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National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities

Founded in 1975, the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities (NJCLD) is a national committee of representatives of organizations committed to the education and welfare of individuals with learning disabilities. More than 350,000 individuals constitute the membership of the organizations represented by the NJCLD.

LD OnLine is pleased to serve as the official web site for the NJCLD.

Click below for the following information:

Mission statement

The mission of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities (NJCLD) is to provide multi-organizational leadership and resources to optimize outcomes for individuals with learning disabilities.

To pursue its mission, the NJCLD will:

Facilitate communication, collaboration, and consensus among member organizations.
Identify and address needs in research, policy, and professional education and development related to learning disabilities.
Provide an interdisciplinary forum to increase communication and understanding among educational organizations, community, and governmental agencies at the national, state, and local levels.
Act as an advocate and make recommendations on key issues affecting individuals with learning disabilities.
Develop and disseminate statements, reports, and other resources in the area of learning disabilities to clarify issues, influence policy, improve practice, and increase knowledge.

LD Definition

The current definition of learning disabilities was formally adopted by the NJCLD in 1990.

NJCLD fact sheet

Click here to download the NJCLD fact sheet.

Member organizations

The member organizations of NJCLD are the following:

Web resources

Including Samuel Project at the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire, is committed to social change and promoting inclusive opportunities for all students through film/photojournalism, web resources, training and professional development, and cross-stakeholder collaboration.
Learning Ally: Learning Through Listening Classroom Tools, Sound Advice

NJCLD news

Read the July 2011 newsletter for the latest news from the NJCLD and the 12 member organizations.

NJCLD hosts May 23, 2011 symposium, "Affirming the Validity of the LD Construct: Implications for Policy, Research, and Practice."

NJCLD hosts June 4, 2010 symposium, "Comprehensive Assessment and Evaluation of Students with LD."

NJCLD hosts June 5, 2009 symposium, "Adolescent Literacy and Students with Learning Disabilities: Building Effective Programs & Partnerships."

PowerPoint Presentations from the symposium:

Adolescent Literacy and Older Students with Learning Disabilities by Froma Roth
Reflecting on the Field of Adolescent Literacy: Perspectives from NICHD by Brett Miller
Complex and Challenging: Understanding Adolescent Literacy Instruction by Nancy Hennessy
Designing Systems Change by Barbara Moore

NJCLD hosts May 30, 2008 symposium on "Transition to Higher Education for Students with Learning Disabilities: Building Effective Partnerships and Resources"

PowerPoint Presentations from the symposium:

Capitol Hill Update by Laura Kaloi
Secondary Perspective on Transition by Carol Kochhar-Bryant
Access to Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities: One State's Efforts to Address the Documentation Issues by Elizabeth Evans Getzel
Summit Report: Access to Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities, from the Virginia Higher Education Leadership Partners

NJCLD reports and helpful resources

Suggested citation for NJCLD papers: National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities. (Year, Month). Title of report. Retrieved on (give date) from www.ldonline.org/njcld

The following reports and articles are recommended reading by NJCLD. They are listed in chronological order beginning with the most recently published report first.

Learning Disabilities: Implications for Policy Regarding Research and Practice (2011) (53K PDF)*
Comprehensive Assessment and Evaluation of Students with Learning Disabilities (2010) (122 K PDF)*
The report is intended to inform administrators, educators, parents, and others concerned about the effective identification and education of students with learning disabilities about the components, processes, and participants necessary for comprehensive assessment and evaluation, as well as optimal practices that should further enhance the education of students with learning disabilities.
Executive Summary of Comprehensive Assessment and Evaluation of Students with Learning Disabilities (2010) (24 K PDF)*
Adolescent Literacy and Older Students with Learning Disabilities (2008) (209K PDF)*
This report describes the adolescent literacy problem (grades 4 to 12), its consequences, and contributing factors. Guiding principles for assessment, instruction, and professional development, as well as recommendations for short-term and future consideration, are also addressed.
- Executive Summary of Adolescent Literacy and Older Students with Learning Disabilities report (27K PDF)*
- Adolescent Literacy Reference List (55K PDF)*
The Documentation Disconnect for Students with Learning Disabilities: Improving Access to Postsecondary Disability Services (2007) (56K PDF)*
The purpose of this report is to outline the issues affecting documentation for postsecondary disability services and to suggest ways to bridge the gap between secondary and postsecondary settings.
- Executive Summary of the Documentation Disconnect report (24K PDF)*
Transition to School and Work: A blueprint for your child's success after high school (2007) (226K PDF)*
This brochure on transition planning makes a helpful resource for parents.
Learning Disabilities and Young Children: Identification and Intervention (2006) (179.1K PDF)*
This paper addresses early identification, services, supports, and intervention for young children, birth through 4 years, who demonstrate delays in development that may place them at risk for later identification as having a learning disability.
Responsiveness to Intervention and Learning Disabilities (2005) (152K PDF)*
This report examines the concepts, potential benefits, practical issues, and unanswered questions associated with "responsiveness to intervention" (RTI) and learning disabilities.
State and District-Wide Assessments and Students with Learning Disabilities: A Guide for States and School Districts (2004) (142K PDF)*
This report highlights issues and offers guidance on sound implementation of state and district-wide assessments to ensure equal access by students with learning disabilities.
Learning Disabilities: Issues in Higher Education (1999) (107K PDF)*
Professional Development for Teachers (1999) (20K PDF)*
This report outlines professional development as an ongoing process of continuous improvement.

Contact information

Stan Dublinske, NJCLD Secretary/Treasurer
Senior Advisor for Planning
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Phone: 301-296-5707
Email: sdublinske@asha.org

Mary Beth Klotz, PhD, NCSP, NJCLD Chair
Director, IDEA Projects and Technical Assistance
National Association of School Psychologists
Phone: 301-347-1643
Email: mbklotz@naspweb.org