This TalkLD’s podcast features a one-on-one interview with Chad Downes, Assistive Technology Advisor at Amethyst Demonstration School, one of the provincial schools for students with severe learning disabilities (LDs), in London, Ontario. In this podcast, Chad discusses how students at Amethyst School use various types of assistive technology (AT) to become successful learners, which in turn has a positive impact on their self-esteem.
Hosted by: Lawrence Barns, President & CEO of the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario
Click here to view the transcript of this podcast.
Note: You may listen to this podcast while you are on the LD@school website, or you may download to your portable audio player and listen while you are on the go.
The listeners’ guide below will prompt you to reflect on your practices relating to AT and student self-esteem. The guide includes pre-listening activities, listening activities, and post-listening activities, which can be completed individually or with a group of educators.

Click here to access the listener’s guide of this podcast.
Related Resources on the LD@school Website
Click here to access the video Building Reading Skills through Assistive Technology.
Click here to access the webinar recording Lead with Pedagogy, follow with Technology.
Click here to access the article Metacognition and Assistive Technology.
Click here to access the article Choosing Appropriate Assistive Technology for Students with ADHD.
Stay connected with evidence- and practice-informed
resources and classroom-ready strategies.
Subscribe to the LD@school Newsletter:
Powered by LDAO
LD@school is a signature initiative of the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO), a registered charity and provincial leader in evidence-informed, inclusive, and accessible education.
For over 60 years, LDAO has supported children, youth, and adults with learning disabilities (LDs) and related conditions such as ADHD.
Explore LDAO’s signature platforms:
TA@l’école – French-language resources and professional learning for educators that integrate evidence-informed instruction with equity, identity, and belonging.
LD@home – Family-focused tools and guidance that strengthen partnerships between home and school.
LD@work – Resources supporting transition, self-advocacy, career development, and workplace inclusion.
LD@learning – Online courses and professional learning for individuals supporting learners with LDs and ADHD.
© 2026 Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO).
This resource may be used and shared within educational settings for non-commercial purposes. It may not be modified or used for commercial gain. See LDAO.ca for full Terms of Use.