The 62nd annual LDA conference, held in Orlando in February, was a three-day whirlwind of speakers, sessions, and great information for special education teachers and leaders. Board members Paula Hamp and Honora Wall were happy to represent LDA Iowa at the Renaissance Orlando Hotel near SeaWorld (sadly, there wasn’t time to hit the theme parks!). We’re proud to say that Dr. Wall was voted onto the national LDA Board of Directors at the conference, serving a three-year term bringing Iowa’s concerns to the national stage. Both Honora and Paula hope to increase membership, services, and awareness of LDA around our state.
The conference included excellent keynote speakers, hundreds of break-out sessions, and a room full of vendors. Connections were made with LDA members from Minnesota, Virginia, New Jersey, and other states. LDA Minnesota is considering regional events or resource sharing; watch this space for updates! We are stronger together, and we can go farther if we share resources. Plus, we can make friends across our closest borders.
LDA Iowa was recognized at the State Delegates Assembly for our work on the soon-to-be-released Parent Guide. It felt great to have the hard work and dedication of the committee recognized by our peers.
In the individual sessions, Paula looked for ADHD and executive function-related speakers, and Honora enjoyed presentations on dyscalculia, her focus area. She plans to submit a proposal or two for the next conference.
Speaking of that, mark your calendars: LDACON 63 will be held February 2026 in St. Louis, Missouri. That’s an easy drive from the Hawkeye State– make plans to join us!