Resources for Adults with Learning Disabilities in Massachusetts

There are a growing number of resources for adults with Learning Disabilities (LD); however some research is required to locate these resources. Students with LD are typically well provided for through their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and transition planning is becoming more prevalent as a part of Special Education services for students as they move out of the high school years. Transition planning is a start, but adults with LD can benefit from a variety of resources to aid them in many aspects of daily life.

In researching online resources for students with disabilities, I came across www.ldonline.org, a website with a large number of resources for parents and teachers. This site also contains a great deal of information for adults with LD, ranging from research articles, information about past and future conferences, organizations, book reviews, and informational articles. Another website with a great deal of information concerning adults with LD is www.ldam.org/ however; a membership is required to access all this site has to offer. What caught my eye on this website was an article about adult LD coaching. Job and college coaching are services offered by various private and state agencies, varying from state to state.

Locally, in Massachusetts, an organization established in 1992 called the LD/ADHD Task Force became works to serve the needs of adults with LD and ADHD (Associated with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission), increasing the number of consumers with Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder served by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) since it's inception. The Task force works to further the public's knowledge as wells as the MRC professionals' awareness and understanding of what are considered ‘hidden' disabilities. The LD/ADHD Task Force works on improving services for MRC consumers in an effort to help adults with LD lead independent and successful lives. The Task Force provides a great deal of resource information and support, and is the best starting point for an adult with LD in Massachusetts.