LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Martha B. Bernard upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition by the Learning Disabilities
Association of New York State after more than 50 years of advocacy on
behalf of those with learning disabilities

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Martha B. Bernard upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Learning Disabilities Association of New York State;
and
WHEREAS, Martha B. Bernard will be honored by the Learning Disabili-
ties Association of New York State (LDANYS) at its Annual Board Meeting
to be held in Latham, New York, on Sunday, June 6, 2010; and
WHEREAS, For over 50 years, Martha B. Bernard has continually demon-
strated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence, and diligent
leadership in her unwavering service on behalf of those with learning
disabilities; and
WHEREAS, The Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) is the largest
501c3, nonprofit organization advocating for children and adults with
learning disabilities; LDA has over 200 state and local affiliates in 42
states and Puerto Rico and has over 24,000 members worldwide; and
WHEREAS, LDA is a three-tiered organization comprised of a national
organization, state affiliates and local chapters; in New York, LDA's
state affiliate, the Learning Disabilities Association of New York State
and its network of seven local chapters serve as the conduit of informa-
tion, advocacy and services for individuals with learning disabilities
and their families; and
WHEREAS, LDANYS is the only statewide association in New York that
specifically represents the needs and interests of individuals who have
learning disabilities and their families, and its mission is to create
an environment that supports, informs, and empowers individuals with
learning disabilities throughout their lifespan through its educational
programs, direct services and collaborative efforts; and
WHEREAS, Martha B. Bernard has been a member of, and actively involved
in, LDA activities since the 1960s; she was one of its pioneers who
struck out in new directions, willing to advance new ideas, calling for
and demanding recognition, services and funding to benefit those served
by the LDA; she has helped shape the LDA to become the illustrious
organization that it is today; and
WHEREAS, In 1964, Martha B. Bernard founded the Manhattan Chapter of
the LDA and served as the catalyst for the establishment of the Learning
Disabilities Association of New York City in 1989, where she continues
to serve as Board President; and
WHEREAS, Martha B. Bernard was State Association President from 1970
to 1973 and proudly served as a Trustee for over 30 years, serving on
the Executive Committee in several officer positions; she was also Pres-
ident of the National Learning Disabilities Association of America
during 1973 and 1974; and
WHEREAS, Today, Martha B. Bernard continues to serve with distinction
on the Executive Committee of the Learning Disabilities Association of
New York State, and as President Emeritus of the Learning Disabilities
Association of New York City; and

WHEREAS, In addition to serving the LDA, Martha B. Bernard has served
for many years as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Large
School, which serves the needs of emotionally disturbed and learning
disabled students; she is also a Board member for the Gateway School and
the Mary McDowell Center for Learning, both of which have long served
students with learning disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Martha B. Bernard has often represented the needs of children
with learning disabilities on numerous committees and task forces for
the Office of the Manhattan Borough President and the Chancellor of the
New York City Public Schools; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Martha B. Bernard was a consultant to the Jose
P. case, one of the two major class action suits she was instrumental
in instituting on behalf of the educational needs of children with disa-
bilities; at the federal level, she was actively involved in the devel-
opment of P.L. 94-142 (the Education of All Handicapped Children Act,
now codified as IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
and served in Washington to help write the regulations; and
WHEREAS, Martha B. Bernard has dedicated her life to helping children
and adults with learning disabilities along with their parents and the
professionals and policy makers at all levels to advance better under-
standing of learning and facilitating educational and other essential
services; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Martha
B. Bernard over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Martha B. Bernard upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by the Learning Disabilities Association of New York
State after more than 50 years of advocacy on behalf of those with
learning disabilities; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Martha B. Bernard.