Founded in 1987, the association is the first non-profit distance learning association in the United States to support distance learning research, development, and praxis across the complete arena of education, training, and communications. Distance learning and training constituencies served include pre-K-12 education; higher and continuing education; home schooling; as well as the business, corporate, military, government, and telehealth markets.

"The time is now for our industry to engage and reshape the policy battlefield based on the huge cracks that have emerged per COVID-19.  As an association, we've heard the complaints regarding broadband inequity and have also observed the ineffective use and application of distance learning pedagogy and technologies.  We will begin to set the stage for policy makers to address this and other issues going forward," said Robbie Melton, Ph.D., Chairwoman and Board Member, Public Policy, USDLA.