**THE LEARNING DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION OF TIMMINS NEWS RELEASE**

 

The Learning Disabilities Association of Timmins’ flag was raised this morning at City Hall. Mayor Steve Black was on hand to read a proclamation marking October as Learning Disabilities Awareness Month.

Following the flag raising ceremony, students from Ross Beattie and Timmins High and Vocational School planted nearly 1,000 small flags in the gardens at City Hall. These flags represent the total number of students who have been identified with a learning disability in the community.

The greatest hurdle a person with a learning disability often has to overcome is the feeling that they are not intelligent so they begin to hide their disability and struggle in silence. However, with their creative strengths and above average intelligence, some simple support can see them excel in their educational pursuits and eventually find meaningful employment. By giving our children and youth with learning disabilities the tools they need to succeed, we can help them create successful lives. Those with learning disabilities can become among the most creative and productive members of our communities.

The Learning Disabilities Association of Timmins helps students who have learning disabilities and their families by providing support in the way of resources and workshops. More importantly, the organization provides one-on-one advocacy support for parents and students as well as representation at a child’s initial Identification Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) meeting and support with the development of a child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). The office is located in Timmins High and Vocational School.

“Students with learning disabilities have average to above average intelligence,” said Samantha Shortt, Resource Facilitator of the Learning Disabilities Association of Timmins. “They can be successful with the right support in place. I am happy to meet with any families who may need help navigating the educational system.”

The following are some interesting facts and statistics about learning disabilities:

  • By definition someone with a learning disability has average to above average intelligence;
  • 1 in 10 people in Ontario have a learning disability;
  • Learning disabilities impact certain skills, most of which can be improved with the right supports;
  • When they do not receive appropriate support, individuals with learning disabilities have higher than the average rates of school dropout, unemployment and poverty;
  • Learning disabilities can be inherited and through their child’s diagnosis, many parents realize that they have been impacted by a learning disability themselves.

(Source LDAC Pacfold survey)

The Learning Disabilities Association of Timmins is dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth with learning disabilities. Our goal is to provide leadership in learning disabilities advocacy, research, education and services and to advance the full participation of children, youth and adults with learning disabilities in today’s society. The Learning Disabilities Association of Timmins receives no government funding for their work and relies on the generous support of donors and funders.

Filed under: Local News