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The Learning Disabilities Association of America provides support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, and their teachers by offering both education and services. They have led research to promote prevention and support best practice intervention. Their website offers a variety of resources and support for students, including a guide to understanding learning disabilities and guides for self advocacy in K-12 and when students are planning to go to college. Support for teachers also includes a list of assistive technology tools that can be used in the classroom.

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Since 1963,LDA has provided support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals with cutting edge information on learning disabilities, practical solutions, and a comprehensive network of resources. These services make LDA the leading resource for information on learning disabilities.

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Learning Disabilities Association of America - Support. Educate. Advocate.

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Since 1963 ,LDA has provided support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals with cutting edge information on learning disabilities, practical solutions, and a comprehensive network of resources. These services make LDA the leading resource for information on learning disabilities.

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The organization provides resources to people who have ADHD, as well as their families and teachers. CHADD local chapter also provide support to people in the local community through group meetings and events. Their website houses a number of resources for teachers including a list of accommodations to be used during instruction and evaluation, teacher training, and webinars. Their teacher training program was created by teachers to provide other teachers with strategies and tips to help students with ADHD succeed in the classroom.

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CHADD - Improving the lives of people affected by ADHD

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Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization serving people affected by ADHD.

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TASH is an organization that advocates for human rights and inclusion for people with significant disabilities and support needs. TASH works to advance inclusive communities through advocacy, research, and by providing resources to parents, families, and those advocating for themselves. They also publish a quarterly online journal educating teachers on various inclusive practices that can be applied in the classroom. TASH also offers local chapters for students and their families to receive additional support and opportunities to connect with others in the community.

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TASH advances equity, opportunity, and inclusion for people with disabilities through advocacy, research, and practice.

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The Autism Society provides resources, news, events, and support for the Autism community. Their programs include affiliate networks, public policy efforts, training, and safety. Their website contains educational resources for both families and educators, including a national helpline for people to call and learn about their legal rights within schools and support and resources available in the local area. They also explain IEP's in detail by providing an overview of what an IEP contains, the IEP meeting process, goals, objectives, evaluations, and teacher and staff requirements.

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Autism Society Creating connections for the Autism community to live fully.

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We create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.

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The Blind Children’s Center is a nonprofit organization that serves children who are blind or visually impaired and provides an array of support services to their family members. They provide online classes for children with visual impairments which includes educational curriculum specifically adapted to the needs of each student. Their primary goal is to support each child’s development and opportunities to lead a meaningful life. Their website also contains a variety of resources including local services, information on disabilities, and a list of assistive technology.

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We are committed to a family-focused approach where parents, siblings, grandparents, and caregivers are included in the educational process every step of the way. In keeping with best practices, our programs are fully inclusive with sighted children integrated in each class, providing unique opportunities for social interaction and acquisition of critical skills.

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Blind Children's Center - Lighting the way since 1938

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We are committed to a family-focused approach where parents, siblings, grandparents, and caregivers are included in the educational process every step of the way. In keeping with best practices, our programs are fully inclusive with sighted children integrated in each class, providing unique opportunities for social interaction and acquisition of critical skills.

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This toolkit talks about people with disabilities living life while working in various professions. This campaign was produced by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy, and the provided toolkit includes videos and stories about people with disabilities. This campaign can be used within the classroom to help students with disabilities see others pursuing their passions and not being defined by their disabilities. This campaign can have positive impacts in an inclusive classroom by seeing a different perspective from those living with disabilities.

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When we look at someone, do we see all of who they are? The Campaign for Disability Employment created the "Who I Am" PSA with that very question in mind. "Who I Am" features nine real people with disabilities-some obvious and some not-sharing how they describe themselves, from personal interests to family relationships to occupations. Among them is film and television actor RJ Mitte, best known for his roles in AMC's "Breaking Bad" and ABC Family's "Switched at Birth." Rather than be defined by disability, these individuals are the sum of their many life roles-which includes working in jobs they love.

This online toolkit features a range of integrated materials to help you or your organization support the message of the "Who I Am" PSA.

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The "Who I Am" PSA Campaign - What Can YOU Do?

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When we look at someone, do we see all of who they are? The Campaign for Disability Employment created the "Who I Am" PSA with that very question in mind. "Who I Am" features nine real people with disabilities-some obvious and some not-sharing how they describe themselves, from personal interests to family relationships to occupations.

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The Special Olympics is a worldwide movement that aims at creating an inclusive society, regardless of ability or disability. They provide advocacy and resources to individuals and families of those living with disabilities. The Special Olympics also has a program, Unified Champion Schools, which promotes social inclusion in schools to ensure special education and general education students are equitably engaged. Their website provides tools and resources to assist teachers and students in promoting unified schools in the local community.

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In every corner of the earth, Special Olympics is changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. These stories come from all around the world

50 Game Changers ESPN and Special Olympics have teamed up on a year-long storytelling initiative telling the stories of game changers and game changing moments toward inclusion. Check back each week for a new story of inclusion.

Stories of Inclusion Special Olympics and over 5 Million of our athletes are leading the charge for full inclusion of people with Intellectual Disabilities (ID). The movement is rooted in the spirit of our founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who took a rebellious stand against the injustices faced by people with Intellectual Disabilities in 1968. Today, the fight for inclusion is more relevant than ever. People of all ages, races, genders, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities continue to face discrimination, ignorance, and disparagement. Just as Eunice Kennedy Shriver did 50 years ago, Special Olympics is setting a stake in the ground to create change and, this time, our athletes are leading the way.

Stay In Touch

See inspiring stories, photos and videos in our Special Olympics monthly newsletter.

Make a Difference

Please donate and help us get one more athlete onto the playing field.

About Us

Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. Our athletes inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential.

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

From a backyard summer camp for people with intellectual disabilities to a global movement, Special Olympics has been changing lives and attitudes since 1968.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics, was a pioneer in the worldwide struggle for rights and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities.

Leadership Teams Special Olympics is led by a senior management team with broad corporate and nonprofit experience. Seven regional offices around the world are headed up by managing directors who support the ongoing growth and development of programs in their regions. In addition, Special Olympics has a Global Athlete Leadership Council which features an Athlete Leader from each of the seven regions and provides feedback, guidance, and ideas to the Special Olympics International Board of Directors and Leadership Team.

About Intellectual Disabilities Children and adults with intellectual disabilities inspire us every day at Special Olympics events around the world. But what are intellectual disabilities?

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The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

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Kids Included Together provides disability inclusion training to ensure all children are included in the classroom, regardless of disability. They provide a variety of free inclusion resources including videos, tip sheets, checklists and booklets. Some of the resources include how to use pictures to enhance activities, creating a behavior plan, and how to accommodate students. KIT also offers online and on-site training for educators to learn how to meaningfully include children with disabilities in the general education classroom.

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As a leader in the field of disability inclusion training, KIT has developed a library of best-in-class inclusion resources to help you ensure all children are included, regardless of ability. Some of our most popular are here, but you can find many more in the Resources section of our Online Learning Center. Some of our resources are also translated to Spanish.

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Inclusion Resources - Kids Included Together

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As a leader in the field of disability inclusion training, KIT has developed a library of best-in-class inclusion resources to help you ensure all children are included, regardless of ability. Some of our most popular are here, but you can find many more in the Resources section of our Online Learning Center.

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Understood.org’s goal is to help the parents and families of those who are struggling with learning and attention issues. Understood wants to empower them to understand their children’s issues and relate to their experiences. By providing families with knowledge and resources, parents are able to make effective choices to help their children thrive in school and outside of school. Their website contains resources that guide families on how to navigate the education system, as well as tips on how to promote a universally accessible classroom.

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How can we help?

I want help with behaviors , learning , and everyday skills

We are Understood.
We are the lifelong guide for those who learn and think differently. In the past year, we've helped more than 20 million people discover their potentials, take control of their lives, and stay on positive paths.

We support the 1 in 5 Americans who learn and think differently.

Learn more

We believe difference is our greatest strength.

Learn more

When we shape the world for difference, we all thrive.

Learn more

Discover what's possible when you're understood.

We'll email you our most helpful stories and resources.

We just launched our "Be the Reason" stigma campaign. Learn more here.

Helpful guidance from Understood

Essential resource spotlight

Are you wondering why your child is struggling?

We're here to help if you're feeling overwhelmed. Take N.O.T.E. (Notice. Observe. Talk. Engage.) is a simple step-by-step tool that can help you figure out if the struggles you're seeing might be signs of a learning and thinking difference.

"I have a hard time focusing, mostly in school. When I do my homework, I kind of feel stressed out because it feels like so much even though it's not too much."

Emperor Kaioyus, Grade 4

Copyright © Understood for All, Inc.

Understood is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization (tax identification number 83-2365235). Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Understood does not provide medical or other professional advice. The health and medical related resources on this website are provided solely for informational and educational purposes and are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis or for medical or professional advice.

Use of this website is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Copyright © 2014-2023 Understood For All Inc.

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Understood - For Learning and Thinking Differences

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Understood.org is the resource that helps the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences anticipate the challenges, barriers, or opportunities in life and confidently reach their potential.

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National Center for Learning Disabilities

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National Center for Learning Disabilities

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The National Center for Learning Disabilities works with children and adults with learning disabilities to provide them with opportunities to succeed in school and life. They promote research and offer programs to engage students in effective learning within inclusive classroom settings. The NCLD advocates for policies to protect and strengthen educational rights and opportunities. They also offer educational resources and support services to parents, teachers, and individuals with learning disabilities.

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National Center for Learning Disabilities

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The National Center for Learning Disabilities is excited to announce the opening of its 2024 Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Thomas scholars. Both scholarships are for students with specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, etc. However, students with both a learning disability and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)...

The National Center for Learning Disabilities is excited to announce the opening of its 2024...

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National Center for Learning Disabilities

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Working to improve the lives of the 1 in 5 children and adults nationwide with learning and attention issues.

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The Braille Institute is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to provide support and services to anyone with blindness or severe sight loss. It offers encouragement through integrated educational, social and recreational programs, as well as through services, classes, and local seminars. The workshops and seminars are provide free for teachers to gain professional development in working with students who are blind. Some recent seminars have included introductions to assistive technology, methods for obtaining audio books, and a review of apps that can be used in the classroom to help visually impaired students.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who does Braille Institute serve?

We serve people of all ages who have a visual impairment. This means we help families with babies who are born with conditions affecting their sight and we work with seniors who have developed eye conditions like Macular Degeneration, Cataracts or Glaucoma. We help individuals at all stages and degrees of vision loss.

Do I need to be totally blind to receive your services?

No. Nearly 90% of Braille Institute students and patrons have some remaining vision. While some of our students are totally blind, anyone who has vision loss that is not corrected by glasses and is affecting their daily living activities (like reading, cooking, driving) can contact us about our free programs and services.

How much does it cost to get services from Braille Institute?

Programs and services from Braille Institute are entirely free of charge to everyone, thanks to the support of our generous donors.

Do I need insurance to use Braille Institute services?

No, because all of our programs are free you do not need insurance to use Braille Institute services.

Do you offer programs in languages other than English?

Yes! Our centers offer programs in Spanish as well as English. Also, our Los Angeles Center has an active program for people who read American Sign Language. For more information on Spanish language programs and services, call the center closest to you.

I just started losing my vision, how can Braille Institute help?

If you are newly experiencing vision loss, you've come to the right place. Braille Institute offers a broad range of free programs and services at our seven centers and hundreds of community locations in Southern California. Our programs include:

Adult Programs like one-on-one consultations and small group classes to help adults with little-to-no vision build practical living skills and gain or regain independence.

Youth Programs including weekend classes, a music program, and our popular nationwide events like Braille Challenge and Cane Quest.

Child Development Programs to help families develop early intervention plans to address their child's specific development needs.

Library Services with free access to digital book machines and downloadable ebooks, as well as book clubs, special youth collections, and a Telephone Reader Program where patrons can listen to publications in both English and Spanish.

Is there someone at Braille Institute that I can talk to concerning how I am feeling about losing my vision?

Yes. There are a variety of ways to obtain support in your emotional adjustment to vision loss.

One-on-one short-term adjustment counseling is available through many of our centers and even in your home, in some circumstances.

Support groups led by staff and peer facilitators are available at most centers as well as in several community locations.

Call one of our centers today!

I can't get to your center, do you have a location close to where I live?

We understand sometimes it is difficult to get to one of our centers and during COVID-19 mandates, our centers are temporarily closed, but we're still here to support you with remote service options. Otherwise, we proudly offer many ways to reach you in your community and will return to offering all options hopefully soon!

Online Workshops and Classes, and Virtual Sessions are available for you to attend from the comfort and safety of your home during COVID-19 mandates. Attending classes, workshops or virtual one-on-one sessions by video or phone call enables you to participate remotely in a "live" session with Braille Institute instructors.

In-Home Services are also available through many of our centers as an option to people in the community.

Classes in Your Community which are designed for adults who don't live near one of our centers. Our outreach efforts bring our programs, events and seminars to hundreds of community locations. With topics ranging from home management to knowing your rights and resources, Braille Institute classes in the community can provide you with the skills you need to live your life to the fullest.

Orientation and Mobility Braille Institute Orientation and Mobility Consultants work with one-on-one with Braille Institute students to help them learn to get around town safely using public transportation and other transportation options. Often, they will travel with the student from their home to Braille Institute to help the student learn how to travel independently along their usual routes.

Connecting with Technology Access to technology means empowering yourself and our blind and visually impaired students are leaders in their own right. Our centers offer state-of-the-art Connection Pointe centers with accessible technology to help our students empower themselves. We also offer technology classes and training sessions, and an exciting internship program. To learn more about using technology, visit our Connection Pointe page.

For more information about Braille Institute programs and services near you, call the center closest to you.

My doctor told me to contact you. How do I get started?

It is easy to start your journey with Braille Institute. Though not mandatory, it is helpful to bring a completed Doctor Referral Form from an ophthalmologist, optometrist or health care provider. To schedule a Low Vision Consultation or to talk with someone about programs that may help you, call the center closest to you and ask to speak with a Low Vision Consultant or Registrar.

When are classes offered at Braille Institute Centers?

Read our COVID-19 FAQ. Classes typically based at our centers are offered on a semester basis, although registration in most classes is possible at any time. There are three Braille Institute semesters, which run from September through December, January through March, and May through July. Most classes are 2 hours and take place Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PDT). Since our centers are temporarily closed due to COVID-19 mandates, you can attend workshops or classes remotely by phone or video.

What classes are offered at each of your centers?

Braille Institute offers hundreds of exciting classes centered around daily living as well as arts and healthy living options. Some of our most popular classes include cooking and kitchen orientation and mobility as well our music classes. Please visit the webpage of the regional center near you for class schedules.

How do I register for programs at Braille Institute?

Call or visit the center closest to you and ask to speak to the registrar to set up an appointment. You may also call our general hotline at 1-800-BRAILLE (272-4553) Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PDT) to arrange an appointment. During COVID-19 mandates, view our online workshops available where you can participate from the safety of your home via video or phone.

How do I refer a client or patron to Braille Institute?

To refer someone to Braille Institute, please complete our Doctor Referral Form, them mail or fax the form to the Braille Institute the location closest to them. Alternatively, have the person call 1-800-BRAILLE (272-4553) Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 pm. A physician referral is helpful, though not mandatory to begin receiving Braille Institute services.

I am a doctor, teacher or other community organization, and would like to request material for the people I work with. How can I do that?

Please call 1-800-BRAILLE (272-4553) and ask to speak with the Braille Institute Marketing department to request the latest materials from Braille Institute. We can provide free referral pads, general brochures and much more.

How can I stay up-to-date with information about new programs from Braille Institute?

Connect with us on Facebook or sign up to begin receiving emails about the latest developments at Braille Institute.

Have a question that we haven't answered here?
Connect with us!

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Who is Braille Institute? Braille Institute is a non-profit organization whose mission is to positively transform the lives of those with vision loss.

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The National Library service is a free library service available to U.S. residents and citizens living abroad whose low vision, blindness or physical handicap makes it difficult to read a standard printed page. The reading materials are completely free and are delivered to a personal device or may be mailed via USPS. They offer both textbooks for students as well as reading books for children and adolescents. These books may be used in the classroom setting to assist students who need accommodations when reading.

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NLS is a free library service available to U.S. residents and citizens living abroad whose low vision, blindness, or physical disability makes it difficult to read regular print. Local cooperating libraries throughout the United States mail NLS talking books, magazines, and playback equipment directly to enrollees at no cost.

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Preparing children and youth with disabilities for success

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This website provides parents and teachers resources for working with students with disabilities, both academically and socially emotionally. They provide information to parents on standards, IEP's, assessments, accommodations, and ways to partner with schools to support student behavior. The social emotional resources available to teachers include how to partner with families, how to work collaboratively, student engagement, and how to support students socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. The academic resources for teachers include tiered support, technology, and evidence based practices in instruction.

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Ideas That Work | Preparing children and youth with disabilities for success

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SWIFT is a national K-8 center that provides academic and behavioral support to promote the learning and academic achievement of all students, including students with disabilities and those with the most extensive needs by providing intensive technical assistance to schools, districts, and states.

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All Kinds of Minds is an organization that aims to create sustainable student centered learning communities. AKOM's offers a learning library which includes a collection of articles and strategies to assist educators in combating common learning challenges. They offer an online Learner Sketch tool, which is a free tool designed to provide learners with a personalized profile and strategies to improve their learning outcomes. The learner sketch tool can also be used by teachers by providing them with information and strategies for strengths-based conversations in order to support every student's growth and success.

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Q.E.D. Foundation is an organization of adults and youth working together to create and sustain student-centered learning communities. Our work is based on relationships and practices that first and foremost support students' growth and learning while simultaneously improving the health of our communities and our society.

Young people are our most important resource for the future. As we at QED have learned from experience, when students work in concert with adults who are deeply invested in their success, they bring powerful voice and vision to the work of redesigning our school communities. Their participation in the work empowers and sustains their voices and vision.

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We are all learners with aspirations and passions that deserve to be supported in every way possible. Learning changes lives by helping us develop the will, knowledge, skill, and capacity to achieve our aspirations. Learning needs to happen in different ways so we use various strengths and resources to engage with the world around us.

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IDA Dyslexia Handbook: What Every Family Should Know

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The International Dyslexia Association provides education on dyslexia and how this impacts a person’s life. The handbook is intended to be used by both families and educators to improve the academic environment and promote success for students with dyslexia. The handbook is useful for students of all ages, including those transitioning from secondary school to post secondary school. Some of the resources include information on assessments, effective teaching approaches, and self-advocacy ideas.

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IDA Dyslexia Handbook: What Every Family Should Know - International Dyslexia Association

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In addition to offering valuable information about dyslexia and its characteristics, this handbook provides information on assessments, effective teaching