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October 2024

Volume 1, No 37 (PDF)

Celebrating the Tireless Efforts of Learning Disabilities Associations This Month

During this Learning Disabilities month, it is important for us to recognize and thank all of the Learning Disabilities Associations and Chapters across the country.  There are countless individuals, groups and organizations who work tirelessly throughout the year to support those living with Learning Disabilities.  The services and support provided by each association are invaluable, and we all need to continue our work advocating for the needs of every child, youth, and adult living with a Learning Disability in Canada.

Free Webinar: Putting Working Memory to Work to Support Student Learning

Landmark College is hosting a free webinar on Friday, November 15, at 2 p.m. ET, focused on strategies to enhance working memory for better student learning outcomes.

This session is ideal for educators, parents, and professionals working with students with learning challenges. Landmark College, a leader in education for students with learning differences, will provide practical tools to help students succeed.

Don’t miss out—Register now for this valuable opportunity!

Register Here

LDAC Launches CFOLD Survey on Canadians' Experiences with Learning Disabilities

The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC) has launched the Canadian Faces of Learning Disabilities (CFOLD) survey, aiming to gather insights on the experiences of Canadians with learning disabilities (LDs), focusing on mental health, workplace, and education.

Canadians 18+ who identify as having a LD are invited to participate in the bilingual survey, open from October 1st to November 30th. The survey takes just 5-10 minutes to complete.

Complete Survey Here

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

RESEARCHERS HIGHLIGHT

Dr. Matheson is a member of the education faculty at Queen’s University with an interest in educational psychology and special education. Currently, he is exploring how we can help students with high-incidence exceptionalities, including LDs, to become self-advocates. He works with his current graduate students to explore the knowledge that students possess about their own exceptionalities and accommodations, as well as how these students learn about their Individual Education Plan.

Dr. Matheson is working with local learning disability and special education groups in Kingston, where he and his family live. He is a former president of the Canadian Association for Educational Psychology, and continues to work with researchers of Inclusive Education both in Canada and beyond.

Learn more about Dr. Ian Matheson here: https://educ.queensu.ca/people/ian-matheson

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Boost Your Child or Teen’s Executive Functioning Through Card and Board Games

To support your child or teen’s executive functioning (EF) development, why not turn to card and board games? Games like Chess, Uno, and Jenga provide fun, interactive ways to strengthen planning, problem-solving, and impulse control. These activities not only promote skills like working memory and organization but also create opportunities for family bonding.

According to Foothills Academy, incorporating these games into your routine can make a big difference in cognitive growth and EF development.

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October is Learning Disabilities (LD) and ADHD Awareness Month!

The Calgary and Area Learning Disabilities and ADHD Network is committed to promoting strategies for success for individuals living with LD and ADHD. This month is the perfect time to explore ways to support children and adults in developing key skills, including executive functioning, mental health management, and academic strategies.

The Network offers valuable resources and hosts events, such as the “Find Your Path: Strategies for Success” conference on October 26, 2024, for practical takeaways.

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Need for Literacy Supports in New Brunswick

As Learning Disabilities (LD) Month continues, parents in New Brunswick are raising concerns about the lack of support for students with learning challenges like dyslexia. Families, such as Samantha McKiel’s, struggle to get personalized learning plans and adequate resources for their children.

Advocates like tutor Faye Theriault are pushing for early intervention and better teacher training in structured literacy programs like Orton–Gillingham. While fundraising efforts have helped train some teachers, more action is needed at the provincial level to provide the necessary support for all students with learning disabilities.

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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.

A Genius Who Overcame Learning Differences

As we celebrate Learning Disabilities (LD) Month, it’s inspiring to reflect on how Leonardo da Vinci, one of history’s greatest minds, may have faced his own learning challenges. Despite signs of dyslexia and ADHD, Leonardo excelled as an artist, scientist, and inventor, contributing profoundly to fields like anatomy, engineering, and botany.

Even though he struggled with focus and left many projects unfinished, his creativity and relentless curiosity enabled him to push boundaries in both art and science. His life is a reminder that learning differences do not limit potential but can coexist with extraordinary achievement.

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