Hello!
The mission of LDA- CA is to create opportunities for success for all individuals with learning disabilities through support, education, and advocacy by working with LDA of America as one of its affiliates.
LDA- CA is active. For example, it has been one of a group of active participants to encourage and support passing SB 691 by sending the SB 691 supporting letter to the office of Senator Portantino and made a strong voice at the recent Assembly Budget Committee hearing. Because of the collaborative effort with other organizations (led by Decoding Dyslexia CA), the committee approved the Governor’s budget on K-2 Universal Screening for dyslexia. The approval includes both (1) adopting the Governor’s proposed fiscal allocation and (2) draft language about how the policy actually will be implemented (Lori DePole, May 28, 2023). This bill would require the State Board of Education (SBE) to adopt evidence-based screening tools which are culturally, linguistically, and developmentally appropriate to identify students at risk for dyslexia and provide that all California students are screened annually in kindergarten through second grade with screening results being made available on a timely basis to parents/guardians and teachers. The bill would take effect in the 2024-2025 school year.
More than 100 LDA-CA members attended the 2023 LDA annual conference. It was the most number of attendees from a single state. I met with some of the attendees at the conference in-person to update what LDA-CA does.
LDA-CA board will hold an open forum (Meet & Greet) with all LDA-CA members on Saturday, September 30th from 10 AM to 11 AM, on zoom – see save the date information in the newsletter. This forum aims to promote and encourage dialogue on critical issues in communities. Members’ ideas, thoughts, and questions will be expressed and discussed. All LDA-CA members are welcomed to join this open forum and share experiences, concerns and resources. Join us and add your voice to the discussion.
By continuously sharing top-quality educational information and advocacy services with our LDA-CA community from our board members, LDA-CA tries to educate and advocate for people with learning disabilities in California.
Thanks again for your active participation, continued advocacy, and strong support! A special thanks to our precious sponsors for your continued financial support for our learning disabilities community. I want to see many of you at the upcoming LDA-CA’s annual online webinar on Oct. 7th, 2023.
Your LDA CA President,
EunMi Cho
