About Learning Disabilities

An estimated 11 million children in America are struggling due to a learning or attention problem. Each year, many reach young adulthood unprepared to manage the impact these learning difficulties have on their lives. As a result, persons with learning problems are over-represented among high school dropouts and the working poor, as well as in substance abuse and correctional system populations. There is a cumulative cost to society resulting from a collective failure to offer effective interventions for children with learning difficulties. The case for philanthropic involvement and contribution in the learning disabilities field is compelling, while the range of need provides limitless opportunities.

Much of the work in the field over the last 20 years has focused on understanding and identifying learning disabilities. Further progress depends upon funding for research into effective remedial interventions and compensatory strategies that can help children with LD enhance their reading, writing, spelling and math skills.

There is a profound disparity between what research has revealed and what is taught in educator development. Support is needed for teacher training in research-based interventions in learning disabilities and in classroom strategies that recognize and accommodate differences in learning for all students.

Life skills research and curricula are also needed to address the social, emotional and psychological ramifications of learning disabilities, which can be even more devastating than academic failure.

And yet, only a handful of foundations actually fund in learning disabilities; perhaps because there is a lack of understanding that improving teaching, curriculum and classroom strategies for children with learning disabilities will benefit all students at every level of education.

Schwab Learning's strategies and initiatives are designed to fill a key gap in the LD field. Our focus in learning disabilities is on those most directly affected; parents and children. We serve kids, moms and dads directly by providing information, guidance and support that address their emotional, social, practical and academic needs.