Telephone: (02) 9540 3300
Facsimilie: (02) 9540 3266

Learning Difficulties Coalition of NSW Inc

PO Box 472
SUTHERLAND NSW 2232

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The first learning difficuties support group was established in 1983 to address the needs of people with learning difficulties/learning disabilities and/or attention difficulties, and their families, and to create an information network with teachers and other professionals.

The success of this first group led to other local parent support groups being formed throughout NSW. The rapid growth of local groups created the need for a state body to support and co-ordinate the existing groups and assist in the establishment of new groups. The state body is known as the Learning Difficulties Coalition of NSW Inc.

The Coalition is made up of representatives of all the parent groups throughout the state and was formed in 1988. A large proportion of the memberhip is made up of individual parents, teachers and other professionsal and other assocciated organisations.

The Coalition is now the major advocacy group for its members in NSW. Increasingly, the Coalition's representation is requested on various committees including those of: The Board of Studies, The Ministry of Education, The Department of School Education, and in all areas where advocacy or media input is required. Other LD interest groups are associate members, represented by the Coalition which also maintains links with interstate and overseas groups.

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The Coalition:

Operates a Telephone Help Line during school term (covering pre-school to adult)

Offers support and information to parents interested in starting a support group

Organises regular workshops, seminars and conferences

Publishes a quarterly newsletter for its membership, covering educational issues in NSW

Has a comprehensive library of videos on learning difficulties, learning disabilities, and ADD

Acts as an information clearing house for teachers and other professionals

Refers parents to their nearest support group

Offers a support and referal service to adults - ADDult NSW

Recommends appropriate book titles and written articles

Parent Support Groups:

Include parents, teachers and other professionals who work together at a local level to promote awareness and understanding of children with learning and attentional difficulties and learning disablities

Provide a telephone link for parents, students and adults

Have available registers and can refer callers to the most appropriate resources in their local community

Most have libraries of books, audio and video tapes; together with books and literature for sale

Operate differently according to the needs in the area. Some hold regular speaker evenings, others have a drop-in day or video coffee mornings

Are voluntary and non-funded