The State of Learning Disabilities

NCLD, with the State of Learning Disabilities, has published a critical report that will further the debate over how to strengthen the programs and policies we have in place to serve and protect students and adults with learning disabilities.

- Thomas H. Kean, NCLD Board Member and former Governor of New Jersey

Overview

The State of Learning Disabilities: Facts, Trends and Indicators provides the authoritative national and state-by-state snapshot of learning disabilities (LD) in the United States, and their impact on the ability of students and adults to achieve educational success and employment. This publication also clarifies what a learning disability is and explains the common misperceptions associated with LD. See below for highlights and key take-aways or read the State of Learning Disabilities >

In the U.S.

The U.S. Survey of Income and Program Participation survey shows the LD prevalence rate among the U.S. population (ages 6 and older) to be 1.8%, totaling 4.67 million Americans.

Males are much more likely to have acknowledged learning disabilities than females.
The unemployment rate for those with LD was twice that of those without LD

In the Schools

Increasing the graduation rate of students with LD and reducing the dropout rate are among the many pressing issues for these students.

Students with LD experience disciplinary actions at a much higher rate than those without LD.
2.4 million American public school students identified with LD as eligible under IDEA. (Source: IDEA Part B Child Count, 2010, Students ages 6-21.)

LD Beyond School

There are major disconnects between high school and postsecondary education which create obstacles for students with LD.

Often students with LD have lower aspirations regarding their own postsecondary education
Just under 11% of undergraduates reported having some type of disability.

Conclusions

As the nature of LD continues to be better understood and the particular needs of those with these neurological differences are more well defined, success in all aspects of life should become more achievable for a larger number of Americans with LD.

Both research and public policy must continue to support such advances. To learn more about the State of Learning Disabilities, download the publication or read it below.

Read The State of Learning Disabilities

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The State of Learning Disabilities is a bienniel publication. Download the 2011 State of Learning of Learning Disabilities >

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