Guide to Advocacy for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities
The National Center for Learning Disabilities and the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation have announced the release of the LD Advocates Guide, a handbook designed to provide simple, accessible instruction on how to work with the government and the media on issues affecting individuals with learning disabilities. The guide will provide critical help to parents working to make sure that the voices of those who struggle to learn are heard. It will be offered free, as a download from NCLD's Web site at www.LDadvocate.org.
"With almost three million school-age children with learning disabilities currently receiving special education services, the need for strong policy advocacy has never been more urgent," said Jodell Seagrave, managing director of Schwab Learning, a non-profit program of the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation.
The LD Advocates Guide offers a complete "how-to" reference on all aspects of public policy advocacy. Tasks that might seem daunting to a first-time advocate, such as writing a letter to a member of Congress or the press, are broken down into easy steps. Written in understandable language, the guide provides invaluable information for those wanting to play a role in the important area of public policy.
"We know that many parents stand ready to advocate for improvements in the policies and legislation that affect their children. The LD Advocates Guide provides them with helpful tools and information," NCLD executive director James H. Wendorf said.
"Parents are essential in ensuring that teachers are prepared to help children with learning disabilities; that children with LD receive effective instruction and accommodations when needed; and that the public has a better understanding of the realities and challenges those with learning disabilities face every day."
NCLD has been involved in public advocacy for individuals with LD since 1990. The organization has marshaled the support of thousands of parents and educators in their advocacy work and is actively involved in maintaining individual rights and improving federal law with regard to early identification of learning problems, early intervention, teacher preparation and increased educational funding. Over the past two years, NCLD's Legislative Action Center has helped individual advocates send over 70,000 emails to legislators and the media. The center is part of the both www.LD.org and www.KeepKidsLearning.org.#
To learn more about NCLD's work, visit www.LD.org , www.KeepKidsLearning.org, and www.GetReadytoRead.org. To learn more about the work of Schwab Learning, please visit www.SchwabLearning.org, a parent's guide to helping kids with learning difficulties.
