Iconic Women who Fought for Learning Disabled and Dyslexic Rights

Celebrating International Women’s Day

The United Nation’s Women’s International Day on March 8, 2024 celebrates women’s achievements. The official website United Nations International Women’s Day 2024 celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women globally.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognize and commend the incredible contributions of women to the community of learning issues . Their courage, resilience, and determination inspire us to keep pushing for progress and equality for all individuals with learning disabilities.

Their tireless efforts have not only transformed policies and perceptions but have also empowered countless individuals to thrive despite their learning differences.

Let us continue to stand together in solidarity, honoring the past and shaping a brighter future for individuals with learning disabilities. Happy International Women’s Day!

Women Who Made an Impact On Learning Disability Rights

We honor those women who paved the way for individuals with learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD and autism to be able to have access to education, employment, and equal opportunities.

Their dedication and passion have left a lasting impact on the LD community, and we are grateful for their work.

Women who made an impact on the awareness, diagnosis and treatment of Learning Differences.

Dr. Martha Bridge Denckla

Dr. Denckla’s research studies- She examined reading disabilities present in children grades 3-8, including classification, identification, treatment, prevalence, neurocognitive characteristics, as well as the influence of comorbidities (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; ADHD) on reading. (More info)

Ann Bancroft

An American advocate for people with learning disabilities, dyslexia Bancroft founded the Ann Bancroft Foundation, which supports girls in achieving their dreams. In 1986, she became the first woman to cross the ice to the North Pole. (More info)

Marilyn Bartlett

Dyslexic woman won her eight-year fight to take the state bar exam with a computer and other aids to help overcome her disability. Manhattan federal Judge Sonia Sotomayor ruled that Marilyn Bartlett’s dyslexia qualified her as a disabled person under federal law – and therefore entitled to “accommodations” in taking the bar exam.

Judge Sonya Satomayor

Judged in favor of the plaintiff, Marilyn Bartlett. To quote Judge Sotomayor: “Plaintiff’s experts have convinced me that the extra time provided to learning disabled applicants merely levels the playing field and allows these individuals to be tested on their knowledge; it does not provide them with an unfair advantage.”

Dr. Rosa A. Hagin:

Rosa A. Hagin was an educational psychologist who worked as a research professor of psychology at New York University School of Medicine. Her area of expertise was in the neuropsychological core of reading. (More Info)

Testified in the Bartlett case with Sonia Sotomayor. Dr. Hagin did research and taught educators about effective tools for early childhood intervention, how to identify young students with learning disabilities (LD), and how to treat them early in their academic careers. The manual Dr. Hagin wrote for LD is still a major guide used by every special education teacher until today!

Judith Heumann:

Judith Heumann is a prominent disability rights activist who has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities, including those with learning disabilities. Despite facing discrimination and barriers herself as a result of having polio, Heumann became a trailblazer in the disability rights movement.

In the 1970s, Heumann played a pivotal role in the organization and leadership of various disability rights protests and demonstrations.

Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon

Disabilities right advocate and assembly women district 52 in Brooklyn, New York where she passed a comprehensive package of dyslexia bills aim to empower New Yorkers with dyslexia to succeed in schools and beyond.

She was the attorney who successfully represented Marilyn Bartlett. Simon tried the landmark case of Bartlett v. New York State Board of Law Examiners, addressing education and standardized testing issues.

She has sponsored dyslexia legislation aimed at ensuring that more children with learning disabilities can learn to read and has initiated an annual Dyslexia Awareness Day at the Capitol in Albany to draw attention to dyslexia legislation

Barbara Bush

Barbara Bush demonstrated a strong commitment to raising awareness and addressing learning disabilities during her time as First Lady. She played a pivotal role in promoting efforts to support individuals with learning disabilities and their families. In 1989, she founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, which aimed to improve literacy skills and eliminate educational barriers for children and adults.

Simone Biles

Olympic gymnast who spoke out about her ADHD after a hacker released her medical records for all the world to see. She tweeted about it, saying, “Having ADHD, and taking medicine for it is nothing to be ashamed of nothing that I’m afraid to let people know.”

The Remarkable Efforts of Women on Learning Disability Rights

Women have been at the forefront of advocating for learning disability rights, making significant and lasting contributions across various domains. Their unwavering dedication and influential efforts have reshaped the discussion about learning disabilities and paved the way for meaningful change.

1. Advocacy and Activism: Women have been at the forefront of advocacy and activism for learning disability rights, working to raise awareness and push for legislative changes to support individuals with learning disabilities.

2. Research and Education: Many women have contributed to research and educational initiatives focused on learning disabilities, working to better understand these conditions and develop effective interventions.

3. Policy and Legislation: Women have been instrumental in shaping policies and legislation related to learning disabilities, working within government and non-governmental organizations to promote laws that protect the rights of individuals with learning disabilities.

4. Support and Empowerment: Women have been involved in creating support networks and empowerment programs for individuals with learning disabilities, providing resources and guidance to help them lead fulfilling lives.

5. Leadership and Representation: Women have assumed leadership roles in organizations dedicated to learning disability rights, bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the forefront and advocating for inclusivity and equality.

6. Parental Advocacy: Many women have been powerful advocates for their children with learning disabilities, fighting for their rights within the education system and society at large.

Video: Advocating For Students With Disabilities

We at LDRFA Pledge Our Support

Today, LDRFA.org continues their legacy by promoting awareness, advocacy, and support for individuals with learning disabilities. We strive to create a more inclusive and accessible society where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

As we honor these women and their efforts, we at LD Resources Foundation are inspired to continue our work in supporting individuals with specific learning disabilities and advocating for their rights. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world for all.

Conclusion

The stories of these extraordinary women serve as powerful reminders of the importance of advocacy and activism in championing the rights of individuals with learning disabilities and dyslexia. Their legacy continues to inspire countless individuals and organizations to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

As we honor their contributions, let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting education, awareness, and support for those with learning differences, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential.