The HKCNDP Working Party for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) was formed in 1998, to address the subjects of dyslexia, mathematics learning disorder, specific language impairment, developmental coordination disorder within the group of specific learning disabilities. The mission of the SLD Working Party (SLD WP) mission is to address professional, service and advocacy aspects of SLD in Hong Kong, through respective working subgroups.

1. The professional subgroup hosted numerous scientific events in the ensuing decade, bringing the then new subjects in Hong Kong to the awareness of academics, professionals and the public. Professor Leong Che Kan, Professor Emeritus, Department of Educational Psychology & Special Education, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, was invited to advise on many of the scientific activities over these years. Highlights of these activities included:

   1. Interdisciplinary conferences hosted in 1998 and 1999, involving front-line academic and professional workers on dyslexia, mathematics disorder, specific language impairment, developmental coordination activities respectively, and culminating in the 1999 Position Paper on SLD with agreed definitions for the conditions, and joint calls for action.

   2. In 2000, a four day Annual Scientific Meeting where the neuro-scientific bases of dyslexia and language disorders were presented, under course director Professor Albert Galaburda, Emily Fisher Landau Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School and pioneer in the neurobiology of dyslexia.

   3. In 2002 an International Conference in Dyslexia: fMRi in Chinese dyslexia and Issues in Advocacy was organized, with keynote guest Dr. Emerson Dickman, an attorney with specialization in the representation of children with specific learning disabilities, as well as regional experts in functional neuroimaging work on Chinese reading. Senior public subject officials were invited to officiate at the Conference, resulting in general consensus on the nature of SLD and the public need for concerted action.

   4. In 2005 the SLD WP hosted a Forum to review developments in SLD in Hong Kong. A Position Paper for SLD in Hong Kong was prepared, documenting these developments, with a joint statement on the way ahead.

   5. In 2007, an SLD Summit was hosted where key players in Hong Kong on the subject of dyslexia met to present respective work, and to further unify views on directions ahead. Professor Doris Johnson, Professor of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, USA was invited to be keynote speaker at the Summit. Prominent local researchers, professionals, administrators, heads of regulatory bodies and legislators, spoke at the Summit. Proceedings are reported in Brainchild, and key papers published in the Hong Kong Journal of Paediatrics.

   6. In 2010, Professor Albert Galaburda is invited to meet with local academics and professionals to discuss research directions and international collaboration in reading and language disorders. A scientific update on the neuro-genetic understanding of reading disorders is presented by Professor Galaburda during this visit.

2. Over the years, the service subgroup worked closely with key service providers – the Education Bureau, Department of Health, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong Examination and Assessment Authority and Vocational Training Council, and others, to develop services that meet international expectations for children and young persons with SLD. In 2009, the subgroup met with all universities of Hong Kong to promote awareness of SLD within their institutions, and to ensure equal opportunities in admission and availability of necessary accommodations for those who are admitted to their programmes.

3. Advocacy was a strong focus of the SLD WP throughout the years. The advocacy subgroup, comprising of doctors, educators, lawyer, social worker and parents, worked closely with the Hong Kong Association of Specific Learning Disabilities, other non-government organizations and legislators, to promote public awareness, attitudes and support for individuals with SLD. The group worked with the HKSAR government on policy changes, including the 2007 inclusion of SLD as a category of disability within Hong Kong's Rehabilitation policy.

   Members of the SLD Working Party over the years include Dr. Chan Chok Wan, Professor Leong Che Kan, Professor Paul Fletcher, Professor Susan Effgen, Professor Susanna Chow, Dr. Catherine Lam, Dr. Philomena Tse, Ms Chan Cheuk Wai Man, Ms Iris Keung, Dr. Fanny Lam, and others. Advisors for the group include Professor Drake Duane, Professor Albert Galaburda and Professor Doris Johnson.