Kim Reynolds, Governor of the State of Iowa, has proclaimed October 2023 as LEARNING DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH.
In October of 1985, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5385, designating the month “National Learning Disabilities Month.” Here’s a portion of his speech from that day:
“Awareness of learning disabilities is one of the most important advances in education in recent years. As more and more Americans become aware, our citizens with learning disabilities will have even greater opportunity to lead full and productive lives and to make a contribution to our society.”
38 years later, people understand more about what learning disabilities are and what they are not. However, we still have a long way to go.
What can we do to promote understanding and awareness?
Dr. Analisa Smith, former LDA national board member and author of the article, “Recognize the Individual during LD Month,” suggests that we work within our own communities to bring attention to learning disabilities (LD) and to persons with LD.
Some simple ideas:
- Reach out to one person and teach them something they might not have known about LD.
- Email a link to an article, webinar or podcast from the LDA website, one of the state affiliate websites or another disability website such as Understood or National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities (NJCLD).
- Ask yourself, “What can I do to help an individual with LD realize their potential or see their merit?” and do it!
- Spread the word with these printable posters!