Learning Abled Kids is a website created to support parents who homeschool kids with learning disabilities. It offers guidance on teaching strategies, curriculum, and emotional support.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. Studies show that homeschooled students are accepted to college at rates comparable to or higher than their traditionally schooled peers, and they tend to earn higher GPAs in their first year of college (Journal of College Admission, 2010).
What is learning abled kids?
Learning Abled Kids is a helpful resource for parents who want to homeschool children with learning disabilities like dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Founded by Sandra K. Cook, this site grew from her own journey. After her son struggled for five years in public school without learning to read, she decided to homeschool both her sons. They both went on to get into college. Sandy combines her Master's in Instructional Design and her Orton-Gillingham training with her experience helping over 1,700 families.
What the site offers
Learning Abled Kids has lots of free resources. You can find help with choosing curriculums, teaching tips, and emotional support. The site reviews homeschool programs for various learning differences, shares guides on multi-sensory teaching, and offers advice on assistive technology. It also gives practical tips for managing behavior and focus issues. Plus, there's a Facebook group where parents can connect and support each other.
Founder credentials and philosophy
Sandy Cook has both professional knowledge and personal experience. Her Master's focused on Universal Design for Learning, and she trained in Orton-Gillingham to teach dyslexic children. She believes kids with learning differences aren't broken—they just need teaching that fits their learning style. Her sons' success in college after homeschooling shows what the right approach can do.
Resources for specific challenges
The site organizes materials based on different challenges. For dyslexia, it includes Orton-Gillingham approaches and reading programs. ADHD resources cover engaging curriculums and ways to keep kids focused. For autism, there’s info on understanding different brain functions and adapting lessons. There's also content for twice-exceptional (2e) kids, who are gifted but also have learning disabilities—a group often overlooked by traditional methods.
The bottom line
Learning Abled Kids is a valuable resource for the homeschool community. It provides reliable guidance for parents teaching children with learning differences. Sandy Cook's mix of training and experience helps create a trustworthy platform. If you're feeling lost in the traditional education system, this site offers practical advice and hope that the right teaching can lead to success.
