Other Resources

The following is a list of just a few of the organizations that provide diagnostic and support services to vision impaired or learning disabled children and adults nationally or in the Los Angeles area.

For students with vision impairments:

Blind Children's Center
Offers educational and therapeutic classes for children (birth to 5 years) and their families. Books, booklets and parent support group information also available. www.blindchildrenscenter.org, (323) 664-2153

The Braille Institute
Provides support services, child development and youth services, visual aids and other technology, Braille press, library, shops, leisure reading on 4-track tape. www.brailleinstitute.org. (323) 663-1111; (800) 272-4553;

Center for the Partially Sighted
Low-cost examinations, counseling, support groups and independent living skills training. (310) 458-3501; www.low-vision.org

Foundation for the Junior Blind
Offers a children’s residential program, recreation programs, activities for children, rehabilitation and vocational training for newly blinded adults, in-home services.(323) 295-4555; www.fjb.org

Talking Books National Library Service (NLS) / Library of Congress
Eligible individuals can borrow recreational reading on tape as well as 4-track tape players. www.loc.gov/nls (800) 424-8567

For students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities:

The International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
A non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with dyslexia, their families and the communities that support them. (818) 506-8866; (800) ABC-D123; www.interdys.org

Hello Friend/ Ennis William Cosby Foundation
Promotes early recognition, compassionate understanding and alternative pathways for teaching students with dyslexia. PO Box 4061, Santa Monica, CA 90411; www.hellofriend.org

National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
Furnishes information and referrals, arranges educational programs and provides regional resource listings. www.ncld.org (212) 545-7510

The Schwab Foundation for Learning
Dedicated to raising awareness about learning differences and providing educators and parents with the information, resources, and support they need to improve the lives of kids with learning differences. www.schwablearning.org

Learning Disabilities Association of California
An organization of parents, professionals, and adults with learning disabilities, its purpose is to promote and support the education and general welfare of children and adults of potentially normal intelligence who manifest learning, perceptual, and/or behavioral handicaps. www.ldaca.org

RFB&D Learning Through Listening, Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic Headquarters

To find out more about our national organization, see our online catalog of books or download an application. www.rfbd.org

How to get your child tested for dyslexia:

Talk with your child’s teacher or resource specialist. You may want to send a letter to the school principal or director of special education detailing your concerns and requesting an evaluation (under federal law, the school must respond to a written request within 10 working days).
You may prefer to obtain an outside evaluation. Educational therapists are trained to assess learning disabilities; the International Dyslexia Association is equipped to help you as well. They notify their members of upcoming conferences (often offering discounts), provide publications lists and give referrals for testing.
(818) 506-8866; (800) ABC-D123 (222-3123); www.interdys.org

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