Learning Disabilities are consistently prominent in the news at local, provincial, national, and global levels. These disabilities have a significant impact on diagnosed individuals and their friends and family. Organizations like LDAC and provincial/territorial associations provide support, advocacy, research, and programming for individuals with Learning Disabilities. However, there are ongoing challenges and barriers for those living with Learning Disabilities, affecting children in schools or at home, adults in the workplace and family life, professionals, and caregivers. Last month’s news covered various themes related to Learning Disabilities, including associated disorders such as ADHD and executive functioning challenges. LDAC is not affiliated with the news organizations and is not responsible for the information presented in each article.
YOUR DONATION IS IMPORTANT!
Despite progress, obtaining necessary services and tools for education remains a struggle for parents and young adults with learning disabilities. Working adults also face difficulties revealing their LD for fear of negative consequences.
RESEARCHERS HIGHLIGHT
Dr. Lauren Goegan
Dr. Lauren Goegan is an assistant professor at the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Education. Her research examines various issues related to students with Learning Disabilities (LD). For example, her main program of research explores the transition from high school to postsecondary education, finding that having a sense of belonging on campus is vital for a student with LD and their success. More recently as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, she has investigated the impact of online learning for students with LD, discovering that online learning is a roller coaster with various advantages and disadvantages. Her work often includes motivation theories, such as the importance of having a growth mindset for students with LD and exploring ways to meet a student’s basic psychological needs of autonomy (e.g., giving them choice), competence (e.g., helping them feel capable) and relatedness (e.g., feeling connected to others) to support students with dyslexia during classroom assessment. For more information on her work, you can visit:
Lauren Goegan | Faculty of Education | University of Manitoba (umanitoba.ca)  or  Lauren D. Goegan – ‪Google Scholar
GREAT MINDS THINK DIFFERENTLY
Albert Einstein
EINSTEIN, Albert (14 March 1879 – 18 April 1955), was a German-born theoretical physicist widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest physicists of all time. Einstein is known for developing the theory of relativity, but he also made important contributions to the development of the theory of quantum mechanics. Relativity and quantum mechanics are together the two pillars of modern physics. His mass-energy equivalence formula E = mc2, which arises from relativity theory, has been dubbed “the world’s most famous equation.” His work is also known for its influence on the philosophy of science. He received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics “for his services to theoretical physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect,” a pivotal step in the development of quantum theory. His intellectual achievements and originality resulted in “Einstein” becoming synonymous with “genius”.
While Einstein ‘loved mathematics and science,’ he ‘disliked grammar and had problems with spelling,’ which could suggest that he had dyslexia. At the age of 16, Einstein struggled to tie his shoelaces, implying he could have had dyspraxia. He also failed his college examinations. According to The Dyspraxic Chef, Einstein was ‘thought of as being dyspraxic’ or ‘having had dyspraxia tendencies.’ Michael Fitzgerald, professor of psychiatry at Trinity College in Dublin, believed that Einstein also had Asperger syndrome, a type of autistic spectrum disorder, due to his creativity.
Experts believed that Einstein had ADHD because he ‘was as disorganized and forgetful as he was insightful and intelligent.’ Other traits he was known to have included inattention by being frequently disciplined at school and college for not paying attention, rebelliousness in the way he often opposed his school teachers and college professors, and impulsiveness having several love affairs throughout his life.
Dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD... The new children’s book BORN TO BE ME! Presents 15 true stories of amazing Canadians from all walks of life who live with a learning disability or difficulty.
“We distributed “Born to Be Me” to  grade 6 and 7 families for parents and kids to read the testimonials and experiences of Canadians with Learning Disabilities. The book can help individuals with their own self-perception, esteem and confidence”. Simon Williams, Executive Co-Director, Foothills Academy Society
YOUR DONATION IS IMPORTANT!
Despite progress, obtaining necessary services and tools for education remains a struggle for parents and young adults with learning disabilities. Working adults also face difficulties revealing their LD for fear of negative consequences.
Your donation can help us continue our work and expand our reach. With your support, we can
- Advocate for policies and programs that promote inclusion and accessibility for people with learning disabilities
- Conduct research and disseminate knowledge on learning disabilities issues and solutions
- Educate and train parents, teachers, employers, and professionals on how to support people with learning disabilities
- Provide services and resources to individuals and families affected by learning disabilities
LDAC, where together, we can make a difference!
Sincerely,
The LDAC Team
