Policymakers in Washington, DC, and the rest of the nation listened on February 15, 2012, to “The Dyslexic Brain,” a featured program on National Public Radio’s The Diane Rehm Show. One of the featured experts was NCLD’s Director of Public Policy, Laura Kaloi.

Listen to “The Dyslexic Brain.”

Ms. Rehm was intrigued that Laura was not only the Director of Public Policy at NCLD, but that she has a husband and son with dyslexia. Other guests approached from a research perspective — they study learning and the brain:

• Dr. Brock Eide, clinician and co-author with Dr. Fernette Eide of "The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain"
• Jeffrey Gilger, professor, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, University of California, Merced
• Guinevere Eden , director, Center for the Study of Learning; professor, Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University Medical Center

Each week, The Diane Rehm Show reaches more than 2.2 million listeners across the country. The extensive reach of this show is important because it provides much-needed information to help others understand more about dyslexia from different perspectives and to provide information to families who may be struggling with their children’s learning disability. And, because The Diane Rehm Show is based in Washington, DC, it is particularly effective at reaching policymakers.

NCLD supports any and all efforts to increase awareness about dyslexia and other learning disabilities among policymakers, especially when key legislation — like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act  — is being reauthorized. We invite you to be part of our wider network of policy influencers and to participate by signing up for our Action Alerts. Together we can work to protect the rights of individuals with learning disabilities.