The NextGen: Policy Acceleration Initiative is a groundbreaking effort designed to empower emerging leaders in the learning disabilities (LD) community to shape policy solutions that drive systemic change. Selected alumni from NCLD’s Young Adult Leadership Council—leaders with lived experience and a deep commitment to disability advocacy—have developed bold, actionable policy proposals to address critical challenges in LD identification, transition to post-high school life, higher education accessibility, and employment. Their work reflects a unique blend of personal insight and policy expertise, ensuring that the recommendations put forth are not only necessary but also deeply informed by the realities faced by neurodivergent individuals.
Each proposal identifies a pressing issue, unpacks the barriers that continue to hinder progress, and presents well-researched, impactful solutions to advance equity and inclusion. From strengthening early identification and intervention systems to increasing accommodations and support structures in higher education and the workforce, these proposals serve as a blueprint for policymakers, educators, and employers who are committed to fostering environments where individuals with LD can thrive. The initiative’s emphasis on lived experience as a cornerstone of policy development ensures that the voices of those directly impacted are not just heard but translated into meaningful, lasting change.
At its core, the NextGen: Policy Acceleration Initiative is more than a policy project—it is a movement to elevate the leadership of young advocates and position them as catalysts for progress. By equipping these emerging leaders with the tools to influence policy at local, state, and federal levels, NCLD is investing in a future where systemic barriers are dismantled, and opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities are no longer the exception but the standard. This initiative not only strengthens the next generation of advocates but also reshapes the national conversation on disability rights, access, and equity.
