Even for kids with no special problems, school can be pretty rough going. But add a learning disability to the mix. Suddenly, attending school can feel like climbing Mt. Everest without crampons or oxygen. It's not just a matter of mastering math and reading, or taking high-stakes tests, or vying for college admission when your brain isn't wired for literacy. It's also about confronting the cliques and the bullies when you get pegged as a "dummy."
Fortunately for today's LD child, the network of support is expanding. Growing numbers of parents and professionals throughout the Northwest are committing their time and expertise to making sure these students not only survive the academic and emotional rigors of K-12 education, but also reach the pinnacle of their potential.
In this section, Northwest Education shows you the human face of learning disabilities—the individuals who have dedicated themselves to changing outcomes for kids who might otherwise fail to find success. We profile a learning disabled student who has channeled his enormous energy into art and community activism. A parent who took on the mantle of advocacy as she strove to help her own dyslexic son. A teacher whose personal struggles with dyslexia have given him compassion for his LD students. A tutor who has made LD students her lifelong mission. And a researcher who has devoted decades to solving the cerebral mysteries of learning problems.
 Student Bryan Lewis |
Evoking Some Hope By his example, student Bryan Lewis demonstrates that the sky's the limit for LD kids |
 Parent Activist Betsy Ramsey |
From Personal Advocacy to Public Activism In her quest to help her dyslexic son, Betsy Ramsey found a calling for all LD kids |
 Teacher Dan Tibbetts |
Seeing Yourself Sitting There Teacher Dan Tibbetts draws upon the wounds he got and the wisdom he won growing up with dyslexia |
 Tutor Kay Kaplan |
Letting Kids' Gifts Shine Through Under Kay Kaplan's tutelage, dyslexic children can free their intellect and creativity from the constraints of disability |
 Researcher Virginia Berninger |
Revealing the Secrets of the Brain Neuropsychologist Virginia Berninger studies brain images before and after instruction for clues to the mystery of learning disabilities |
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This document's URL is: Home | Up & Coming | Programs & Projects: Northwest Education | People | Products & Publications | Topics © 2002 Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory Date of Last Update: 3/27/2003  |
