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About Us
NILD was established in 1982 to assist schools, organizations, and individuals in the development of programs for students with specific learning disabilities.
The NILD Educational TherapyŽ model was developed in the 1960s by Deborah Zimmerman, a nurse and educator. Many of her techniques were encountered through her work with pioneers of the early research in learning disabilities, Drs. Archie Silver, M.D. and Rosa Hagin, Ph.D. at Bellevue Medical Center in New York. In 1973, her techniques were introduced into a private school setting in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1982, the Norfolk Institute for Learning Disabilities was established as a 501(c)3 charitable organization under the direction of Grace Mutzabaugh (Lower School Principal). As its influence broadened, the name was changed to National Institute for Learning Disabilities.
In 2002 following NILD's 20th anniversary celebration in Orlando, FL, the board of directors approved VISION 2020 to include the development of a community-based model to serve students outside a private school setting and in other schools and private settings. At that conference Dr. Kathy Hopkins, NILD's Executive Director, launched the vision that by the year 2020, one million students will have been impacted by NILD's methods and intervention. Discovery Program, Inc. is the prototype of the community-based model currently serving a wide area within the cities of Hampton Roads.
In 2007, progress was marked by significant changes, including research and development with group models of intervention, expansion of the community based model, and an online component to our courses. The name was changed to the National Institute for Learning Development to more accurately reflect the direction of the organization. Dr. Hopkins made the announcement at our 25th Anniversary Conference in Virginia Beach, VA. With headquarters in the Discovery Center in Norfolk, Virginia, NILD continues to serve educators around the world.