Organizations and Agencies Specializing in Disabilities
The organizations listed below provide information and services for students with disabilities and the professionals with whom they work. TeachingLD and the Division for Learning Disabilities do not necessarily endorse all the positions these organizations take, but we often collaborate with many of these organizations on projects and initiatives.
> Learning Disabilities
Learning Disabilities Association (LDA)
LDA is a non-profit organization. Its purpose is to advance the education and general welfare of children and adults who manifest disabilities of a perceptual, conceptual, or coordinative nature. LDA’s Web site offers alerts and bulletins, links to other organizations, publications, and contact information.
Council for Learning Disabilities (CLD)
CLD is an international organization that promotes new research and effective ways to teach people with learning disabilities. The CLD Web site offers conference information, updates on scholarly initiatives, general information about learning disabilities, and research reports.
National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
NCLD is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting public awareness and understanding of learning disabilities as well as enabling children and adults with learning disabilities to achieve their full potential and enjoy a more fulfilling and productive participation in our society. The Web site includes: information about learning disabilities, research reports on strategies and instruction, summaries of political activity, and first person accounts.
International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
IDA is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with dyslexia, their families, and the communities that support them. IDA focuses its resources in four major areas: information and referral services, research, advocacy and direct services to professionals in the field of learning disabilities. The Web site includes information for parents, teachers, other professionals, and children.
> All Disabilities
California Association of Resource Specialists and Special Educators (CARS+)
CARS+ is an organization of special educators for special educators. CARS+ seeks to empower its members to provide the best possible services to the students that they serve. CARS+ does this through professional development and networking opportunities, as well as publications and an annual convention.
Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities–both students with disabilities and the gifted and talented. CEC offers information about current political initiatives, conferences and professional development, and membership in 17 specialized divisions.
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
The Web site of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs offers many resources. This site provides teachers, parents, and other professionals with information about grants, technical assistance programs, and research centers.
National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education
NCPSE provides information for recruiting, preparing, and retaining those interested in or currently serving children with disabilities.
The National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
NICHCY is the national information and referral center that provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators, and other professionals. The center’s special focus is children and youth (birth to age 22).
The HEATH Center
The HEATH Resource Center of The George Washington University Graduate School of Education and Human Development is the national clearinghouse on postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities. Support from the U.S. Department of Education enables the clearinghouse to serve as an information exchange about educational support services, policies, procedures, adaptations, and opportunities at American campuses, vocational-technical schools, and other postsecondary training entities.