 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Jo R. Behm, Ms, RN, Learning Disabilities Assoc. of California, 1409 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94109, 415 897-2426, jobehm@marinmail.com
Learning and related attention disorders are on an inexplicable rise---startling data that cannot be glossed over under the guise of improved reporting or population increases. Learning and attention disabilities plague every aspect of an individual’s life, usually throughout the lifespan, taking an enormous toll on families, educational/health/welfare systems, states and our nation. Tangible and intangible costs to individuals and society are staggering. Grassroots education and advocacy organizations typically focus resources on helping parents support their LD/ADHD child as they navigate educational systems. Over 350,000 children in CA public schools and 2.8 million nationally (ages 6-21) are diagnosed with learning disabilities. Responsible leaders of multiple stakeholder organizations are encouraged to commit to an urgent parallel agenda to protect life and quality of life and ensure a sustainable future. Well known and highly suspect environmental toxins and pollutants must be brought under control so clean-up and prevention can produce measurable, substantial reductions or elimination in exposure and resulting harm---for the sake of our children, our nation, and our future we cannot postpone or defer these vital efforts.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.