January 2024

A new year...a new website!

The Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta is very excited to announce the launch of their new website. It offers a clean new look, easy navigation, and new resources.

For example, under the Programs tab, find separate resources specifically for educators, parents and adults.

Have a look and see what LDAA can offer you.

Self-Advocacy Starts in…Elementary?

"Self-advocacy is a skill that needs to be learned, but developing this skill by those with a Learning Disability (LD) and/or ADHD can be a real challenge that takes a lot of time and practice."

Learn about the bumps and joys from a Mom who's successfully traveled the advocacy road with her daughter, from elementary school through to university.

Introducing...

Academic Accommodation Advising - Bridge the Gap

Empowering high school students with disabilities to advocate for themselves at the post-secondary level

The transition to post-secondary can feel overwhelming, exciting and nerve-racking all at the same time. One of the shifts from high school to post-secondary is the amount of self advocacy expected, the post-secondary institution nor the instructors will do things “for you”, instead they will do them “with you”. If you require academic accommodations, it is up to you to ensure that you have the right skills and materials to put them in place.

Dr. Ana Pardo is presenting an information session for parents, students, and other interested professionals who have a grade twelve student who experiences a disability-related barrier in the learning environment, and will be attending a post-secondary institution this coming fall.

Session topics will include:

• The differences between high school and post-secondary institutions regarding accessing and using academic accommodations;

• the transition challenges for grade twelve students;

• what Academic Accommodation Advising – Bridge the Gap can offer to help students navigate the academic accommodation process at the post-secondary level.

Details:

• January 22, 2024, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
• Hounsfield Heights-Briar Hill

Community Association, 1904 14 Ave NW

• Parking is just west of the Louise Riley Library
• Cost is $20 cash per person or $40

cash per family (GST included)

• 25 people for this session only
• Register via email to Dr. Ana Pardo

academicaccomm.bridgethegap@gmail.com

Note: more sessions will be offered in January and February.

Dr. Ana Pardo has spent the last thirty-five years of her career examining disability, diversity and equity issues. She has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and received her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology specializing in Disability and Multi-Cultural Organizational Change. For well over a decade, she has been the Director of Access and Inclusion Services at Mount Royal University and was previously the Director of Accessibility Services at the University of Calgary.

Learning Disability and ADHD Programs

Both Foothills Academy Community Services and CanLearn Society in Calgary offer a broad range of programs and services for families and adults. They are also two of the only organizations that often help with financial support to ensure that children and adults can access assessment, therapy, intervention and recreational opportunities.

New sessions are starting for January and Spring programs. Please visit their websites to explore and find what you or your family need.

"On the FIRST Thursday of EVERY month, our clinic (Avery Family & School Psychology Services) will be hosting a FREE information session on Facebook Live called ADHD ESSENTIALS!"

Join Registered Psychologist and ADHD expert, Tanya Keto, on Thursday, February 1st from 7-9 PM MST for the next session. Link to the Avery Facebook page where you can join the live video.

January means the start of new ADHD Support Group sessions. These are led by trained facilitators, and allow you to share your story, strategies or gain valuable insights into a life lived with ADHD.

Groups are virtual, drop-in, offered by time zones, and most are free. On the CADDAC website, check the left-hand menu under Programs and Events for all of the different sessions.

Current ADHD Support Groups offered:

• Adults ADHD Support Group
• ADHD and Substance Use Disorder Peer-led Support Groups
• Parenting Support Group
• Youth ADHD Group Coaching Program

"Dive into EALA's Tech Tool Library and explore the wealth of resources it provides. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or caregiver, EALA is here to support everyone involved in nurturing children with diverse learning needs. Discover the full potential of what EALA's Tech Tool Library has to offer."

Watch this video on how to get the most out of the Tech Tool Library for your students with complex learning needs.

Professional Learning Resources for Educators

Regardless of the grade or subject you teach, you will have students with Learning Disabilities or ADHD in your class.

Expanding your knowledge of these conditions and enhancing your skills in engaging these students will enable you to better:

• address complex learning needs
• reduce undesirable behaviours stemming from confusion and frustration
• improve academic outcomes
• reduce mental health issues
• boost social and peer relationships
• improve working relationships with parents
• increase your own confidence and job satisfaction

Explore the variety of courses available from 8-hour self-paced, online intensives to certificate, diploma or post-graduate degrees.

Tips and Strategies for Working with Dyslexia

by Harvard Business Review, Ascend

'Q: What do Whoopi Goldberg, Richard Branson, and Albert Einstein have in common?

A: They’re all smart people with dyslexia."

Unless you are a very small company, you may well have an employee with dyslexia among your workforce. An average of 20% of adults have some kind of learning challenge, and many of them do not feel comfortable enough to disclose that to their employers. Meaning, that while you may often be very happy with an employee's work, there may also be times when you are confused or frustrated by what looks like inconsistencies or deliberate poor performance.

This article is a good primer on what Dyslexia is, what it can look like in the workplace, and simple strategies that can make a huge difference to both your employee with Dyslexia, you and your company.

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.