The LD Navigator is a tool created to help pediatric health professionals bridge the gap between the medical community and the special education community. But this tool is of value to a much larger audience. The information in it is a boon to parents trying to access early intervention and school special education services for kids with learning disabilities and a wide variety of special education needs.

Who Created the LD Navigator?

The LD Navigator was created by the folks at the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), an organization with the following mission statement:

The National Center for Learning Disabilities improves the lives of all people with learning difficulties and disabilities by empowering parents, enabling young adults, transforming schools, and creating policy and advocacy impact.

They’ve been around since 1977, almost the beginning of the field of learning disabilities education, so they know what they’re doing.

What’s In the LD Navigator?

The Navigator is divided into 6 sections:

• Introduction
• How to Use
• LD Defined
• Education Related
• Ages & Stages
• Resources

Each of these sections is further divided into subsections that make the information presented easy to digest.

How Can the LD Navigator Assist Parents of Kids with a Variety of Special Needs?

By studying this tool, parents can gain a better understanding of how to request the testing and evaluations necessary for kids who need special education services. The “education related” and “resource” sections may be particularly useful to parents. The resource section lists several advocacy groups for doctors and nurses to recommend to parents. On the flip side, parents can share the Navigator with pediatricians, too. What a way to spread the love!

The information in this document can also equip parents to advocate for their school-aged children if school personnel are dragging their heels about initiating the testing process. Click on this link to access the LD Navigator (now the LD Checklist).

How Will You Use the LD Navigator?

After you spend some time exploring this tool, come back and leave a comment. What did you learn from it? How will you use it? How could it be improved? Your two cents is always welcome here.

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