Specific Learning Disability (SLD)

Definition: Specific Learning Disability means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell or do mathematical calculations, including conditions such as perceptual disabilities, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia. Specific learning disability does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of: visual, hearing, or motor disabilities; intellectual disability; serious emotional disability; cultural factors; environmental or economic disadvantage; or limited English proficiency.

Specific Learning Disability Listserv

The Colorado Specific Learning Disability (SLD) listserv shares resources, professional development and training opportunities and provides information including current trends, research, and ongoing topics of interest related to SLD. The purpose of this network is to facilitate connections, awareness, and access to information, learning opportunities, and resources that will better the lives of students with Specific Learning Disability and benefit the families, communities, and professionals who support them. Sharing of information is encouraged; however, it is at the discretion of the CDE what information will be posted. This service is chat-free and does not include advertisements from vendors or contract-based companies. To subscribe to the CO-SLD Listserv, please follow the directions below.

Join The CO-SLD Listserv

To subscribe to the CO-SLD listserv:

Open a new email.
In the “To” field, type the email SLD-subscribe-request@cdelist.cde.state.co.us and send the message.
Once added, you will receive a confirmation email.
If you have a problem, email Emily Ottinger at ottinger_e@cde.state.co.us.

To unsubscribe from the CO-SLD listserv:

Open a new email.
In the “To” field, type the email SLD-unsubscribe-request@cdelist.cde.state.co.us
In the body of the message write, “unsubscribe CO-SLD” and send the message.
You will automatically be unsubscribed.

Listserv Disclaimer:

A variety of learning opportunities, information, and resources are provided on this listserv. These materials do not represent an exhaustive list, nor are they required or endorsed by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). The identification or description is for the purpose of providing information and resources and does not constitute CDE's endorsement. Every effort has been made to identify the citation for the resource; please maintain the citation and/or authorship when adapting or modifying these materials.

SLD Podcast - The Gray Area

The Gray Area is a podcast where we examine pressing issues and common questions about Specific Learning Disability

The Gray Area - SLP & Literacy Development

In this episode of The Gray Area, Veronica Fiedler and Tami Cassel discuss the role of Speech Language Pathologist in literacy development. (Episode Length 25:02)

Audio File:

SLP & Literacy Development.mp3

Transcript: The Gray Area: SLP & Literacy Development (PDF)

Resources for Learners who are Culturally and/or Linguistically Diverse

National Agencies/Organizations

Colorado Department of Education

Virtual Resources

Free Technology for Teachers
National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII)
The University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI)
- UFLI Virtual Teaching Resource Hub
- Webinars: Teaching Reading Online

CDE Parent & Families Website Resources

National Organizations

For more information, please contact:

Emily Ottinger
Specific Learning Disability Specialist
Email Emily Ottinger
720-456-5301

Having trouble with this webpage?

If you have problems with broken links or accessing the content on this page, please contact the Exceptional Student Services Unit at ESSU@cde.state.co.us. Please copy the URL link for this page into the email when referencing the problem you are experiencing.