The Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO) is a registered charity committed to improving the lives of children, youth, and adults with learning disabilities (LDs). For over six decades, LDAO has been a trusted leader in the field, advocating for inclusive education, advancing research, and providing essential services that empower individuals with LDs and co-occurring conditions such as ADHD to thrive.
We support families, educators, and professionals through signature programs and services, provincial and local advocacy, and accessible, evidence-based resources. Our work fosters inclusive and accessible learning environments, reduces stigma, and promotes systemic change across Ontario.
Mission Statement
LDAO’s mission is to provide leadership in learning disabilities advocacy, research, education and services and to advance the full participation of children, youth and adults with learning disabilities in today’s society. We value promoting positive change through:
- Innovation
- Strategic partnerships
- Credible advocacy
- Informed public policy and
- Quality products and services
What does LDAO do?
LDAO serves as a provincial leader and partner in supporting individuals with learning disabilities and their families by:
- Delivering up-to-date, evidence-based tools through:
- LD@school and TA@l’école – online platforms for educators, funded by the Ministry of Education
- LD@home – a platform for families, offering webinars, navigation guides, and more
- LD@work – a new signature initiative aimed at supporting adults with learning disabilities and ADHD in the workplace by providing tools for self-advocacy, resources for inclusive employment practices, and guidance for employers on accessibility and accommodations
- Advocating for equitable access to supports, including:
- Timely professional assessments
- Consistent application of accommodations
- Improved Individual Education Plans (IEPs) aligned with research and policy recommendations like the OHRC’s Right to Read report
- Fostering professional learning through signature events:
- Educators’ Institute and Colloque des professionnels de l’enseignement, with participation from all 72 school boards and provincial demonstration schools
- Supporting research and knowledge mobilization, with initiatives that explore:
- Inclusive and accessible education practices
- The lived experiences of racialized students with LDs
- Postsecondary transitions and employment outcomes
- Empowering local communities through a network of LDAO chapters, offering tutoring, workshops, social skills programs, and peer support
- Raising public awareness through province-wide campaigns like Don’t Dis My Abilities, which challenges stigma and celebrates the strengths of individuals with LDs
LDAO also works with professionals in education, health, employment, and justice sectors to ensure current research and inclusive practices are reflected across systems.