October Is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month in Canada!

LDAO – North Bay and Area
News Release

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The Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario – North Bay and Area is very excited to announce that Mayor Al McDonald and Wendy Abdallah are the 2012 Honorary Chair this year’s celebrations.

This year's campaign will raise awareness that all students with learning disabilities have the potential to reach post secondary education, find meaningful employment, and become valuable, contributing members of the North Bay community.

It takes a village to raise a child. LDAO North Bay and Area is proud to be a community leader in supporting children and youth with learning disabilities.

Of all children in this country with disabilities, 59.8% have learning disability. In the local context, the following recent statistics from our school boards indicate that almost half of the students with identified disabilities in our schools, have a learning disability.

These are more than numbers. These are our kids that need our advocacy and support.

Near North Board – over 1000

Nipissing Parry Sound Catholic District School Board 243

French school boards in the area have proportionate numbers.

All of these students identified with learning disabilities, have average to above average intelligence!
Each and every one of the students has the “right to learn and the power to achieve.”

Each of them deserves our investment in time and energy to help them reach their full potential.

Unfortunately, there are some statistics that are not so positive. The statistics reflect individuals, who for a variety of reasons, didn't reach their potential.

• 35% of students identified with learning disabilities drop out of high school.

• 62% of students with learning disabilities were unemployed after graduation.

• 50% to 60% of ‘street kids ‘in Toronto have a learning disability.

• 50% of adolescent suicides had previously been identified as having learning disabilities.

• 51% of welfare caseload into U.S. states were persons with a learning disability.

• 45.6% of adult inmates with learning disabilities have previous youth court involvement.

• Ministry of Labour reports that without appropriate education/training; adults with learning disabilities typically hold the job for only three months.

To help raise awareness and understanding of learning disabilities in the community, LDAO North Bay is pleased to celebrate this year's campaign with the raising of our flag by Mayor Al McDonald.

This event will take place at City Hall on Monday, October 1 at 10:30 AM. This is the first time a Learning Disabilities Association flag has been raised in Canada

During October Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, and throughout the year; we have to remember that a different way of learning can lead to success. All of these young people have tremendous abilities and strengths.

We look forward to working in the community to build empathy and support for all of our kids with learning disabilities.

For further information call The Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario North Bay and Area Elaine Beckett-Albert at 705-472-7688 Connect with us by e-mail at [email protected].

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