Research Committee
The Research Committee has been providing summaries of recent research going on in Canada. Here is an example of some research conducted by Dr. Lauren Goegan.
Dr. Goegan and her colleagues at the University of Alberta have been exploring the challenges experienced by students with Learning Disabilities at post-secondary institutions during the Fall 2020 semester as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are some findings from their research.
Students identified an increase in work related to their courses when compared to previous semesters. For example, one student said, “Like I have stuff due every day, I have stuff due on Saturdays, Sundays, I have stuff due on Mondays when I don’t even have classes. So, it makes it really hard as a student because you actually don’t have a day off.” This workload is related to several negative emotions, including anxiety, worry, stress and frustration.
Students also commented on receiving accommodations. Generally speaking, students note that accommodations are different in a remote setting. At times, students do not need certain accommodations. One student identified that “none of my classes were synchronous, so I didn’t need to record them.” Other students mentioned difficulty with getting some accommodations, including extended time, and often attributed this difficulty to their professor’s concern with cheating.
Lastly, students highlighted their resilience and perseverance. They identified important strategies like time management and organization skills. Moreover, these students maintained a positive mindset that helped them with their studies. For example, “we somehow figure out how to do it” and “you kind of feel like the world’s going crazy around you but you’re just like ok, what’s next.”
For more information as it becomes available, visit: https://laurengoegan.wordpress.com/Â
Communications Committee
Our committee last met on February 18. We continue to have some of our members participate in a special committee set up to recommend some changes to improve the website. We also continue with our other work related to social media and the newsletter.
We have been much more active on Facebook, and we encourage everyone to like and follow the LDAC Facebook page.
We have also started to plan for LD Awareness Month in October 2021 and will be getting in touch very soon with the provincial and territorial associations for this purpose.
Bob Cram – Chair
Members: Marilyn Irwin, Brendan O’Neill, Brent MacPherson, Simon Williams, Mark Buzan, Louise Boucher, Amanda Louie
