A Lifelong Advocate and Mentor in the Learning Disabilities Community
The Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO) honours the memory of Diane Wagner, who passed away on June 27, 2023. Diane was a dedicated and compassionate member of the LDAO team for more than 30 years, and her contributions left a lasting mark on our organization, our community, and the field of learning disabilities in Ontario and beyond.
Throughout her career at LDAO, Diane served in many roles — advising families, supporting educators, shaping policy, managing resources, and mentoring professionals. She brought deep insight, empathy, and unwavering dedication to everything she did. Diane was particularly proud of her work supporting educators in First Nations communities, and she carried a strong commitment to inclusion, understanding, and equity in all aspects of her work.
Diane’s legacy is felt in every corner of the organization — from the support she provided to countless families, to the guidance she offered to staff and leaders, to the way she helped shape the values that continue to guide LDAO today. She was known not only for her professionalism and knowledge, but for her warmth, kindness, and ability to make everyone feel seen and heard.
We are deeply grateful for Diane’s life and service. Her memory continues to inspire us as we carry forward the work she cared so deeply about.