When asked to share her journey as a Learning Disabilities Specialist and DSP&S professional, Julie recounted the following piece.
Written by Julie Land
- LD Specialist certified on the LDESM in 2003 and then on the Bateria in 2007
- 2005—2022, El Camino College: LD Specialist, PD/VI Specialist, and EDEV Instructor
- 1997-2004, West L.A. College: DSP&S Counselor
What I loved about being a Learning Disabilities Specialist was witnessing the gradual shift in the way students seemed to view themselves. Students gradually replaced their previous question, “What’s wrong with me?” with a new question, “What’s right with me?” In most cases, students seemed very glad to have gone through the LD Assessment process. Approaching this resource had sometimes required courage and independence on the student’s part, as some hesitate to ask for help due to stigmas or familial influence. Having the courage to go through this process with me allowed students to gain information that helped them better understand their learning needs. As students got a clearer grasp of their strengths they began to realize how they could strengths to overcome any learning weaknesses. Many students would sometimes develop an “aha” moment about academic and career possibilities not considered previously. I felt privileged to be part of their journey in this meaningful way.
Other aspects of my work which I especially enjoyed included advocating for students with disabilities through writing. Whether I was developing new curricula, revising previous works, or writing letters of advocacy for students who needed accommodations for high-stakes testing, I enjoyed being part of the process. Thankfully some of my writing and advocacy came to life throughout my career. For example, I wrote advocacy for a dedicated classroom/computer lab for our Educational Development (EDEV) Program year after year. This consistent message and advocacy helped this space come about in Fall 2019!
I have been involved in several projects supporting students with disabilities When I first started at El Camino College (ECC), I spearheaded the writing of our Position Description for the Contract. Later, I wrote and submitted Educational Development’s (EDEV) application for the State Academic Senate’s “Exemplary Program” award. This effort resulted in “Honorable Mention” of our EDEV Program from ASCCC and in an invitation to me to participate in a standing committee of ASCCC. This year-long experience increased my sense of awe about the CA Community Colleges (CCC) and about the wide array of educational needs we aim to address as we serve diverse communities throughout our State.
Thanks to my El Camino sabbatical, I was able to complete my Wilson Reading System Dyslexia Practitioner certification as well as “Educational Therapist / Professional,” through the Association of Educational Therapists. What I learned helped me to assist students individually and in my EDEV classes. I didn’t conduct any type of private practice while employed by the CCC. I could do that now, yet I’m going to enjoy taking a break—at least for a while—to travel and to spend more time with my grandson!
The LDS community was very supportive, first through the Field Advisory and in-person Regional Meetings–later on, through Zoom meetings, and always, through the LD Listserv. The El Camino College Special Resource Center was and is very supportive of LD Assessment and of the EDEV Program.
During my last two years at ECC, I served on the Academic Integrity Committee, completed ECC PRIDE, and assisted with our Federation’s successful negotiation for Lab Parity. In my last semester, LD Assessment resumed, which felt like “homecoming” to me! I will always appreciate my 25 years with DSP&S; there were some challenges but far more rewards, especially my role as an LDS and the opportunity to support students with disabilities on their educational journey in pursuit of their cherished goals.