About LDA of Wisconsin

The Learning Disabilities Association of Wisconsin (LDAWI) is a non-profit, 501(c)3, grassroots organization affiliated with the Learning Disabilities Association of America.

Our vision is to accept and support individuals with learning disabilities, their families and the professionals who serve them.

We believe “it takes a group effort to have a voice loud enough to make a difference.”

LDA of Wisconsin's Mission

The mission of Learning Disabilities Association of Wisconsin is to inform, to educate and to collaborate.

What LDA Does To Accomplish Its Mission

  • Promote Prevention
    We believe that the number of individuals affected by learning disabilities can be reduced with an effective, comprehensive prevention plan. We encourage research that seeks to identify the causes of learning disabilities and disseminate research findings which could lead to the reduction of the incidence of learning disabilities.
  • Foster Research in Best Practices
    We encourage ongoing research efforts into recognition, assessment and intervention strategies throughout the lifespan. We monitor and disseminate these research findings.
  • Encourage Identification
    Too many people go through life unidentified. We advocate for early identification, which increases the possibility of successful intervention. We will continue to advocate for access to identification throughout the lifespan.
  • Support Intervention
    We strongly support best practice interventions for individuals with learning disabilities throughout the lifespan.
  • Protect Rights
    We are committed to advocating for and protecting the rights of all individuals with learning disabilities. This includes legislative advocacy for laws to improve and preserve the rights of all individuals as well as individual advocacy.

Meet Our Board of Directors

Diane Sixel, President

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As the President of the Learning Disabilities Association of Wisconsin (LDA WI), I collaborate with the board of directors to prioritize activities to work toward achieving LDA WI’s mission.  

I am involved with the Healthy Children Project (HCP) and Great Lakes Lead Elimination Network (GLLEN).  I am deeply interested in working with partnership groups to increase awareness and address the issues of toxic chemicals in our water, soil and air which negatively impact children. 

I am strongly committed to improving the lives of children and adults with learning disabilities and I know it takes a group effort to make a difference. 

Linda Nack, Vice President

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I joined LDA-Wisconsin to be part of an organization whose collaborative expertise could impact student instruction and provide parent resources.

My teaching passion has been providing appropriate educational experiences for all students in the public school setting, to be supportive of their families, and hopefully help build the foundation that positively impacts future aspirations. 

My dream is that students will have established necessary core skills and belief in themselves, so they follow their dreams, live productive lives and share their stories as inspirations.

Amy Bennett, Secretary

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I got involved in LDA Wisconsin so I can share my experiences and educational expertise to promote self-advocacy to others. 

I have been a special education teacher for over 30 year, and continue to work with students with learning needs around the world. 

I know that working together we can change the world!

Linda Witkowski, Treasurer

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I joined LDA of Wisconsin because I want to support other parents and professionals by providing quality information and ways to engage within our community.

I have first hand experience with the challenges of LD  for children in school and at home as two of my children were diagnosed in grade school and have continued to deal with challenges as adults.

I know our organization’s ability to engage and inform members will one day allow everyone with learning disabilities to be understood in the classroom and the world beyond.

Meet Our Advisory Board

Robert Newby

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I joined LDA of Wisconsin because I want to support state-level advocacy for learning support services in the public schools.

I have experience as a pediatric neuropsychologist in working with children who have learning problems

My dream is to see all children taught in the ways they learn best.

Molly Shiffler

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My role on the LDA of Wisconsin board is to act as a professional advisor in collaboration with other board members on sharing information and promoting proficient literacy for  students with families and educators.

Before joining, I spent decades initiating and building rural and urban literacy centers and community coalitions serving and supporting individuals with learning disabilities, their families and preservice and inservice educators at K-12 and university levels

My dream is that someday all children will grow into joyful lifetime readers; LDA Wisconsin plays a critical role in that future.