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Activities of the Division for Learning Disabilities

The organization is engaged in a myriad of activities to achieve its stated purposes. Major activities are led by the officers, committee chairs, and editors. Primary activities of DLD include:

Publications

DLD publishes:

• Learning Disabilities Research and Practice (a quarterly professional journal),
• The DLD Times PDF [8p, 4.6MB],
  A newsletter published three times a year for members
• Current Practice Alerts (a description of the effectiveness of current practices, e.g., mnemonics, coteaching).

Those interested in submitting manuscripts for Learning Disabilities Research and Practice (LDRP) may download the Instructions for Authors in PDF [2p, 12K].

Conferences

DLD sponsors an annual national conference that focuses on bridging the gap between research and practice for teachers. Major contributors in the field provide in-depth training on research-validated techniques and programs for teaching.

The Division also organizes sessions and exhibits as part of the annual Convention of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

Advocacy

DLD works with several other national organizations to advocate on behalf of persons with learning disabilities. Such activities include participation in:

• DLD works closely with CEC on policy issues related to specific learning disabilities. Please visit CEC's Public Policy website.

• The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD). This is a coalition of approximately 100 national disability organizations working together to advocate for national public policy that ensures the self determination, independence, empowerment, integration, and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society.
  
  The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and several of its divisions, including DLD, are active members of CCD. DLD participates on the Education Task Force of the consortium, which monitors federal legislation and regulations that address the educational needs of children with disabilities and their families, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs. The Education Task Force advocates for enhanced opportunities for children under these laws.

Forums for Discussion of National Issues:

DLD also participates with other national organizations in an attempt to provide a forum for discussion of national issues pertinent to persons with learning disabilities:

• The National Joint Committee on Learning Disability (NJCLD) to provide an interdisciplinary forum to review issues for educational and governmental agencies. The NJCLD also prepares and disseminates statements to various organizations to clarify issues in the area of learning disabilities;
• The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) Roundtable in conjunction with the US Dept. of Education’s Office of Special Education Program’s effort to debate significant current issues in relation to the law and specific learning disability. DLD leadership played a significant role in the LD Summit held in August 2001 in Washington, D.C.