About Us


The Division for Learning Disabilities (DLD) is one of 17 special interest groups of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted.

Since the early 1980s, DLD has worked on behalf of students with learning disabilities and the professionals who serve them. As the largest division of CEC, DLD promotes efforts to meet the needs of more 2.8 million school-aged children and youth currently receiving special education services for identified learning disabilities in the United States. DLD was among the first organizations to endorse evidence-based practice and continues to support the use of methods, materials, techniques, procedures, and approaches that have substantial research foundations.

Supported primarily by volunteers, DLD strives to serve its members through a variety of activities that include several print publications, an annual conference, grants and awards, and this Web site. In addition, DLD supports subdivisions in many states. Please explore this section to learn more about the many facets of our organization.

After you get to know us, we hope you will consider becoming a member and begin to enjoy the many benefits of DLD membership.

The Division for Learning Disabilities is a tax-exempt non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization. For information on its constitution, by-laws, or 990 returns, please contact our Executive Director.