The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) seeks to build a movement of young leaders with learning disabilities and attention issues who are armed with the knowledge and skills to break down barriers for themselves and their peers. Our Young Adult Leadership Council (YALC) harnesses the power and voices of young leaders with learning disabilities and attention issues (ie. dyslexia, dyscalculia, nonverbal learning disability, ADHD, specific learning disability, etc.).

Since the establishment of the Young Adult Leadership Council in 2018, young leaders from across the nation have joined forces with NCLD to raise awareness, influence policy, and dismantle outdated mindsets and barriers, with the ultimate goal of creating a more equitable future for individuals with learning disabilities.

YALC members are an important part of NCLD. They actively contribute to our organizations' work and play key roles in coordinating and hosting our most significant advocacy event of the year. Driven by their unwavering passion, skills, and leadership, our tenacious YALC members fight for the rights of students with disabilities through collective action and organizing.

The YALC is a one-year volunteer opportunity to advise NCLD on key policy issues that impact young adults, and use your voice to advocate for change. NCLD will help develop your leadership skills and policy knowledge so you can be a lifelong advocate. NCLD encourages individuals who identify as Black or African American, Native American, Latino or Hispanic, Asian, or part of the LGBTQIA community to apply. As part of our learning, we will center diversity, equity and inclusion into discussions to create a brave space for all young leaders.

This council includes college students, educators, entrepreneurs, marketers, and other professionals, who unite their unique experiences and voices to advocate for the rights of the disability community.

What to Expect

• A thriving community of current as well as alumni YALC members who share a common interest in uniting to cultivate change in their communities of learning disabilities.
• Monthly meetings to engage with fellow YALC members to discuss issues impacting students and young adults with learning disabilities 
• Possible paid opportunities through collaboration opportunities with NCLD’s departments
• Opportunities to submit blog posts on various topics of your choice. These blogs will be posted on our website and writers will be compensated
• Participate in our annual LD Day of Action that takes place in Washington DC.

Requirements

• You must be a young adult between the ages of 18-30
• You must identify as having a learning disability or struggle to read, do math, write, or learn
• You must attend our orientation taking place September 13th-15th in Washington DC (all travel will be covered by NCLD)

Our young leaders play a crucial role in the following areas:

• Advancing support for vital policies that address the learning needs of disabled students, including advocating for the RISE Act, full funding for IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), mental health support, and other essential initiatives.
• Protecting the civil rights of disabled students by mobilizing advocates nationwide to amplify their voices during the COVID crisis and beyond, ensuring their needs and concerns are informing policy.
• Taking the lead in conducting trainings and engaging in meaningful conversations with education leaders at various levels, ranging from the classroom to the national level. These discussions encompass topics such as disability, inclusion, emerging issues in education, the mental health crisis faced by students with disabilities, and other pertinent matters.

If you’re a young adult with a learning disability who wants to join our community, please submit an application, sign up to stay up-to-date regarding the latest at NCLD, and follow us on social media.

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