The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services has released a series of guidelines for the consideration of state and local education agencies on working with students with learning disabilities.

"Too often, children with learning and attention issues are defined by their limitations rather than their strengths,” said Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Michael Yudin. First and foremost, the guidelines clarify “that the list of conditions in the definition of 'specific learning disability,’which includes dyslexia, is not an exhaustive list of conditions which may qualify a child as a student with a learning disability.”

The guidelines also encourage states to review policies to ensure that the learning disabilities dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia are not prohibited from use in evaluations, eligibility, and IEP documents.

It also reminds states that addressing the needs of students with the above mentioned disabilities is crucial during IEP Team and parent meetings.

"The Department is committed to ensuring students with specific learning disabilities — such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia — receive a high-quality education,” Yudin said.

The guidelines come just in time for the close of Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) awareness month.

The Department hopes the clarifications found in the newly released guidance will help ensure students with learning disabilities receive a high quality education across the nation. 

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Article by Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor

10/27/2015