Ottawa, October 1, 2006 – “Dealing with social and emotional challenges is part of growing up”, says Fraser Green, President of the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada “but it can be particularly challenging for individuals with learning disabilities (LD).”

The theme for the national awareness campaign this October - Learning Disabilities and Mental Health: Is there a Higher Risk? – illustrates how mental health issues are not the cause, but rather the consequence, of academic frustrations and continued failures.

The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC) recognises that with an understanding of the social and emotional challenges at hand, parents and teachers can help children with LD develop positive self-esteem, useful social skills and traits that can lead to success. Learning disabilities are life long and with early interventions and appropriate supports, children with LD can become competent, content and independent adults who reach their full potential and lead satisfying lives.

“Learning Disabilities Awareness Month allows us to collectively set one month aside each year to remind us to put our concentrated efforts into educating as many people as possible about learning disabilities,” says Green.

A learning disability is a neurological disorder that causes a person with average or above average abilities to have chronic trouble learning and using certain skills. The skills most often affected are: in listening, thinking, speaking, reading, writing, mathematics, reasoning, organization and social – skills that individuals must use every day to fulfill their roles as students, family members, employees and citizens.

Founded in 1963, the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC) is the national voice for persons with learning disabilities and those who support them. LDAC is dedicated to building a level playing field for individuals with learning disabilities to enable them to function as citizens with equal opportunities and to develop to their chosen potential. LDAC, in partnership with Provincial and Territorial Learning Disabilities Associations, and community chapters, accomplishes these goals through public awareness about the nature and impact of learning disabilities, advocacy, research, health, education and collaborative efforts.

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For information:

Claudette Larocque, Information Officer
Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC)
250 City Centre, Suite 616, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 6K7
613-238-5721 ext. 202 fax 613-235-5391
info@ldac-acta.ca
http://www.ldac-acta.ca/

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