February 2025

Federal Disability Tax Credit Application Resources

Disability Tax: Accessing Your Benefits

By Dyslexia Canada with Stefanie Ricchio, CPA, CGA

This free webinar will cover both the Disability Tax Credit and the Registered Disability Savings Plan for people with Learning Disabilities.

Feb. 13, 5 pm MST

ADHD and the Disability Tax Credit: All you need to know

The Adult ADHD Centre is offering free repeat live sessions in February and March about how to apply if you or a family member have ADHD.

Feb. 4 and March 4, 3 pm MST

Feb. 18 and March 18, 5 pm MST

How to Claim Disability Tax Credit in Canada for ADHD

by Maria Soledad de Bilbao, Calgary ADHD coach

"Are you aware that there are provisions in Canada’s tax system that cater to individuals with disabilities, including those with conditions like ADHD? Let’s explore ADHD, its impacts, and options for accessing valuable financial support."

Note: the podcast at the top of the page is an introduction to Maria; it is NOT about the Disability Tax Credit.

Early Literacy Screening is Harmful?!

Recently, the Early Childhood Education Council, a specialist council of the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA), published a position statement fundamentally declaring that early literacy and numeracy screening in Kindergarten would do more harm than good.

We do not agree.

Our Network has heard from many Albertans who have shared their or their children's struggles of unaddressed reading difficulties as early as Kindergarten, and the profoundly negative effects this has had on the rest of their school experiences, mental health, family and social relationships, and career opportunities. These impacts are unnecessary, undesirable and preventable.

We applaud and echo the response statement of Decoding Dyslexia Alberta which is considered, logical and evidence-based (click on the first page to continue to the rest).

Along with the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta, and our own White Paper: Ensuring a Sustainable Future for Alberta Youth with Learning Disabilities & ADHD, join us in taking action to ensure that teachers have proper training in identifying and providing research-based interventions for children with reading difficulties.

Disability Policy in Canada: Provincial and Territorial Report

By the Kids Brain Health Network

Discover what Alberta is providing in terms of disability policy and programs, and take a moment to compare that to what exists in the rest of Canada.

The report includes "...the experiences of parents and caregivers when applying for and accessing disability programs..." which may mirror your own experiences.

There are also lists of programs which you may not be aware of and could potentially apply for.

Machine learning helps predict ADHD in kindergarten students

A University of Alberta research team has successfully used machine learning as a tool for earlier detection of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in kindergarten students using Alberta data. 

Resources for Parents of Gr. 11 & 12 Students Preparing for Postsecondary

PADRA Event

Saturday March 15, 2025

9:30 am - 12:00 pm

Ambrose University, 150 Ambrose Crl SW, Calgary

Fee: Free

Parking: Free

No RSVP required

The Postsecondary Accessibility & Disability Resource Association of Alberta (PADRA) Calgary chapter, is once again hosting their Transition to Post-Secondary event with a presentation, student panel and resource fair of colleges, universities and community agencies. The Network be there, too!

Preparatory Course for Students

The Road to Postsecondary for Neurodiverse Students is

a self-paced, online course that "empowers neurodiverse high school students to confidently transition to post-secondary school with practical modules, proven strategies, and a personalized action plan

for success."

Developed by Foothills Academy Community Services

Cost: $30

Open enrolment

Network Resources

Advocating For Yourself in Post-Secondary by Dr. Ana Pardo

In this article, Dr. Pardo explores an important new role for a young adult student: self-advocate.

Parents are no longer the main drivers behind accommodations when their teens or young adults start postsecondary - that role now has to be taken up by the students themselves. Discover how this can work.

Transitioning to Post-Secondary Videos

Short YouTube videos where Calgary high school students interview accessibility advisors to have their top questions answered.

Not falling through the cracks:​ How psychoeducational assessments can help​ foster success!

With Caitlin Schneider (MSc), and Karen Wagner (MEd), Registered Psychologists;

hosted by the Community Education Service, Alberta Health

"Does your child struggle in a mainstream classroom? Are you concerned that your child may be anxious, overwhelmed or inattentive at school? Do you think your child needs extra support to achieve academic or social success?

Presenters will provide an overview of how psychoeducational assessments can be helpful in identifying a child’s strengths, areas of difficulty, as well as help caregivers learn how to advocate through the educational system and community supports to foster growth and success."

Thursday, February 27

12 - 1:30 pm MST

Free webinar

This is a rare opportunity for adults with Dyslexia to have a say! There isn't much current Canadian data on the lived experience of adults with Learning Disabilities in general, or Dyslexia in particular, which hampers:

• public awareness
• policy development across government and industries
• allocating funding for programs

Please participate in this study!

Contact Mitchell Holmes at jclab@ualberta.ca.

SAIT and the Alberta University of the Arts have teamed up to host this Disability Resource Fair open to students, staff, and the broader community. 

Featuring:

• Alumni Panel
• Sensory friendly spaces
• 30+ resource vendors
• Prizes and
• Keynote Speaker Lionel Migrino!

"Lionel works as an HR professional in the energy industry while championing diversity and accessibility in all aspects of his life. In recognition of his advocacy work, Lionel was honoured with the 2024 Advocacy Accessibility Award by the City of Calgary."

Free event; no registration necessary.

Dr. Peg Dawson is an internationally recognized expert in ADHD and co-author of the Smart But Scattered book series.

"This interactive 2-day workshop offers educators, school psychologists, special education teachers, and other professionals working with children and adolescents, a comprehensive understanding of executive skills and provides practical, evidence-based strategies to support their development. Participants will learn how to embed executive skills into daily routines, create a supportive environment, and design targeted interventions for children, adolescents and young adults who struggle with executive function challenges."

ADHD & Executive Functioning

With Rhonda Anderson, (B.Ed) & Stephanie Sands, (B.Sc) from Rocky View Schools and MHCB Stepping Stones to Mental Health

The session will provide an overview of ADHD and how issues with impulsivity and/or inattention impact children's ability to manage their environments. The session will also explore the impact ADHD has on Executive Functioning and how it relates to managing everyday tasks, and meeting daily expectations at home and at school, including social, emotional, behavioural, and academic demands.

Thursday, February 6

6 - 8 pm MST

Free Webinar

Our Network manager and resource navigator, Carola Tiltmann, is excited to be hosting booths at both the Calgary & Palliser Teachers' Conventions this month.

Pop by for a visit to:

• enter great prize draws for PD courses
• gain insights on LD & ADHD
• learn about resources and supports
• check out the translation/accessibility functions on our website
• ask questions!

This FREE Lunch & Learn type session, offered by our Network, is great for teambuilding, EDI or professional development for your administration, training teams or staff.

It includes an overview of what Learning Disabilities & ADHD are, what they are not, and current best practices in the workplace to create a healthier and more productive work environment for you, your employees and your clients.

• Virtual or in-person in Calgary
• Approx. 1 hour long
• Can be at any time during regular business hours

The Learning Disabilities & ADHD Network is a collaborative initiative of a broad group of organizations, which is operated through Foothills Academy and supported by an Anonymous Donor at the Calgary Foundation.