Current Status of Learning Disability Specialists

Abstract

The final regulations of PL 94–142 governing the evaluation of children suspected as having learning disabilities do not ensure the inclusion of an LD trained specialist on the evaluation team. Since the final regulations were published in December, 1977, this situation has been a major concern to DCLD. To formally pursue the ramifications of this ruling, the Legislative Committee of DCLD conducted a nationwide study of the status of the LD specialist and the implications of not explicity requiring the presence on the evaluation team of a professional formally trained in LD. The data presented in this editorial suggest that a formal revision of the BEH regulations is required to ensure that those professionals specifically trained to make evaluation decisions about learning disabilities be included on teams evaluating individuals suspected as having this handicapping condition.