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About Us

What is LD@school?

LD@school is a signature initiative of the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO), supporting educators, school leaders, and system leaders across Ontario with a comprehensive and multi-faceted collection of materials, tools, strategies, and knowledge. Dedicated to empowering the education community, LD@school serves as a comprehensive knowledge hub, offering a rich compilation of evidence-based, evidence-informed, and practice-informed tools, strategies, and resources to help create inclusive classrooms and support students with learning disabilities (LDs) and co-occurring conditions like Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). From practical teaching strategies to professional learning opportunities, LD@school is designed to transform education for all students.

This initiative is made possible through funding from the Ontario Ministry of Education, reflecting their commitment to supporting inclusive, accessible, and equitable education across the province.

Click here to view a transcription of this video. 

Why LD@school?

Students with LDs represent the largest group within special education, with approximately 40% of students identified as exceptional by an IPRC. LD@school addresses this critical need by providing educators with: 

  • Almost 400 classroom-ready resources, including webinars, articles, and tools. 
  • Strategies grounded in universal design for learning (UDL) and differentiated instruction (DI). 
  • Practical guidance for integrating assistive technology and fostering student self-advocacy. 

These resources empower educators to meet the diverse needs of students with LDs, helping them succeed academically and beyond. 

About LDAO

The Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO) is a registered charitable organization committed to improving the lives of children, youth, and adults with LDs and co-occurring conditions like ADHD. Through advocacy, research, and resource development, LDAO strives to create inclusive environments where all individuals can thrive. 

Our mission extends to empowering educators, families, and individuals across Ontario. LD@school is a key component of this work, reflecting LDAO’s dedication to advancing knowledge, fostering inclusion, and ensuring equitable access to education. 

To learn more about LDAO’s resources for parents, educators, and individuals, or to explore our advocacy efforts and support programs, visit LDAO.ca.

Local chapters of the LDAO exist in many of Ontario’s cities, and each offers services centred around education and advocacy for people of all ages. Click here to locate your local LDA chapter and learn what they offer.

Other LDAO Signature Initiatives

LDAO is proud to offer additional resources that support educators, families, and individuals navigating LDs and co-occurring conditions: 

  • TA@l’école: The French-language counterpart to LD@school, this platform provides educators with evidence-based resources tailored to support French-speaking students with LDs. From articles to professional learning opportunities, TA@l’école equips educators to create inclusive and accessible classrooms.
    Visit TA@l’école to explore resources in French. 
  • LD@home: This resource empowers families and caregivers with tools to navigate LDs and ADHD at home. Featuring webinars, parent guides, and practical strategies, LD@home bridges the gap between school and home support. Educators, please share this resource with the families of your students to enhance collaboration and support. Visit LD@home for more information. 

Our Impact

Since LDAO launched LD@school in 2014, the initiative has achieved significant milestones in supporting educators and students across Ontario: 

  • Engaged over 642,000 users province-wide. 
  • Delivered 10 annual webinars and 5 evidence-based articles annually in recent years. 
  • Hosted impactful professional development events, including the Educators’ Institute and the Colloque des professionnels de l’enseignement. 

These initiatives, developed and supported by LDAO, empower educators with practical tools and strategies, transforming classrooms and fostering success for students with learning disabilities. 

Support Mission

LDAO is a registered charitable organization. By supporting LD@school and our broader initiatives, you can make a difference in the lives of individuals with LDs and ADHD. Your contribution helps us continue to provide invaluable resources and advocacy for educators, families, and students. 

Please consider making a donation via CanadaHelps. Thank you for making a difference.  

Charitable Registration Number: 124367145RR0001 

References

[i] Ministry of Education of Ontario. (2016). Ministry of Education Special Education Update.

Thank you for visiting the LD@school website. We hope that you find it easy to navigate, informative and helpful. If you wish to share your experiences with us, please contact us.

Our LDAO Team

The LD@school and TA@l’école initiatives are supported by a talented and diverse team of professionals at the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO). This team brings expertise across education, linguistics, project management, content creation, leadership, and community engagement. Guided by a strong commitment to equity and accessibility, they develop, co-develop, and refine resources and professional learning opportunities that empower educators, school leaders, and system leaders, foster inclusive and accessible classrooms, and support the unique needs of students with learning disabilities (LD) and co-occurring conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Below is an alphabetical listing of the LDAO team members contributing to these initiatives: 

Kelli Cote

Kelli Cote is the Public Policy and Education Consultant at LDAO, supporting its LD@school resources. With 30+ years in education, Kelli has held leadership roles such as Principal and Student Services Coordinator with the York Region District School Board. Passionate about supporting individuals with LDs and ADHD, she works to reduce stigma and advocate for assistive technology. A former guest lecturer at Niagara University and LDA York Region board member, Kelli specializes in policy development, advocacy, and knowledge mobilization. Her qualifications include certifications in Reading, Special Education, and Mathematics, along with a Supervisory Officer’s Certificate. She enjoys collaborating with families, educators, and communities to promote equity and inclusive learning environments. Click here to email Kelli. 

Allyson Cousineau-Grant is the French Consultant for LDAO, supporting its TA@l’école resources. With almost two decades of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Allyson has worked at the Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO), supporting children and adolescents with communication challenges, including speech, language, reading, and writing difficulties. She collaborates with educators and special education staff to integrate effective strategies for supporting students with special needs in the classroom. Allyson has also taught courses on language development and literacy interventions at the University of Ottawa, the University of Alberta, and Laurentian University. Passionate about fostering inclusive education, she specializes in speech, language, reading, and writing disorders as well as augmentative and alternative communication. Click here to send Allyson an email. 

Amanda Cruise is the Producer of French Educational Content for LDAO, supporting its TA@l’école resources. She received an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in French Studies from the University of Guelph and a Master of Arts degree in French Language, Literature, and Culture from the University of Victoria. An avid traveller, Amanda enjoys connecting with educators from across Francophone Canada and learning about the latest research on LDs. Her favourite part of her job is keeping up with new research on inclusion practices. Click here to send Amanda an email. 

Solen Lefeuvre-Pauly is the bilingual Office Coordinator for LDAO, supporting the LD@school and TA@l’école resources. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Digital, and Communication, as well as a Master’s degree in International Negotiation and Business Development from Rennes School of Business in France. Solen is passionate about coordinating events and projects that empower educators to better support students with learning disabilities. She brings a wealth of expertise in organization, communication, and outreach to her role, ensuring LDAO’s resources reach diverse audiences. She enjoys collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders to foster inclusive learning environments. Click here to send Solen an email. 

Dr. Steven Reid is the President and CEO of LDAO, supporting its LD@school and TA@l’école resources. With extensive experience as an educator, administrator, and policy leader, Steven has held roles across urban and rural school settings, including Superintendent and Associate Director. He has also served as Chief Assessment Officer with EQAO and teaches at the University of Toronto. An award-winning leader, Steven was recognized for his commitment to students with exceptionalities. Steven’s research explores knowledge mobilization, leadership, math anxiety, and equity, including systemic barriers and anti-racism in schools. He is passionate about addressing systemic barriers and empowering students with LDs to achieve their full potential. Click here to send Steven an email. 

Martin Smit is the English Language Educational Consultant for LDAO, supporting its LD@school resources.  He has over 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher, music teacher, administrator and system principal for the Hastings and Prince Edward and Greater Essex district school boards as well as the Provincial and Demonstration Schools branch.  Martin is an experienced workshop facilitator and has presented at a number of education conferences including Quest, Educators’ Institute and ASET. Martin is a strong advocate for all students and supports school-wide, data-driven strategies for addressing learning needs. Click here to send Martin an email. 

LDAO’s Advisory Committee – LD@school/TA@l’école Advisory Committee (LTAC).

The success of LD@school and TA@l’école is supported by the expertise and guidance of LDAO’s Advisory Committee – LD@school/TA@l’école Advisory Committee (LTAC). This dedicated group includes English and French educators, administrators, psychologists, and specialists from across Ontario. Their insights play a vital role in shaping the direction of these initiatives, ensuring that planning and implementation align with the evolving needs of educators, school leaders, and students. Through their contributions, LTAC helps foster inclusive and accessible learning environments for all.

Below is an alphabetical list of our 2024-2025 LTAC members: 

  • Valerie Arsenault, Principal, Rideau Public School, Limestone District School Board 
  • Amal Boultif, Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa 
  •  Karyn Bruneel, Director, Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board 
  • Jody Chong, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, OISE and Special Education Teacher, TDSB 
  • Andrea Coke, Chief Speech-Language Pathologist, TCDSB 
  • Julie Cull, Director of Social Services, Conseil scolaire public du Nord-Est de l’Ontario (CSPNE) 
  • Annie Demers, Associate Executive Director, Consortium pour les élèves du nord de l’Ontario (CÉNO) 
  • Star-Michelle Lepage, ABA Consultant, Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boréales (CSDCAB) 
  • Idrine Matenda-Zambi, Part-time Professor, Windsor Campus of the University of Ottawa and Vice Principal, Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence 
  • Deanna Mayfield, Lead Psychologist, Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board 
  • Amanda Pegg, Principal, Roywood Public School, Toronto District School Board 
  • Élisabeth Taschereau, Principal, Consortium Centre Jules-Léger (French Language Demonstration School) 

Interested in joining our advisory committee? Contact us for more information. 

Take Action

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or community member, we value your input and are committed to supporting individuals with LDs and fostering inclusive learning environments. If you have questions, feedback, or require assistance with any of LDAO’s resources, including LD@school, TA@l’école, or LD@home, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.