Educational Organizations

Getting involved in organizations and networking with others is always an opportunity to learn more and something that is beneficial in any career field. The Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan is an organization geared to advance the well being of individuals with learning disabilities along with improving the education for these individuals. This association helps those with learning disabilities to be more understood and involved within the communities. LDA of Michigan has a website and blog attached to their website. They can also be connected through email, however they do not have any other social media sites. Although the website on LDA is currently under renovation and not showing much information I have been researching it for several months. Before the cancellation of their annual conference, I was scheduled to attend. Although I was not a member, I received a discounted price to attend because I was a student. The conference was scheduled for the beginning of May and cost $40 for students and up to $170 for non members. Being a member of this organization means discounted prices on the annual conference, along with emails and information to keep learning and growing in the Learning Disabilities Association community. On a larger scale, the National Association of Autism is a nation wide organization that gives information, support, and involvement to the Autism world. The Association's website gives various facts about what autism is, signs of autism, causes, research, family supports, safety tips, and ways to be involved within the organization. The NAA has a blog along with a twitter account. The twitter account provides positive research articles, important reminders, and mostly spreading autism awareness. There are several membership options to this organization from free to $200. The free membership provides members with a regular NAA newsletter. As membership cost go up more rewards and opportunities are available such as discounts at the online store and on nutritional supplements, pharmacy discount, car stickers, and more membership cards. NAA also has local chapters that provide conferences and allow people to be more involved locally. The National Autism Association annual conference is scheduled for November 5-8 in Florida. The cost of this conference is between $125-200. Both of these organizations are something that I would like to become more involved in as I continue my journey as a Special Education teacher!