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According to the National Institute of Health, fifteen percent of the U.S. population, or one in seven Americans, has some type of learning disability. (Click Here for LD Definition) These differences do not go away – they are lifelong – and yet are often undetected because they cannot be seen.
A lack of information and awareness of this "invisible handicap" has jeopardized the future of many children, but the negative impact is greater for those who are already considered disadvantaged. In addition, the lack of cultural sensitivity in assessment and testing has resulted in mislabeling and a disproportionate representation of African American children in the various categories of special education.
The National Association for the Education of African American Children with Learning Disabilities (NAEAACLD) was founded in 1999 for the purpose of increasing awareness and promoting an understanding of the specific issues facing African American children. The organization’s mission is to link information and resources provided by an established network of individuals and organizations experienced in minority research and special education with parents, educators, and others responsible for providing a quality education for all students.
The NAEAACLD believes that any program implemented to benefit African American children will benefit all children. The ability of the organization to fulfill its goals is based on the premise that can best be described in a quote from Ron Edmonds in the Study of Effective Schools Programs:
"We can, whenever and wherever we choose,
educate all children whose schooling is of interest to us.
We already know more than we need to do that.
Whether or not we do finally depends upon how we feel
about the fact that we haven't thus far."
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