LD Overview

Looking for the basics about Learning Disabilities (LD)? The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) provides information and key resources that provide a broad introduction to different learning disabilities and related topics.  Browse through the links below to find important documents from the NDLD and other well-known LD experts and organizations.

Introduction and Background Information
Additional Resources on the Web 

Introduction and Background Information

LD Fact Sheets
The National Center for Learning Disabilities created these useful fact sheets in cooperation with its distinguished Professional Advisory Board.  Based on reliable information and research, these documents offer a quick introduction to different learning disabilities and related topics.  Take a look at LD at a Glance to get the facts on learning disabilities in general and learn how they affect people at different ages.  You can also read valuable information on Dyslexia, Information Processing Disorders, Executive Functioning, and much more.

Learning Disabilities: What They Are, and What They Are Not 
NCLD's Director of Professional Services, Dr. Sheldon Horowitz, sets the record straight on the widely misunderstood category of Learning Disabilities and gives a brief overview of the federal laws that impact students with disabilities.

Checklist of LD Signs & Symptoms 
This Learning Disabilities Checklist is designed as a helpful guide and not as a tool to pinpoint specific learning disabilities. The more characteristics you check, the more likely that the individual described is at risk for (or shows signs of) learning disabilities.

Do I Have LD? Knowing For Sure in Adulthood
Outlines three key steps to finding out if you have a learning disability as an adult and offers advice on recognizing warning signs. In this section, you will learn the benefits of getting tested, access information on where to seek professional help, and get in-depth resources on living with LD.

National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities (NJCLD) Reports
NJCLD is comprised of representatives from key organizations (including NCLD) that are committed to the education and well-being of individuals with learning disabilities. NJCLD's major purpose is to provide an interdisciplinary forum to review core issues for educational and governmental agencies.  Click on the link above for a list of recent reports on important LD topics.

Grades K-8: Additional Resources
This page provides links to useful outside resources so that you can go into greater depth on related topics.  You may also want to look through the High School and Adulthood Resources page for a list of important sites organized by topic.

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Additional Resources on the Web

Key Organizations:

Learning Disabilities Association of America 
A national non-profit with state & local chapters that provides cutting edge information on learning disabilities, practical solutions, and a comprehensive network of resources.

National Institute for Learning Disabilities 
A non-profit organization that was established to meet the needs of students and adults with learning disabilities through an individualized program of educational therapy.

Learning Disabilities Worldwide 
A non-profit, volunteer organization that works to enhance the lives of individuals with learning disabilities, with a special emphasis on the underserved. 

Council for Learning Disabilities
An international organization that promotes effective teaching and research on learning disabilities.

International Dyslexia Association (IDA) 
A non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with dyslexia, their families, and the communities that support them.

Division for Learning Disabilities
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
The CEC works to improve services, research, and legislation for individuals with learning disabilities.

Focus on Learning 
A project of the Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities (CCLD)

LD Resources
This site contains lists of tools, schools, organizations and professionals and other resources for the LD community as well as articles and commentaries written by people with learning disabilities.

Schwab Learning 
A parent's guide to helping kids with learning difficulties.

National Center for the Education of African American Children with Learning Disabilities 
This Web site provides information and resources to increase awareness and promote an understanding of the specific issues facing African American children with learning difficulties.

WrightsLaw
This site offers accurate, reliable information about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities.  It includes articles, key cases, and free resources for parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys.

General Information/Overviews of LD:

Learning Disabilities Fact Sheet
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)

Diagnosing and Treating Learning Disabilities
American Academy of Pediatrics

Learning Disabilities - An Overview
SchwabLearning.org

LD In Depth: About LD
LDOnline.org

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