Pittsburgh, PA (March 15, 2020) – With schools moving to online instruction or closing for an extended period of time, there is a concern for students with disabilities, including learning disabilities like dyslexia, who receive services through an IEP or Section 504 Plan.

The Learning Disabilities Association of America has made its experts available to answer questions that concerned parents and educators have about how remote learning will affect a student with a learning disability. Through its Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/LDAAmerica, people can submit their questions to LDA’s experts in the field of learning disabilities. This access to information will provide guidance to help navigate the learning disabilities community through these unprecedented waters.

“Students with learning disabilities often receive small group direct instruction and related services such as speech and language therapy – it is unclear how this will work with schools moving to an online format.  Students with learning disabilities struggle to keep up without this specialized instruction, and will not only fail to progress, but may actually lose the progress they have made thus far”, said LDA Executive Director, Cindy Cipoletti.

Online instruction is not always set up for accommodations that students with learning disabilities need and are required to have.  For example, extended time on tests or oral examinations are common accommodations that are required.

LDA President and Adjunct Professor at Temple University, Monica McHale-Small, PhD, explains that “without these accommodations in place in an online setting, students with learning disabilities are at a disadvantage and their educational progress is at risk. Many members of LDA have experience with these instructional programs and services, as well as the difficulties students with learning disabilities encounter with remote learning. We will be working hard to post helpful resources to support students and their families.”

LDA supports the efforts of schools who are working diligently to ensure that the needs of students with learning disabilities are adequately met and will collaborate with parents and educators to help with these efforts.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Cindy Cipoletti, Executive Director, 412.341.1515 ext. 206, ccipoletti@ldaamerica.org, www.ldaamerica.org

The Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) is a non-profit organization of parents, educators, adults with LD, and professionals. LDA’s mission is to create opportunities for success for all individuals affected by learning disabilities through support, education, and advocacy. For more information go to www.ldaamerica.org.