Learn how a group of parents and professionals started LDA and led the push for passage of the first federal legislation mandating a free, appropriate, public education for students with disabilities. Find out about our volunteer leadership, staff, and professional advisors and get a taste of LDA’s positions on issues that are important to individuals with learning disabilities. If you would like to get involved in the leadership of LDA, please contact us.

Vision and Mission

LDA Visualizes a World in Which: all individuals with learning disabilities are empowered to thrive and participate fully in society; the incidence of learning disabilities is reduced; and learning disabilities are universally understood and effectively addressed. LDA’s mission is to create opportunities for success for all individuals affected by learning disabilities and to reduce the incidence of learning disabilities in future generations.

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History of LDA

In 1963, a resourceful group of parents convened a conference in Chicago entitled "Exploration into the Problems of the Perceptually Handicapped Child." The professionals that participated and these parents shared a common concern: the recognition of the dire need for services for their children, services that did not exist. During the months that followed, many preliminary details towards formation of a national organization were worked out. With a core of volunteers agreeing to become its nucleus, the Association for Children with Learning Disabilities (ACLD) was created and incorporated in January, 1964.

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LDA Organizational Staff, Directors and Officers

Contact members of the LDA National Office and learn more about the professionals and experts who serve LDA as members of its governing and advisory boards.

LDA Staff and National Office
Board of Directors
Professional Advisory Board
Learning Disabilities Foundation

The Learning Disabilities Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity established in 1979 dedicated to providing funds for research and education and the promotion of public awareness of both children and adults with learning disabilities. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide support for charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes, and for the accurate identification, ongoing evaluation and complete education of, and services for, children and adults with learning disabilities.