By Diane Wagner, BA, Grad. Dip. Child Study, LD@school LD Expert
The Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO) is represented in local Ontario communities by 15 LDA chapters. Chapters vary from small volunteer-run groups to chapters with several staff and more than one location.
Each chapter has its own board of directors and supports representatives on the Special Education Advisory Committees (SEACs) of local school boards.
All chapters offer information about the community resources and services available to individuals with LDs and their families, as well as information on the rights of individuals with LDs and how to access services. Most chapters run information meetings with speakers which are open to everyone in the community, and many have resource libraries.
Many chapters run programs for children, youth and/or adults with LDs and/or ADHD. The types of programs offered vary depending on local needs and available funding options. Some chapters also run support groups for parents and/or for adults with LDs.
For information on program fees and registration processes, please consult each chapter’s website.
Please note that most chapter programs are geared for, and restricted to, children and youth with diagnosed learning disabilities and/or ADHD.
Click here to access a chart that outlines LDAO chapter services and programs.
Diane Wagner is the Public Policy and Education Consultant with the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario and acts as the Learning Disabilities Consultant to the LD@school Team. Diane has been with LDAO since 1987, providing information and support to parents, individuals with LDs, professionals, educators, employers and students around the province. Diane prepares public policy responses on numerous issues which affect children, youth and adults with LDs, consults to LDAO chapters and supports LDA representatives on school board Special Education Advisory Committees (SEACs). Diane is a graduate of Queen’s University and the Institute of Child Study, University of Toronto, where she received a graduate diploma in Assessment and Counselling.