Learning, Education, and Academic Development (LEAD) Program

“This three-year grant will enable Learning Disabilities Association of WNY to implement Learning, Education, & Academic Development (LEAD) Program. LEAD is a multifaceted outreach/education plan that uses kindergarten readiness, family support, community-based partnerships, and referrals to address the social/educational, medical, and environmental needs of lead-exposed children in Erie County. The proposal notes that the level of lead exposure can lead to problems with learning and reading, changes in development and behavior, delayed growth, hearing loss, or even permanent brain damage or death. Consequently, children exposed to lead are at a higher risk of having learning disabilities. The highest instances of lead poisoning occur in urban areas, where 10-20% of children have a learning disability.

A key component of the proposed project is outreach to pediatricians’ offices, child-care providers, schools, and community health centers to identify children at risk of learning disabilities due to lead exposure.”