October is LD and ADHD Awareness Month
by Solvegi Shmulsky
PUTNEY, Vt.--The neurodiversity of millions of Americans who live with an LD or ADHD is nationally recognized in October. The term "neurodiversity" reframes disability by shifting focus to the bounty of diverse minds around us. LD Awareness Month, first designated in 1985 by U.S. President Ronald Reagan, aims to advance understanding about LD. October is also ADHD Awareness Month, named by the U.S. Senate as a single day in 2004 and later expanded.
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In the U.S., one in six is affected by a condition that makes learning difficult, and the rates have been climbing for decades. According to the CDC, ADHD affects the greatest number of students, at an overall rate of 11 percent. The prevalence of LD is 5 to 7 percent, and ASD is 1.4 percent. While intellect, creativity, and talent abound in these learners, many do not achieve at a rate that matches their peers unless they have access to supports designed for them.
Dr. Peter Eden, Landmark College president, explained the importance of raising LD awareness in October—even at an institution with a year-round neurodiversity focus. He said, “We are particularly eager to help raise awareness this month, when many other institutions and agencies redouble efforts to enlighten society of the strengths and the challenges related to LD. To realize the transformational power of education, it is critical for the contributions and needs of all learners to be better understood within the wider culture.”
At Landmark College, the second annual LD Innovation Symposium on October 3 kicked off LD Awareness Month. Throughout the month, members of the community are encouraged to join the national effort by learning something new about LD and ADHD—and sharing their stories with others.
LD Awareness: LD Online suggests ways to make a difference this October. Awareness-boosting activities include teaching someone something new about LD, learning about a famous figure who has LD, and participating in social media. For those seeking inspiration north of the border, “Don’t DIS my ABILITY” is the theme of the Canadian LD Awareness Month, also in October.
ADHD Awareness: This year’s theme, “The Many Faces of ADHD,” encourages individuals to share their stories. CHADD joined with other major ADHD organizations to raise awareness about ADHD via social media. Infographics and information will be shared at #ADHDAwareness. Partners include the National Resource Center on ADHD, ADDitude Magazine, and ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO).
In 1985, President Reagan wrote, “The crowning wonder of our marvelous universe is the human brain…an organ of awesome complexity.” Since then, knowledge about neurodevelopment, cognition, and classroom behavior has grown substantially. An organ of “awesome complexity,” the brain is also an organ of awesome diversity from one individual to the next, and LD and ADHD Awareness Month is an opportunity to honor these differences.
Landmark College was the first institution of higher learning to pioneer college-level studies for students with dyslexia. Today, Landmark College is a global leader in integrated teaching methods for students with learning disabilities (including dyslexia), ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The College offers two- and four-year degree options, a graduate-level certificate in universal design with technology integration, and summer programs for students who learn differently. Students, faculty, and professionals from around the world are drawn to Landmark College for its innovative educational model, designed through research and practice to help all students become confident, empowered, and independently successful learners.