Letter from LDA-IA President Patty Beyer
We are living in a time of change and it is entirely understandable to feel unsure about what the future holds for learning disability services. We know that our children and adults with learning disabilities have incredible potential, and we must be advocates in maintaining the legal and procedural safeguards necessary to ensure that all have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
While we support our elected officials and hope they will recognize the vital role they play in holding schools and institutions accountable for meeting the needs of students and adults with disabilities, we must be vigilant in recognizing and speaking up when the rights that we take for granted, that have been safeguarded through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for 50 years, are being jeopardized.
Recently, LDA-Iowa took such an action. Along with eleven other advocacy groups, LDA-Iowa signed on to a letter regarding the Texas v. Becerra case, asking the Iowa attorney general to remove Iowa from the lawsuit.
The History of the IDEA Act and its Support for Students and Families with Disabilities
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was originally enacted in 1975 as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142). This landmark legislation was a response to the widespread exclusion of children with disabilities from public school systems across the United States. At the time, millions of children with disabilities were denied access to education, often placed in institutions or segregated settings. The Act aimed to ensure that all children, regardless of their abilities, had the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Over the years, the law has undergone several revisions, with the most significant updates occurring in 1990, 1997, and 2004, when it was renamed the IDEA.
How does IDEA support students?
IDEA supports students with disabilities by establishing a framework for special education services and ensuring that schools provide individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to each student's unique needs. The Act mandates that schools identify students who may require special education services and conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine eligibility. Once a student is deemed eligible, the IEP outlines specific educational goals, accommodations, and services necessary for the student to succeed in the school environment. This emphasis on personalized support allows students with disabilities to develop their strengths and achieve their full potential alongside their peers.
How are families involved?
In addition to supporting students directly, IDEA emphasizes the importance of family involvement in the education process. Parents and guardians are considered essential partners in developing and implementing the IEP, as their insights and knowledge about their child's needs are invaluable. The Act requires schools to keep families informed and involved, ensuring that they have a voice in the decision-making process. This collaborative approach not only empowers families but also fosters a sense of community and understanding between educators and parents, ultimately benefiting the child's educational experience.
What is the ACHIEVE Parent Portal and How Do I Get Access?
The ACHIEVE Parent Portal offers a valuable resource for parents to actively engage in their child's special education journey. With an ACHIEVE Family Portal account, parents can conveniently access essential information to support their child's development and learning.
From reviewing individual education program (IEP) details and participating in Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings to downloading and printing their child's records, the portal streamlines communication and access to crucial educational resources. Parents can also monitor their child’s accomplishments and real-time progress toward established goals, ensuring they stay informed and involved.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Dr. Richard and Verlee Owens
Dear LDA-Iowa Community,
It is with both deep gratitude and profound sadness that the Learning Disabilities Association of Iowa (LDA-Iowa) board acknowledges the resignation of two truly exceptional individuals: Dr. Richard and Verlee Owens of Sioux City, Iowa.
For decades, Richard and Verlee have been the unwavering heart and soul of our organization and tireless champions for individuals with learning disabilities across our state. Their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on the learning disabilities field in Iowa and beyond.
Through their countless hours of volunteer work, insightful contributions, and unwavering advocacy, the Owens have touched the lives of countless individuals, families, and educators. Their expertise, guidance, and compassionate spirit have been instrumental in shaping the programs, resources, and support that LDA-Iowa provides.
It is difficult to adequately express the depth of our gratitude for their many years of service. Richard and Verlee have been more than just volunteers; they have been mentors, leaders, and friends to many within our community. Their contributions have been foundational to the growth and impact of LDA-Iowa.
While we are deeply saddened to accept their resignation, the LDA-Iowa board understands their decision and wishes them all the very best in their future endeavors. We know that their legacy of dedication and advocacy will continue to inspire us all.
On behalf of the entire LDA-Iowa board and the countless individuals whose lives they have positively impacted, we extend our most sincere and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Richard and Verlee Owens. Your over 50 years of unwavering commitment to individuals with disabilities have made a truly remarkable difference, and your presence will be deeply missed.
With deepest gratitude,
The Board of Directors
Learning Disabilities Association of Iowa
LDACON62: One for the Books
The 62nd annual LDA conference, held in Orlando in February, was a three-day whirlwind of speakers, sessions, and great information for special education teachers and leaders. Board members Paula Hamp and Honora Wall were happy to represent LDA-IA at the Renaissance Orlando Hotel near SeaWorld (sadly, there wasn't time to hit the theme parks!). We're proud to say that Dr. Wall was voted onto the national LDA Board of Directors at the conference, serving a three-year term and bringing Iowa's concerns to the national stage. Both Honora and Paula hope to increase membership, services and awareness of LDA around our state.
The conference included excellent keynote speakers, hundreds of break-out sessions, and a room full of vendors. Connections were made with LDA members from Minnesota, Virginia, New Jersey, and other states. LDA Minnesota is considering regional events or resource sharing; watch this space for updates! We are stronger together, and we can go farther if we share resources. Plus, we can make friends across our closest borders.
LDA Iowa was also recognized at the State Delegates Assembly for our work on the soon-to-be-released Parent Guide. It felt great to have the hard work and dedication of the committee recognized by our peers.
In the individual sessions, Paula looked for ADHD and executive function-related speakers, and Honora enjoyed presentations on dyscalculia, her focus area. She plans to submit a proposal or two for the next conference.
Speaking of that, mark your calendars: LDACON 63 will be held February 2026 in St. Louis, Missouri. That's an easy drive from the Hawkeye State -- make plans to join us!
Iowa is Represented on the National LDA Board of Directors
Honora Wall is the founder and executive director of The Dyscalculia Training & Research Institute, an Iowa-based non-profit organization dedicated to changing the lived experience of people with the math learning disability.
A 20-year educator, author, speaker, and trainer, Honora works to bridge the gap between Special Education and General Education classrooms. She believes that well-aligned instruction, assessment, and accommodations allow students with learning disabilities to succeed at both grade level and in advanced content.
To this end, she received her Master’s in Applied Learning & Instruction from the University of Central Florida and her Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction from Concordia University Chicago. She works with students, schools, and district leaders across the country to increase their understanding of neurodivergent conditions and their impact on the K-16 student experience.
Honora is an active member of the Association of Teacher Educators, NCTM, CASE, CEC, and is a board member of LDA-Iowa. Her books, Teaching Students with Dyscalculia and Ah-Ha! Games for the Brain are available in bookstores and online. She hopes to use her platform as a national speaker and teacher trainer to bring LDA’s mission to new audiences.
Looking Ahead
Coming Soon! LDA-Iowa's Parenting Guide
We're putting the final touches on our new parenting project and think it will be a valuable resource for new and not-so-new parents! It's a comprehensive guide to research-based best practices and strategies in parenting. Watch for an announcement of the project launch -coming soon!
Board Meeting Schedule
LDA-IA board meetings for the rest of the year will be held online on April 12, July 19, September 14 and October 19 (Annual membership meeting and election of Officers and Directors). We'd love to have you join us at any meeting - Just contact us for the Zoom link!
The information provided in this newsletter is believed to be correct at the time it was included. However, the information is subject to change based on the availability of new research, new interpretations and other developments in the field. LDA-Iowa does not endorse, recommend or make representations with respect to the research, services, programs, medications, products or treatments referenced. The material provided is designed for educational and informational purposes only
