November 2026

Learning Disabilities Association of Canada

4th National Virtual Conference

November 21, 2026

"This year’s theme — Looking to the Future — reflects LDAC’s mission to promote the full participation of children, youth, and adults with learning disabilities in school, work, and life. The use of technology on learning and accommodations is increasing and it impact on individuals with learning disabilities is entering a new frontier.

Whether you’re a caregiver navigating your child’s diagnosis, a teacher looking for proven tools, or a professional working to support inclusion, this conference delivers practical knowledge, actionable strategies, and powerful connections."

The Embracing Change conference was a huge success!

We SOLD OUT, received many comments on the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the event, its smooth organization, and importantly, the range of great topics and presenters.

• "It was a fabulous experience! I can't wait for the next one!!"
  
• "Thank you for the well rounded approach for information on a variety of topics and ages! Awesome job!"

• "It was a fantastic day well spent."

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who attended, all of the volunteers, presenters, resource fair partners, the Courtyard by Marriott and Encore for an excellent Saturday!

Have thoughts about topics for next year? Share them by emailing us!

Dr. Meadow Schroeder, R.Psych. from the University of Calgary, will guide parents of children with disabilities, including LD and ADHD, to a clearer understanding of how Alberta schools work when it comes to special education supports.

"Navigating special education services [in Alberta] can feel overwhelming for parents who have a child with a disability. This presentation will describe some common experiences and challenges that parents face. It will also provide some suggestions for how educators and parents can develop a strong school-home connection. By the end of the session, attendees will be able to:

1. Describe the process that occurs after a child is diagnosed with a disability.
2. Understand parental rights when seeking special education services for a child.
3. Describe the responsibilities of educators.

Location: Zoom

Date: Thursday, November 19

Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm ABT

Join registered nurse, nutritionist and mother, Thelma Plumb, of Thelma Plumb Nutrition, as she discusses "what can disrupt your child’s gut health, the signs that their gut may need more support, and what current research tells us about the relationship between gut health and ADHD.

We’ll introduce practical tips that you can implement at home. You’ll learn simple, realistic strategies to create a stronger foundation for your child’s gut health and, in turn, support their growing brain for better mood, behaviour, and focus."

Interested in more? Read this article Thelma wrote for us: Creating Kid-Friendly Balanced Meals that Support the ADHD Brain

Books for Kids

Few things are better than a relatable book for a kid who struggles!



Below is a starter list of books where kids with LD/ADHD can see themselves.

• 10 Books with Neurodivergent Characters by Edutopia
• Books About Kids Who Find Reading Hard by Reading Rockets
• Favourite Books for Kids with Learning and Attention Issues by Reading Rockets
• One of a Kind Kid: A Journey with ADHD by Nancy Anderson, Calgary author
• Top Children's Book List about Mental Health by Child Mind Institute

No Experience Necessary: How PAW Patrol's Co-Creator Turned Dysgraphia Into a Learning Gift

LDA Podcast

"Mark DiPietro talks with Ronnen Harary, co-founder of Spin Master and co-creator of PAW Patrol, about his new book, No Experience Necessary: Why Betting on Yourself in Your 20s Is the Best Decision You'll Ever Make.

Ronnen was identified with dysgraphia at age 10 in Toronto's public schools in 1979 and credits his accommodations with getting him through high school. He also describes growing up ashamed of his learning disability, hiding his extra exam time from classmates, and never having a single conversation with his parents about it.

Ronnen now calls his LD a "learning gift". Find out why.

Beating the Winter ADHD Slump: Why ‘Quiet Focus’ Works Better Than More Stimulation

Even though this article starts off with "January in Saskatchewan..." and we're only just into November, learn how small changes now can get you through until Spring and hopefully avoid the winter blues altogether.

"January in Saskatchewan can feel like someone turned the dimmer switch down on energy, mood, and motivation all at once. For many people with ADHD, this isn’t just “winter blues” — research shows ADHD brains are especially vulnerable to seasonal mood and attention changes during the darker months."

"Sometimes it helps to know you are not the only one trying to figure things out. Our small-group coaching programs combine practical strategies, connection, reflection, and support in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment."

The FREE Winter adult learning sessions are open for registration!

Do you want to have better reading skills, or confidence in math?

Is earning your high school equivalency important but you don't feel ready for the courses or the tests?

From spots for 1-1 reading instruction to group preparation courses, CanLearn can help you get there.

The Adult ADHD Centre, run by the passionate and knowledgable team of the Drs. Parhar, has expanded!

"When ADHD and autism overlap, your needs can seem to pull in opposite directions. These experiences may feel confusing until both are understood together.

"Introducing the new AuDHD Centre, which offers an integrated assessment for adults who experience both ADHD and autism. The assessment considers how the two can overlap and interact, and includes a personalized report with recommendations and next steps. A free 30-minute video discussion is available for those who would like to learn more."

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and Dyslexia

"It is estimated that at least two students in every Canadian classroom have developmental language disorder (DLD), affecting a student's ability to read fluently and with understanding. While dyslexia is a learning disability that primarily affects word reading and spelling, DLD impacts other language skills such as vocabulary and grammar. In this webinar, Stacey Rickman (SLP & OCT) will discuss the intersection between dyslexia and DLD, practical implications for today's classroom, and helpful resources for educators."

Free webinar

IDA Ontario

Nov 17, 5 - 6 pm MST

Get registered! The next webinar is on Dec. 1.

Focus: Adolescent Reading Instruction

Scaffolding Complex Texts by Dr. Mitchell Brookins

How can you better support struggling readers in the middle grades?

Help them dive into more complex texts both on how to read them and how to respond to them in writing.

Science of Reading Podcast: Special Episode with Dr. Mitchell Brookins on his book.

Reading League Youtube Webinar - Dr. Brookins uses Black Beauty as an in-depth exemplar of how to scaffold text for middle grade students.

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.