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December 2024

Volume 1, No 39 (PDF)

Happy Holidays from all at the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada.

During this festive season, we want to thank all of our supporters, donors and stakeholders. In 2025 we will continue striving to be a strong voice and advocate for all individuals living with Learning Disabilities. We would also like to acknowledge all of the great work being carried out by the provincial and territorial organizations and chapters, serving the needs of Learning Disabilities across the country.

The collective strength of all of our stakeholders ensures that individuals with Learning Disabilities are more empowered to reach their full potential.

Wishing you all a peaceful and prosperous holiday season, and a happy new year.

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We need your help!

Despite progress, obtaining necessary services and tools for education remains a struggle for parents and young adults with learning disabilities. Working adults also face difculties revealing their LD for fear of negative consequences.

Donate here

Landmark College is renowned for its specialized programs designed for students with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, or executive function challenges. As a dedicated partner of LDAC, Landmark offers international students from Canada an inclusive academic environment where individualized support leads to success.

Discover how Landmark College is empowering students to learn differently and excel beyond expectations.

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Dr. Marie-France Côté

Dr. Marie-France Côté is a professor in the Department of Language Didactics at UQAM (Université du Québec à Montréal) and an associate professor at the Chair on Fundamental Literacy Learning. She completed a bachelor’s degree in Special Education and Social Adaptation, as well as a master’s degree in Education at UQAM, all while working as a remedial educator in school settings.

Dr. Côté later pursued her doctoral studies at McGill University. Her academic interests lie in the didactics and orthodidactics of reading and writing. More specifically, her recent work focuses on developing and validating assessment tools designed to effectively measure reading comprehension among elementary school students. Dr. Côté’s research also explores the development of effective interventions to enhance learning and facilitate the transfer of reading and writing skills among students at risk or experiencing learning difficulties

Learn more about Dr. Marie-France Côté:
https://professeurs.uqam.ca/professeur/cote.marie-france/

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Celebrating Excellence: King Charles III Coronation Medal Presentation

On December 5, 2024, we proudly celebrated the presentation of the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal. Among the honorees was Rhonda Rubin, Vice President of the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC), recognized for her outstanding leadership and contributions through her employment and many years of volunteer activities at the local, regional and national levels with a number of groups, promoting accessibility and inclusivity in New Brunswick.

The ceremony, attended by NB Senator Nancy Hartling, highlighted Rhonda’s remarkable dedication to improving the lives of those with special needs including individuals with learning disabilities and advancing awareness across the country. Her tireless efforts have made a lasting impact, and this award serves as a fitting tribute to her leadership and advocacy.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal celebrates individuals who embody the values of service and commitment, inspiring others through their exceptional achievements. Congratulations to Rhonda Rubin and all the recipients for their well-deserved recognition!

Stress-Reducing Tips for Children During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for joy, but it can also disrupt routine and bring challenges. Help your family navigate this time with less stress with the article “Calming the Chaos: Stress-Reducing Strategies for Children During the Holiday Hustle.”

Discover practical tips to manage sensory overload, maintain routines, and create a calmer, more enjoyable holiday experience for children.

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The Open University Launches One-Hour Courses to Inspire 21st Century Learners

The Open University is now offering a series of innovative one-hour courses designed to spark curiosity and creativity in today’s learners. Inspired by Made By Dyslexia’s concept of “Dyslexic Thinking,” these courses are tailored to celebrate and develop the unique problem-solving and creative skills often associated with dyslexia.

These courses are designed for everyone—whether you have dyslexia or not— aiming to foster a deeper understanding of this way of thinking and how it can drive innovation and success. With bite-sized learning and engaging content, they provide an excellent opportunity to explore new perspectives and skills in just an hour.

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Left Behind: A Powerful Documentary Exploring Dyslexia, Featuring U2’s Larry Mullen Jr.

The documentary Left Behind, featuring U2’s Larry Mullen Jr., delves into the experiences of individuals with dyslexia, highlighting their challenges and triumphs.

The film aims to raise awareness about dyslexia and promote understanding of dyslexic thinking. The trailer, offers a glimpse into the personal stories and insights shared in the documentary. Left Behind is set to provide an in-depth look at the dyslexic experience.

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The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada has no afliation with the media outlets or organizations, and is not responsible for the content reported in each article. We are simply providing some highlights of the publicly available stories that hit the news this month. To keep all of us aware of what is happening in the world, we provide Canadian, US and global stories where relevant. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but hopefully it provides you with some food for thought

Rethinking Challenges: Jennifer Aniston’s Inspiring Journey

Jennifer Aniston, renowned actress and producer, is a powerful example of how thinking differently can lead to extraordinary success. Diagnosed with dyslexia in her twenties, she revealed how this discovery transformed her perspective: “I thought I wasn’t smart… now I had this great discovery.”

Despite early struggles with self-esteem, Aniston became a global icon, proving that challenges like dyslexia can inspire resilience and drive. Her journey is a reminder that embracing differences fuels greatness.

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 forparents and kids to read the testimonials and experiences of Canadians with Disabilities. The book can help individuals with their ownself-perception, esteem and confidence”.Simon Williams, Executive Co-Director, Foothills Academy Society

Click Here to Purchase

Published by Dominique & Friends, in collaboration with all of the 9 provinces and territories of the Learning Disabilities Association of Canada, this new book follows the publication of the French books ” Non aux étiquettes! ” and “Mission : Non aux étiquettes!” Jennifer Couëlle’s lively texts are illustrated in full color by Phil Poulin. Adapted fonts make reading easier for dyslexic persons. A glossary at the end of the book explains the different diagnoses.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Despite our progress, parents and young adults with learning disabilities continue to face challenges in accessing essential services and educational tools. Additionally, working adults often hesitate to disclose their learning disabilities due to concerns about potential negative repercussions. Your help can make a significant diference in overcoming these obstacles.

Your generous donation will enable us to continue our vital work and expand our reach. With your support, we can

  • Advocate for policies and programs that foster inclusion and accessibility for individuals with learning disabilities.
  • Conduct research and share valuable insights on issues and solutions related to learning disabilities.
  • Educate and train parents, teachers, employers, and professionals on how to efectively support individuals with learning disabilities.
  • Provide essential services and resources to individuals and families impacted by learning disabilities.
Donate here

LDAC, where together, we can make a difference!

Sincerely,
The LDAC Team