October 2022: Learning Disabilities Month

WHEREAS, the term learning disabilities refers to a number of disorders which may affect the acquisition, organization, retention, understanding or use of verbal or nonverbal information; and,

WHEREAS, learning disabilities affect learning in individuals who otherwise demonstrate at least average abilities essential for thinking and/or reasoning; and,

WHEREAS, learning disabilities range in severity and may interfere with the acquisition and use of oral language, reading, written language, and/or mathematics; and,

WHEREAS, learning disabilities are suggested by unexpected academic under-achievement or average or better achievement which is maintained only by unusually high levels of effort and support; and,

WHEREAS, 1 in 5 individuals have a learning disability; and,

WHEREAS, learning disabilities are due to genetic and/or neurobiological factors that alter brain functioning in a manner which affects one or more processes related to learning; and,

WHEREAS, in order to be successful, individuals with learning disabilities require early identification and timely specialized assessments and interventions involving home, school, and community and workplace settings which include, at minimum, specific skill instruction, accommodations, compensatory strategies, and self-advocacy skills; and,

WHEREAS, learning disabilities are lifelong and the way in which they impact an individual may vary over time depending on the interaction between the demands of the environment and the individual’s strengths and needs;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2022 as Learning Disabilities Month in Michigan.