Since its establishment in 2001, LD Resources Foundation has advocated for the rights of people with learning disabilities, dyslexia and ADHD. The Commissioner of Disabilities / Office of the Mayor’s NYC, Matthew Sapolin, acknowledged our efforts in a letter and listed LDRFA among the first Disability Specific Resources on the City of New York Mayor’s website.
“ Thank you for your continued work in helping people with learning disabilities in New York. Since 2001, your organization has made great strides in advocating for and presenting vital services for people with disabilities. Your work is of great importance to our city.” – Matthew Sapolin Commissioner of Disabilities / Office of the Mayor’s NYC
We have donated assistive technology (AT) to libraries, schools, colleges, universities, and correctional centers and organized training sessions to enable their staff to maximize the benefits of the hardware and software that is available.
In addition, we brought in experts on the American Disabilities Act (ADA) to offer their expertise, advice, and assistance to the staff of the ODS (Office of Disabilities Services).
Helpline
A free and confidential helpline is available to provide information, advice and resources for people with learning disabilities, dyslexia and ADHD. The helpline provides faculty and students with learning disabilities with information about the laws regarding accommodations and instruction. Call 646-701-0000.
Students Awards Program
Since its inception, LDRF has granted hundreds of students with assistive technology awards. See testimonials from some of the students who benefited from these awards.
Website and social media
Our website provides information and inspiration to people affected by LD dyslexia and ADHD via blogs, a monthly reading list and a newsletter that focuses on the latest assistive technology tools. Visit our Facebook page, Twitter and Linkedin pages.
Monthly Reading List
Every month we publish a monthly reading list of some of the most interesting videos and news articles of interest to people who want to learn more about learning disabilities, dyslexia and ADHD.
Assistive Technology Magazine
A semi-annual magazine is published featuring the latest in assistive technology. The mission of this magazine is to act as a guide to parents, educators, students and adults who deal with the challenges of learning disabilities, dyslexia and ADHD.
Programs for libraries
LD Resources Foundation organizes conferences for students with learning disabilities, dyslexia and reading disabilities, as well as library personnel. The panel includes AT specialists and ADA law who train the library personnel and discuss advocacy, assistive technology (AT) training and anti-stigma.
We donate assistive technology software readers to make the library accessible to people with reading disorders in compliance with the ADA (American Disability Act). (Most libraries had 2 computer stations with antiquated AT with lots of stickers for the disabled only.) We bring in experts to train the library staff in the use of the devices. Many of these institutions have expressed their appreciation for our efforts, as evidenced by the many testimonial comments we have received.
- Brooklyn Central Library (Grand Army Plaza location)
- Foundation Center Library
- Marymount library
- FIT library
“Thank you, thank you, thank you, so much for a job well done” – Maxine CooperConsumer Health Liberian / Brooklyn Public Library
Programs for schools, colleges and universities
LDRFA donates assistive technology (AT) software and hardware to the schools and organizes training sessions for students with learning disabilities, dyslexia and reading disabilities, as well as the personnel from the ODS (Office of Disability Services). Often, other administrative personnel attend these informative sessions. The panel at the conference includes AT specialists and specialists in ADA.
With the AT tools and training we provide, students can more readily access and participate in the opportunities available to them at their school, and the Office of Disability Services is better able to provide equal educational opportunity and full participation with academic accommodations for students with LD and dyslexia. Many of these institutions have expressed their appreciation for our efforts, as evidenced by the many testimonial comments we have received.
- FIT SUNY
- Hunter College
- Medgar Evers College CUNY
- BMCC-Borough of Manhattan Community College CUNY
- CUNY Graduate Center
- The New School
- NYU
- Fordham University
- Marymount College
- Pace University
- Churchill Schools
- Touro College
- Yeshiva University
- John Jay University
- St. John’s University
“Dear Zahavit and members of the Board of LDRFA: On behalf of the students of the Fashion Institute of Technology who received awards of Keys to Access warm thank you. You have empowered these students with the forces of learning through your generous and compassionate gifts of knowledge. It is so important in life to be understood by others; not concerned about what others may think, but seeking that level playing field where acceptance of commonalities and differences exists. You have laid the groundwork for our students to be successful in their studies and to achieve their vocational goals.” – Herbert A. Cohen, Vice President for Student affairs / Fashion Institute of Technology/SLINY
In Israel – LDRF developed programs in Israel at three universities:
Program for Correctional Center
The Bedford Hills College Program (BHCP)
The BHCP serves approximately 150 college students at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison for women in New York. Courses leading to an Associate of Arts degree in Social Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology are offered to the prison population. Marymount Manhattan College is the sole degree-granting institution of the BHCP, which also includes college-prep courses in writing and math.
In 2009, LD Resources Foundation established a program to help disabled inmates enroll in The Bedford Hills College Program (BHCP). The organization provided assistive technology (AT) and training to enable the learning disabled college students in this program succeed. (See Testimonials.)