best, but they need tools, training, and support to make inclusive education a reality. According to a recent national study, 96% of […]
LDA Webinar: Cognitive Control: ADHD and Dyslexia
Join us on April 30, 2025, 3:30pm ET, for Cognitive Control: ADHD and Dyslexia. Given the brain’s vertical organization, motor functioning is foundational for both brain development and cognitive control. Even mild delays in motor development and procedural learning can be risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders. This webinar will explore the proposed link between implicit […]
PFAS Chemicals
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals are used to make materials grease and water-resistant. These chemicals are also harmful to our health and are nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they do not break down. PFAS chemicals are linked to many health effects including cancer, immune suppression, and may also make vaccines less effective. The Centers for […]
How the Special Education Teacher Shortage Affects Students with LD, and What to Do About it
Allison Gilmour, American Institutes for Research Loretta Mason-Williams, Binghamton University Elizabeth Bettini, Boston University The research reported here was supported by the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, through Grant R324C240002 to the American Institutes for Research. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent views of the Institute […]
The Potential Impact the Closure of the Department of Education would have on Children with Disabilities
The U.S. Department of Education plays a vital role in ensuring that children with disabilities receive the support, services, and legal protections they need to access quality education. Without federal oversight and guidance, many students with disabilities could face discrimination, lack of resources, or inadequate educational opportunities. In short, the Department of Education works to […]
Meet Our Board of Directors: Mark DiPietro, Vice Chair
How Do Your Background, Areas of Expertise, and Interests Serve LDA’s Mission? For 11 years, I was vice president for marketing and communications at Landmark College, the premier college for students with learning disabilities and attention challenges. During that time, I was surrounded by experts in the field of LD and was immersed in teaching […]
NJCLD’s Statement on the Function & Role of the U.S. Department of Education
The Learning Disabilities Association of America is proud to be a member of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities (NJCLD), a collaborative organization dedicated to providing leadership and resources that enhance outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities. Read NJCLD’s statement on the vital role of the U.S. Department of Education in ensuring equal access […]