I love a good national recognition day. This week alone, my calendar lists four different days of recognition, from National Clean-up Day to Punctuation Day. Who can’t appreciate an entire day dedicated to cleanliness? And punctuation? Don’t even get me started...I do tend to be a stickler for the rules of writing. But four different national recognition days in one week may seem a bit excessive. Moreover, it can often feel that the more we recognize, the less impactful many of these important days become.
Blogger Lisa Bruns, M.Ed., Special Education, shares her expertise of students with learning disabilities. As a special educator, she has expert knowledge of interventions and accommodations that students may need to succeed in and out of the classroom. If you have questions, please contact Center Director Lisa Bruns at .
Hopefully, not lost in all of the noise of one national day of recognition after another is a very significant month for educators and families with children who struggle in school. The entire month of October is now recognized as LD/ADHD Awareness Month, which was originally designated LD Month in 1985 through a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan. Organizations such as Springer School and Center use this month to educate the public about learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Strikingly, one in five children in the United States have learning and attention issues such as dyslexia or ADHD. Even more problematic, a report released by the National Center for Learning Disabilities cited stigma, low expectations, and lack of understanding significantly contribute to an increased likelihood of grade retention, suspension, and school dropout. All of these factors ultimately contribute to the wider issue of more than half, 55%, of young adults with a learning disability or ADHD being involved with the justice system. These statistics are troubling and, to many, are a call to action.
Doing our part to help bring awareness to this issue, Springer recognizes and celebrates LD/ADHD Awareness Month through our Distinguished Speaker Series. This year, we are excited to welcome nationally recognized ADHD authority and YouTube sensation, Jessica McCabe. Please join us in spreading this important awareness and REGISTER NOW to hear Jessica speak directly to our community on September 30 at 6:30.