MEDIA CONTACTS:
Marcia Griffith- Pauyo with NCLD: (646) 616-1210, mg@ncld.org
Myrna Mandlawitz with LDA: (202) 686-1637, mrmassociates@verizon.net
National Center for Learning Disabilities, Learning Disabilities Association of America Call on DeVos to Divest in ADHD Company, Citing Harmful Conflict of Interest
Washington, DC (January 30, 2017) – The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) and the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) are calling on U.S. Secretary of Education nominee, Betsy DeVos, to immediately withdraw her significant financial holdings in Neurocore to avoid a conflict of interest and the appearance of impropriety.
Neurocore is a company that claims – without any rigorous research base to support such claims –to provide effective treatment for children and adults with ADHD. Ms. DeVos has an investment of $5 million – $25 million in Neurocore, raising questions regarding her ability to be objective on related policy matters impacting the 6.4 million students with ADHD, if she is to assume the nation’s top education post.
NCLD and LDA– organizations that work on behalf of children, families and educators impacted by ADHD – are deeply concerned that if Ms. DeVos retains her holdings in Neurocore, a conflict of interest may arise that prevents the Department of Education from addressing policies that impact children with ADHD. Any such action serves as a disservice to the students and educators who rely on the U.S. Department of Education for enforcement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These laws provide many students with ADHD important federal protections and civil rights.
About the National Center for Learning Disabilities: www.ncld.org
The mission of NCLD is to improve the lives of the 1 in 5 children and adults nationwide with learning and attention issues—by empowering parents and young adults, transforming schools and advocating for equal rights and opportunities. We’re working to create a society in which every individual possesses the academic, social and emotional skills needed to succeed in school, at work and in life.
About the Learning Disabilities Association of America: www.ldaamerica.org
LDA’s mission is to create opportunities for success for all individuals affected by learning disabilities and to reduce the incidence of learning disabilities in future generations.
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