Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois

Calling all educators, advocates, service providers, attorneys, transition specialists, and self-advocates!

Do you have strategies, resources, or experiences that can help families of students with disabilities succeed?

Family Matters PTIC is now accepting proposals for our 3rd Annual Virtual Special Education Parent Summit, October 20–22, 2026.

📅 Proposal Deadline: June 26, 2026

🔗 Submit your proposal today:
https://forms.gle/my7NczTzBPcKSLkAA

Help empower families, amplify student voices, and strengthen our communities. Please share!

Grateful for those serving at the board!

Our dedicated volunteer board members are scattered across the state and are here to offer support, education or information about learning disabilities and related disorders and advocacy. We would LOVE to spread our representation to other parts of the state! If you are interested in learning more about us, check out our website at ldaiowa.org For membership information: https://ldaamerica.org/membership/ (your memberhip will include both LDA-Iowa and LDA America.) To learn more about becoming a board member, go to: https://ldaiowa.org/about-us/serve/ With all of the changes going on that impact services, supports and outcomes for Iowans impacted by a disability, it is time for us ALL to get BUSY! Please join us!

Are you joining us in Milwaukee for UnifiED? This 1.5-day experience will bring education professionals together to learn practical strategies they can apply immediately in their classroom or district.

Register today: https://exceptionalchildren.org/events/unified-2026

Join us and learn how to keep your family safe from toxic food packaging.

Chemicals linked to learning disabilities and cancer shouldn't be anywhere near our food. Yet many of the containers and wrappers surrounding our food are made with toxic chemicals, including phthalates, PFAS, and BPA, which can migrate into our food and our bodies.

Get tips on how to keep your family safe and what states are doing to protect families from harmful chemicals in food packaging.

How to Avoid Toxic Food Packaging
Tuesday June 9th
3pm Pacific/4pm Mountain/5pm Central/6pm Eastern

Big thanks to our partners Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Consumer Reports and CALPIRG and to Learning Disabilities Association of South Carolina for co-sponsoring!

Speakers
* Pujeeta Chowhary, Senior Science and Education Manager, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners
* Kevin Loria, Senior Health and Food Reporter, Consumer Reports
* Jenn Engstrom, CALPIRG State Director

With Mama Instincts – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

With Learning and Exploring Through Play – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

With WeAreTeachers – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

As a parent, guardian, or advocate, you have the right to ask your public school to evaluate your child for special education. Under federal law (IDEA), schools must find and evaluate students who may need special education services. This is called Child Find. If you or the school believe your child may have a disability, you can request a full evaluation. It is best to make your request in writing. Send it to your child’s principal or the district’s special education director or coordinator. Keep a copy of your request and follow up with the school about next steps. To learn more and see a sample letter go to: https://ldaamerica.org/advocacy/lda-position-papers/right-to-an-evaluation-of-a-child-for-special-education-services/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSSebxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF3Y2FoMVBBRkJGYnJQdUlVc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoMQo6p7qnUsTsbIvdtMuFV8Ndc3i-DhAHWd-vt5ueNZS-ceAo2mGQM7S6-K_aem_7VG_12Zo7lEGBsmLtDDKpw