Definition

The Learning Disabilities Association of New York City is a direct service and support provider in NYC that exclusively serves those with learning disabilities through its telephone Helpline and community based programs.  LDANYC is a New York 501c3 nonprofit organization and is an affliate of LDA of New York State and LDA of America.

Mission Statement

The Learning Disabilities Association of New York City (LDANYC) has a twofold mission: to facilitate access to needed services for all New Yorkers with learning disabilities and to provide support to those individuals and their families.

History

Orginally founded in 1964 as the New York City Chapter of the Association for Learning Disabilities of New York State, LDANYC, was independently incorporated as a 501c(3) in 1989 under the leadership of Martha B. Bernard.   Ms. Bernard has been a learning disabilities advocate for over 50 years.  Since that time, LDANYC has operated a telephone Helpline, which has provided thousands of callers each year with information and referrals to a variety of NYC resources and service providers.  In 2007, LDA began design and operation of the Model Transition Program where it began its direct service work with youth transitioning or aging out of the public school system.  LDA case workers assisted teens and young adults with a variety of services including case management, tutoring, work readiness, college entrance support, and soft skills training.  In 2009, LDA was awarded a contract with VESID (now ACCES) to launch the Career Transitions program which provides vocational assessment, job readiness, soft skills training, job search support, job placement, and job retention services.  Most recently, LDA launched a pre-GED support services track, specifically designed for LD clients who need additional structured accommodations and individual tutoring in order to succeed in a traditional GED preparatory classroom.

What makes LDANYC unique?

• We provide guidance, information, and ongoing support on learning disabilities related issues and questions
• We help clients to develop self-advocacy skills
• We offer specialized classes and workshops in our state-of-the-art Learning Center
• We assist clients in their career journey by helping them market themselves in the world of work