The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) recently published their report on the state of learning disabilities in America. There are findings, both positive and negative, but mostly there is important information on how we as a nation can continue to educate ourselves about learning disabilities and help the children and adults struggling with these disabilities. From the number of Americans identified as learning disabled (roughly 4.67 million Americans) we can reasonably conclude that the education system will have their hands full providing special services. However, information regarding exactly which disabilities are prevalent send a different message entirely. The NCLD states: 

  "A report from a Presidential commission on special education in 2002 reported that up to 40% of children identified for special education were there because they weren’t taught to read rather than they had a true disability." (Cortiella, C.(2011), The State of Learning Disabilities. New York, NY: National Center for Learning Disabilities)

It would appear that effective strategies and programs that teach children how to become fluent, confident readers are the key to cutting (almost) in half, the number of children identified as learning disabled. The State of Learning Disabilities report not only provides documented facts and trends about learning disabilities and gives us "food for thought" on a subject that is prevalent in education today, but also provides a resource for those who are struggling with a disability as well as their families.

To read highlights or the full report, The State of Learning Disabilities, please follow this link:

http://www.ncld.org/stateofld#issuu

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