Charitable Registration # 1190 10312 RR0001

September 2024

Volume 1, No 36 (PDF)

Maintaining a Smooth Transition to the School Year

As September rolls along, many children and families are adjusting to the new school year. Returning to the classroom can bring excitement as well as a lot of anxiety, as the challenges of diferent classes, new people, demanding curriculums and changed routines can all compound the day to day stresses of school life. Add Learning Disabilities into this equation, and you have the recipe for a difcult September for many children and youth.

We can support children and families to have a successful September and beyond by locking in routines at home for things such as homework, leisure, family time and fun. Also, it is important for families to clearly communicate with their school to advocate for their child’s needs, and to involve the student in these conversations where appropriate. Additionally, in the LD world where many children are reluctant readers, remember to support them at home with low-stakes opportunities such as having them read instructions on family game board night, or watch tv with the sound of and take turns reading subtitles. Anything to engage your child in reading without any pressure, and with a little bit of fun, can help. Additionally, reach out to your local or provincial Learning Disabilities Association, to seek further support for those in your life living with Learning Disabilities.

Back to school with Landmark College A Leader in Neurodiverse Education

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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.

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. Gina Harrison is Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Victoria. She is an elected Fellow of the International Academy for Research in Learning Disabilities (IARLD) and a Registered Psychologist. She has served on numerous governmental and community-based committees informing policy and advocacy for children and youth with learning disabilities.

Explore Dr. Harrison’s impactful work

Harrison, G. L., & Boulet, L. (2024). Assessing executive function’s influence on reading comprehension in French immersion. Canadian Journal of School Psychology, 39, 87-99.
https://doi.org/10.1177/08295735241227511

Pollitt, S. & Harrison, G. L. (2021). Does CBM-Maze assess reading comprehension in 8- to 9-year olds at risk for dyslexia? Dyslexia, 27, 265-274.
https://doi.org/10.1002/dys.1679

Rhonda Rubin appointed to New Brunswick's Accessibility Advisory Board

We are thrilled to announce that Rhonda Rubin, Vice President of LDAC, has been appointed to the New Brunswick Accessibility Advisory Board. This board will play a crucial role as New Brunswick moves towards implementing important accessibility legislation. This appointment not only highlights Rhonda’s dedication and expertise but also represents a significant step forward in ensuring that accessibility becomes a priority in the province.

We are proud of Rhonda’s continued advocacy for accessibility and look forward to the positive changes that will come from this important work.

$1M Gift Creates New Opportunities for University of of Guelph Students with Learning Disabilities

The University of Guelph and Guelph-Humber have received a $1 million donation from The Justin Eves Foundation to create endowment funds for scholarships benefiting students with learning disabilities. The scholarships will be available to students registered with Student Accessibility Services, based on academic achievement, financial need, and leadership. The foundation honours Justin Eves’ legacy of supporting young people with learning disabilities. Applications are due by October 7, 2024

Learning Disability Association Closes After 21 Years Due to Funding Shortfalls

The Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury (LDAS) has announced it will close its doors on September 13, 2024, after 21 years of service. The closure is due to a lack of grant funding and donations. In a statement released on September 11, the Board expressed gratitude to staf and the community for their support over the years: “After 21 years of dedicated work, we have made the difcult decision to close. We thank our staf and community partners for their unwavering support.”

East of England Ambulance Service Earns Silver Quality Mark for Dyslexia-Friendly Workplace

The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) has become the first NHS organization and emergency service to achieve the Silver Quality Mark from the British Dyslexia Association. This recognition highlights the organization’s eforts in supporting staf with dyslexia and other learning difculties, such as ADHD, autism, and dyspraxia. EEAST has implemented several initiatives, including employing specialist practitioners to provide one-on-one advice and creating a dyslexia-friendly workplace. This achievement is part of a broader inclusivity strategy aimed at making EEAST a more supportive environment for all employees.

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.

Pablo Picasso: Turning Challenges into Creativity

Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, renowned for co-founding Cubism and pioneering innovative techniques such as collage and constructed sculpture. Less commonly known is that Picasso had dyslexia, a learning disability that profoundly influenced his distinctive artistic vision. His remarkable ability to turn this challenge into a source of creative brilliance demonstrates how learning diferences can inspire extraordinary achievements. Picasso’s journey underscores the value of embracing individual strengths and perspectives, illustrating that challenges can ultimately lead to groundbreaking success.

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