NCLD - Mission and History

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Mission and History | Print |

The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) works to ensure that the nation's 15 million children, adolescents and adults with learning disabilities have every opportunity to succeed in school, work and life.

NCLD provides essential information to parents, professionals and individuals with learning disabilities, promotes research and programs to foster effective learning and advocates for policies to protect and strengthen educational rights and opportunities.

Since its beginning, NCLD has been led by passionate and devoted parents committed to creating better outcomes for children, adolescents and adults with learning disabilities.

Founded in 1977 by Pete and Carrie Rozelle as the Foundation for Children with Learning Disabilities, the organization provided leadership, public awareness and grants to support research and innovative practices in learning disabilities.

In 1989 the organization changed its name to the National Center for Learning Disabilities and expanded its mission and scope of work.  Anne Ford assumed the role of Chairman of the Board at the time and led the organization for 12 years.

In 2001, John G. Gantz, Jr., past president of Argonaut Insurance Company, succeeded Mrs. Ford.  In 2004 the leadership of NCLD was passed to Fred Poses, Chairman and CEO of American Standard Companies.

Throughout its history, NCLD has been guided by a passionate commitment to promoting the success and dignity of individuals affected by learning disabilities, as defined in our Credo:

NCLD Credo:

Let no children be demeaned,
or have their wonder diminished,
because of our ignorance or inactivity;

Let no adults be deprived of discovery,
because we lack the resources to
discover their learning needs;

Let neither children nor adults -- ever --
doubt themselves or their minds because
we are unsure of our commitment.