Welcome to this LD@school online learning module for educators!

This module is intended to provide a broad understanding of the relationship between learning disabilities (LDs) and mental health. Mental health will be described on a continuum, and we will explore some of the challenges that students with LDs may experience at various points along the continuum, as well as strategies that educators can use to support students at each stage.

The menu on the left hand side of this screen displays the outline of this module, which should take approximately 45 - 60 minutes to complete. To begin the module, you will complete a self-assessment to gauge your current knowledge of this topic. Then, the body of the module will provide you with information, strategies, and resources to help you support your students. To conclude, you will complete a final self-assessment to consolidate your learning.

Learning goals

  • Recognize that mental health is a component of overall well-being;
  • Understand the factors that contribute to well-being and resilience;
  • Understand the relationship between LDs and mental health (LDMH);
  • Understand the continuum of mental health, and challenges that students with LDs may confront in each of the green, yellow, and red zones;
  • Identify appropriate strategies to support students with LDs with their mental health challenges;
  • Identify when and how to seek additional support.

Upon completion, it is our hope that you will apply what you learn in this module to your daily practice to help support the needs of students with LDs, as well as all your other students.

Thank you to our collaborators!

This online learning module was developed in collaboration with Dr. Marjory Phillips, Director of the Centre for Mental Health Research at the
University of Waterloo, and Hayley Stinson from the Integra Program at Child Development Institute. The LD@school team would like to sincerely thank Dr. Phillips and Ms. Stinson for their invaluable contribution!

Photo of Dr. Marjory Phillips    Photo of Hayley Stinson

Dr. Marjory Phillips, C.Psych (left) & Hayley Stinson, MSW, RSW (right)

The Integra Program is the only accredited children’s mental health agency in Canada providing mental health services exclusively to children and youth whose mental health issues (MH) are complicated by learning disabilities (LDs). Founded in 1968, the Integra Foundation amalgamated with Child Development Institute in 2014, maintaining the unique focus on LDMH.  The Integra Program provides family-centered, evidence-informed mental health intervention services to children and youth with diagnosed LDs ages 8 to 18 years in the Toronto region. The Program also provides community education and training on topics pertaining to LDMH to audiences in the province and beyond. 

Click here to learn more about the Child Development Institute.