Understanding Learning Disabilities: How Processing Affects Learning, developed by the York Region District School Board, is a comprehensive resource designed for educators working with students with learning disabilities, from kindergarten to grade 12. Referred to as the “waterfall chart”, this resource provides the starting points to think, plan and support programming in response to a student’s assessed areas of strength and/or need. The waterfall chart lists various processing areas, including: phonological processing, language, visual-motor skills, memory, processing speed, attention and executive function. Additionally, the waterfall chart provides a definition, possible signs, instructional strategies, environmental strategies, assessment strategies, and possible assistive technology for each of these processing areas. To support the implementation of this practical tool, the York Region District School Board developed a companion guide, which includes all of the information from the waterfall chart (in a sequentially flowing format), along with recommendations on how to use the chart and templates for students to assist in the understanding of their own strengths and needs.
Click here to view the Understanding Learning Disabilities: How Processing Affects Learning Chart.
To better understand how to put the York Waterfall Chart to use in your school board, school, or classroom, Dr. Sue Ball of the York Region District School Board explains some of the reasoning for the creation of the chart, and some of the ways it has been used in York Region in the video below:
Click here to access a copy of the transcript for this video.

DISCLAIMER
This resource has been developed and produced by the York Region District School Board. Rights to the internal and external sale, reproduction and use of this resource belong solely to the York Region District School Board. Copyright for this resource belong to the York Region District School Board and therefore the materials are not to be scanned, stored, digitally transmitted, duplicated or altered in form or content unless permission is received in writing from the York Region District School Board. Further, this material is not to be reproduced for external use or sale without separate written approval from the York Region District School Board.
If you would like printed copies of Understanding Learning Disabilities: How Processing Affects Mathematics Learning, please contact the York Region District School Board directly.
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