The Learning Disabilities Association of America stands with NCLD in condemning recent remarks made by the Administration suggesting that someone with a learning disability should not serve as president, and thus associating learning disabilities with low intelligence.
In fact, individuals with learning disabilities are capable of high levels of educational and career achievement when provided with the appropriate education and support.
Learning disabilities like dyslexia (reading), dyscalculia (math), and dysgraphia (writing), impact how the brain processes information and can make learning more challenging, but not impossible. Numerous professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, and researchers with learning disabilities often credit working through their challenges with building their resilience and ability to persevere in the face of adversity.
Over 2.3 million students in the United States have been diagnosed with a learning disability. Even in 2026, many are sitting in classrooms where they are misunderstood, and told they are not intelligent, or have limited potential.
Learning disabilities are lifelong, and the stigma attached to LD can follow these students into adulthood. Many employees are afraid to disclose their learning disability in the workplace, even to receive accommodations, because of the real possibility of experiencing discrimination.
LDA was born out of the efforts of parents, professionals and individuals with LD to secure educational rights and remove obstacles to career and life success that stem from misunderstanding and stigma. For over 60 years, LDA has battled the stigma against learning disabilities, and in 2026 there is still work to be done. Our voices are needed to ensure that hard fought rights are protected. Please consider joining or donating to LDA today so we can continue our important advocacy work!
