Jul 11, 2021
Dear parents/guardians:
I am thrilled to be your child’s teacher this year in the self-contained learning disabilities classroom at Hawthorne Village Public School. The first week of classes has been wonderful and I have enjoyed getting acquainted with the children. I know the experience of parenting a child with a learning disability is quite new for many of you (and possibly quite overwhelming), and I would like to take this opportunity to share a web site that I think you will find useful. Learning disabilities are complex and every child has a unique experience, and the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO) is a great starting point to support you as you support your child. Their web site is a great resource: https://www.ldao.ca.
One of the most useful sections on the LDAO web site is called LDs/ADHD. Within this menu, you can find a wealth of information that will help to answer any questions you might still have, including:
What are Learning Disabilities? -- In this section, you can find a comprehensive resource to help you define and understand exactly what it means to have a learning disability. You can also read about the types of disabilities, which can impact academics, organization and focus, social life, and physical interactions with the world.
What is ADHD? -- Not all children with learning disabilities experience Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but it is not uncommon for the two to coexist. If ADHD is part of your child’s profile, this section will help you understand what it is and, most importantly, how it can be viewed as a gift.
What Helps? -- Learning disabilities can impact a child’s life at home and at school. In this section, you can read about a variety of strategies that are known to help navigate life with a learning disability. This includes strategies for using assistive technology, for managing relationships, and for working with school staff.
Who Helps? -- This section provides some direction if you need to reach out for help. There are many local branches of the LDAO, including one that provides support in the Halton area (https://www.ldahh.ca/). The Programs and Summer Programs sections outline some great programming available in the local area, which you might find useful at some point. And if you ever move to a different locale within Ontario, you can look up your nearest branch to find local options. I highly recommend joining the LDAHH email list, in which they send out lots of helpful bits of information about programs for children, conferences, and other resources that are available to support children with learning disabilities. Look for the link at the bottom of the main web site that says: Sign up for latest updates from LDAHH.
I would also like to point out the Resources menu, which provides information about online courses, workshops, programs, and publications that might be useful for you. You will also find links to outside organizations who also provide support as well as books and videos and even scholarships that are available.
As we say at Hawthorne Village, it really does take a village to support a child in their learning journey. It is helpful to know that there are agencies out there to help families as they learn the ins and outs of learning disabilities.There are many community supports available that we may engage for support with our children, but the LDAO is a great place to start.
Sincerely yours,
Kelly Stevenson
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