Experts joining meeting
on learning disabilities

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Star-Bulletin staff

Two mainland specialists on learning disabilities will address the 10th Pacific Basin Learning Disabilities, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and Teen Conference Feb. 14-16 at the Sheraton-Waikiki Hotel.

They are:

>> Edward Kame'enui, originally of Hawaii, professor and director of the Institute for the Development of Educational Achievement in the University of Oregon's College of Education. He was invited to speak at the White House on beginning reading last March and was one of 17 researchers to serve on the National Research Council's Committee on the Prevention of Reading Difficulties in Young Children from 1996 to 1998.

>> Arthur Anastopoulos, professor in the University of North Carolina psychology department, director of the graduate training program in clinical psychology and director of an ADHD Specialty Clinic for children, adolescents and adults.

Kame'enui will discuss reading, writing and learning disabilities as they relate to Hawaii. Anastopoulos will discuss the medical profession's responsibility to ensure that ADHD challenges are properly described and communicated to the media.

Doric Little, Hawaii authority on learning disabilities, also will speak on learning and the brain.

"It is through conferences like this that we can continue to advance our understanding and ensure that we provide the best possible help for people with learning disabilities," said Sally Lambert, co-president of the Hawaii Branch of the International Dyslexia Association.

She said it is an issue that must be addressed on all islands.

More than 30 workshops are planned during the conference on topics ranging from ADHD and dyslexia to advocacy and study skills for people with learning disabilities. A Teen Conference will be geared to needs and interests of adolescents.

About 15 percent of America's population is affected by learning disabilities, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Sponsors of the conference include the Learning Disabilities Association of Hawaii and Hawaii Branch of the International Dyslexia Association.

Call or e-mail LDAH@LDAHawaii.org (536-9684) or info@hibida.org (538-7007) to register or obtain more information.