Ontario
LDAO is busy supporting the “Right to Read” inquiry now underway by the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC). Currently the inquiry is hearing from Parents across the Province as well as a detailed examination within eight Ontario public school boards. It is anticipated that results will be available late in 2020.
LDAO welcomes a review that should find ways to improve the systemic barriers that often occur for parents and students at a critical time in their educational journey. Ontario’s educational system is a very complex machine. Like anything that complex a detailed examination can find best practices and failing systems and recommend changes to benefit students with LDs and others where reading is proving a challenge.
Our quote on the community partner’s link is on the OHRC page is below.
“The Learning Disabilities Associations (LDAs) across Canada started from the Toronto office in 1963 and today is overseen coast-to-coast by the LDA of Canada. The LDAC led the efforts involving the Jeffrey Moore case where the Supreme Court of Canada examined the rights to education and considered the “ramp” required for those with Learning Disabilities to have the access they deserve.
The Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO) is committed to students with Learning Disabilities being given the best possible opportunities to succeed in Ontario schools and therefore looks forward to the findings and recommendations of the OHRC inquiry.”
Details are available here:
http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/news_centre/ohrc-launches-right-read-public-inquiry
The Supreme Court decision on the Jeffrey Moore cases is available here: Moore v. British Columbia (Education). LDAC participated as an intervener at every level from the Tribunal to the Supreme Court of Canada—a period of 12 years.
Quebec
The Institut des troubles d’apprentissage (Institute of Learning Disabilities) is inviting you to its 45th Annual Conference around the theme “Working together to support success” to be held March 25-27, 2020 in Montreal, Quebec. This 3-day event will provide an opportunity to update and develop your theoretical and practical skills through presentations and seminars highlighting the latest scientific advances as well as the implementation and field validation of effective interventions.
Chaired by Mélanie Paré, Ph. D., Associate Professor at Université de Montréal, this Conference will focus on cooperation for success of all learners challenged by learning disabilities or related conditions, in addition to the usual major topics (ADHD, ASD, anxiety, giftedness, screening, assessment and intervention, etc.).
There will also be plenty of time for networking and meeting with professionals and exhibitors.
We are excited to announce that registration is now open and we hope you will be joining us: https://lickst.at/congres-institut-troubles-apprentissage
Training offered:
Webinars, workshops, sessions, presentations
2019-2020 Calendar
For education and health professionals
https://institutta.com/formations
Newfoundland and Labrador
LDANL has had a very busy summer and fall!
This summer we offered a “Tech Buddies” program, which provided the opportunity for students to meet individually with post-secondary student mentors who use Assistive Technology in their studies and daily lives. Not only did our young students benefit from this, but also some parents and teachers came in for one-on-one sessions.
Michael Neary is one of our local heroes. Michael is a former student of our Barton tutoring program, a successful race car driver and has just graduated Grade 12 with the highest marks in one of his courses. Michael and his family raise funds for LDANL through the sale of programs at his races, and he proudly sports our logo on his car. In August, Michael and his family hosted a “Pit Party” on our parking lot, where he and several of his fellow racers had their cars on display. A bouncy castle, face painting, a food truck and ticket draws rounded out a great day in aid of LDANL.
In October, LDANL hosted a one-day conference on Assistive Technology. Over 100 people attended including a dynamic mix of parents, teachers, health professionals, and others, including some students. The sessions addressed various aspects of AT and many provided hands-on experience. The highlight of the day was our opening panel. Moderated by Dr. David Philpott, a panel of individuals who had various experiences with AT, including Michael Neary and his mom, Julianna Neary, discussed their experiences. The audience was moved and delighted with the stories shared, and had the opportunity to ask questions and tell their own stories. The response to the conference has been extremely positive, including comments like “life-changing”.