It is hard to believe 2012 is almost over! Looking back at the year, there were many different ingredients that made a difference in the grand recipe of policy success for students with learning disabilities. We work hard in Washington, DC to protect the rights of students with learning disabilities and to keep you posted on what is happening on the hill. Here’s a quick review of 2012 highlights!

January
NCLD launched an anti-bully campaign and took action to support the Safe Schools Improvement Act!

The Boston Herald publishes an editorial by NCLD’s Professional Advisory Board member, Dr. Thomas Hehir, entitled “Leave No Disabled Student Behind,” stating opposition to the Senate ESEA bill that did not hold schools accountable for the performance and achievement of all students, including those most at risk for drop out and not completing high school.

February
NCLD led a group visit to Capitol Hill during an ESEA hearing to tell Congress not to harm our kids. Staff, parents, and other organizations wore red shirts and blue buttons that stated our opposition to the House Republican ESEA bills because there would be no accountability for students with disabilities and they would be taken off track from earning a regular high school diploma.

NCLD was invited to the White House! NCLD parent leaders, youth with LD, and members of our Board joined a roundtable discussion on special education issues with the White House and U.S. Department of Education officials.

The Department of Education granted 35 states waivers because Congress did not reauthorize ESEA (currently known as No Child Left Behind). These were granted in return for states’ agreement to implement state-designed reforms.

March
NCLD launched a campaign to support the ABLE Act which allows children and adults with disabilities to accrue tax-free savings without risking the loss of other vital government benefits.

April
The Congressional dyslexia caucus was formed by Representatives Pete Stark (D-CA) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) to work across party lines to educate members and the public about dyslexia.

May
NCLD’s public policy director, Laura Kaloi, created informational videos about our comprehensive Parents Guide to IDEA and our action-oriented LD Advocates Guide.

NCLD got involved with the Keeping all Students Safe Act, which would establish a national minimum standard to protect children nationwide from being secluded or restrained for hours in school.

June
On June 7 and 8, 2012, NCLD parent leaders visited Congressional offices to build LD awareness and discuss important legislative education issues for children with LD.

July
NCLD sent Presidential candidates’ campaigns a questionnaire on important LD issues. President Obama’s campaign sent us a response.

August
NCLD created an election site to inform you about where candidates stood on important LD education issues.

NCLD led efforts to ensure that the federal investment in new “common core” assessments are based on the latest research and best practice.

September
On September 28, 2012, NCLD co-sponsored the National Forum on Disability Issues. It is the only forum that invites Presidential candidates to discuss disability issues with the disability community.

October
Our public policy newsletter – LD Action – and “Happening on the Hill” website area debuted to give you DC insider information no matter where you live! If you haven’t yet, sign up to receive our newsletter and check out our Happening on the Hill page!

November
The 2012 Presidential election took place November 6, 2012. Know where President Obama stands on important education issues that affect you and your child!

The terms “sequestration” and “fiscal cliff” lead daily news stories and will continue to be prevalent until the budget crisis is resolved. Congress must make important decisions on cuts to federal spending. Let Congress know: Don’t Cut our Kids’ Education!

December
NCLD asked parents to tell the U.S. Senate to vote “yes” on the Conventional Rights for Persons with Disabilities treaty (CRPD). The vote was not successful – a disappointment because the CRPD treaty would have implemented the Americans with Disabilities Act in a global way and at no cost!

On the Calendar for Early 2013

February 6, 2013 -- Digital Learning Day
•    NCLD to partner with the Alliance for Excellent Education on a webinar about digital learning. Stay tuned to learn how you can join in for this day!     

February 2013 -- Webinar on 113th Congress Priorities
•    Join NCLD’s event to find out what may impact you and your child with a learning disability.

March 2013 -- Roundtable on Common Core Standards and Students with Disabilities
•    NCLD to discuss with experts and thought leaders what the common core standards mean for students with learning disabilities.  

Early Summer 2013 -- Parent Conference, Washington, DC.
•    More details coming soon!

We look forward to working with you in the coming year!