Carolyn McCarthy
US Congresswoman, Fourth Congressional District of New York;
Dedicated supporter of students with LD, because of her own and her son's learning disabilities

Congresswoman McCarthy’s keen ability to communicate — translating obscure government-speak into ordinary language — has endeared her to constituents and colleagues alike. Ironically, it is a by-product of dyslexia.

“When I found out I had a learning disability, it was the greatest day in my life. I knew there was nothing wrong with my intelligence; it had to do with the way I learned.”

“I've become a great advocate for students with LD because I know most of them are smart. In fact, most kids with LD are extremely smart. They just have to learn differently, that's all … Don't ever let anyone tell you your child cannot accomplish great things.”