WASHINGTON, DC – March 11, 2021 – One year after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act ushers in a long-overdue and meaningful influx of federal funding to support school recovery efforts. The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) commends the leaders within the White House and Congress who have worked to prioritize the needs of students and families disproportionately impacted by the events of the last year. Their efforts have ensured that the Act includes targeted funding for special education that will support students with disabilities.

“The passage of the American Rescue Plan Act is an essential step in the right direction; yet, much work remains ahead of us,” commented Lindsay Jones, President and CEO of NCLD. “The pandemic has exacerbated the long-standing inequities that have held back students with disabilities. The inclusion of $3 billion in funding for special education is a much-needed infusion for our schools.

“Students with disabilities are in every classroom in our nation. We won’t fix education until we address their needs,” Jones added. “We look forward to working with Governors and state leaders to find ways to get these dollars to the students and families who need them most. Together, we can invest funds equitably and innovatively in ways that will support and accelerate learning for students with disabilities.”

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ABOUT NCLD

The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is the leading organization representing the learning disability community. NCLD improves the lives of all people with learning disabilities and attention issues by empowering parents, enabling young adults, transforming schools, and creating policy and advocacy impact. Learn more and read the latest news at www.ncld.org. 

For more information, please contact:
Meghan Whittaker, Director of Policy & Advocacy
mwhittaker@ncld.org