Individuals with Learning Disabilities can live incredibly complex, and at times frustrating lives. However, we also know that many of these individuals do go on to become immensely successful in all areas of work, life and play. It is important for us to keep focus upon the best ways to support everyone with Learning Disabilities, especially those struggling to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Mental health issues challenge people across the country, but mental health issues add further complexity to individuals who already live with Learning Disabilities. Statistics suggest that half of the individuals living with Learning Disabilities will have an additional related disorder, including mental health challenges. Therefore, we need to continue to grow our advocacy and support for their needs in education, the workplace and the community. Individuals with Learning Disabilities can be exceptional in all walks of life, and we need to ensure that we continue to help in every way possible, for them to excel and thrive, no matter where they are in Canada, or beyond.
June 2024
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 difficulties revealing their LD for fear of negative consequences.
Learning Disabilities News
Ministerial Statement:
Minister Howell Recognizes Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Adult Literacy Initiative.
Students with dyslexia
face challenges transitioning to the workplace, but with support they can thrive
The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada has no affiliation 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:
RESEARCHERS HIGHLIGHT
Dr. Meadow Schroeder:
is an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary in the Werklund School of Education. Her research examines various issues related to students with disabilities, including Learning Disabilities (LD). Her research interests include a) the transition from high school to postsecondary education, b) assessment issues related to LD, and c) how students are supported in school (e.g., teaching self-regulation strategies in mathematics). She has taught graduate-level courses on academic and language assessment and intervention, learning disabilities in the classroom, and ethics in psychology. She also has more than a decade of clinical experience conducting psycho-education assessment and interventions for children with LD and ADHD.
For more information on her work, you can visit:
https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/meadow-schroeder
- The Gauntlet (2024). University of Calgary U of C researchers design a computer game to help students with learning disabilities. https://thegauntlet.ca/2023/07/13/u-of-c-researchers-design-a-computer-game-to-help-students-with-learning-disabilities/
- Schroeder, M., Drefs, M. A., & Zwiers, M. (2020). Comparing math LD diagnostic rates obtained using LDAC and DSM-5 criteria: Implications for the field. Canadian Journal of School Psychology, 35(3), 175-196. https://doi.org/10.1177/0829573520915366
- Schroeder, M., Drefs, M. A., & Cormier, D. C. (2017). The Messiness of LD Identification: Contributions of Diagnostic Criteria and Clinical Judgement. Canadian Psychology, 58, 218-227. https://doi.org/10.1037/cap0000115
- Schroeder, M., Makarenko, E., & Warren, K. (2019). Introducing a late bank in online graduate courses: The response of students. Canadian Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 10(2), 14. https://doi.org/10.5206/cjsotl-rcacea.2019.2.8200
Agatha Christie (1890 – 1976), the Queen of Mystery, overcame learning disabilities to become the best-selling novelist of all time. Christie struggled with dysgraphia, affecting her ability to write by hand. To circumvent this, she dictated her novels to a typist or recorded them, ensuring her stories were captured without the physical strain of writing . Despite her challenges, Christie developed a passion for storytelling, nurtured by her mother.
She created iconic characters like Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, becoming a cornerstone of detective fiction. Her career includes 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections . In 1926, Christie’s personal life faced turmoil when she disappeared for 11 days following her mother’s death and her husband’s infidelity.
This period highlighted her resilience as she returned to writing with renewed determination . During World War II, Christie worked in hospital dispensaries, gaining knowledge of poisons that enriched her novels. Her meticulous attention to detail showcased her adaptability and dedication . Christie’s legacy is one of perseverance. Her works have sold over two billion copies, inspiring millions and proving that learning disabilities are no barrier to achieving greatness .
Sources
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 diffi culty.
“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
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.
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
