In 1984 learning disabilities were understood as a disability that affected an
individual’s quality of life (Association for Children and Adults with Learning
Disabilities). Yet, 20 years later there are still little to no quality services available to
assist people with learning disabilities with their daily living needs. Some educational
institutions have changed over the years improving their services, but most are limited in
the quality of service, support, and assistance provided to students with learning
disabilities. Furthermore, if a child is from a marginalized group in society (e.g. lowincome,
person of color or female) the chances of their getting appropriate
accommodations are even less likely.
Creating new policies and procedures for people with learning disabilities across
institutions does not require extra ordinary work or funding as some people may believe
or argue. It is imperative to have policymakers who understand learning disabilities
engaged in creating effective policies that will meet the needs of people with ld. Learning
disabilities are hidden disabilities to some and our society has no basic understanding of
how to treat people with hidden disabilities. Government and society together can
determine how we can make our culture more universally accessible. This must include
education and ongoing teaching of social responsibility towards others, creating universal
change in attitudes and behaviors towards people different than us and holding
individuals responsible for devaluing and hateful attitudes towards others.