/News & Notices
­

Assistive Technology Survey for Grade 6–10 teachers

For grade 6 -10 Teachers Shimin Mo, a researcher at the University of Toronto, under the supervision of Dr. Todd Cunningham, is currently supporting a survey study on teacher's perceptions of assistive technology. The survey should only take around 15 minutes, and after participating, participants will be invited to a webinar on the topic of supporting learners with assistive technology needs in the classroom and at home. Here's the survey

Research study seeking input from parents/guardians on their own and their children’s experiences during school closures due to COVID-19

University of Manitoba Research Study on Canadian Parents’/Guardians’ Perspectives about the Impact of COVID-19 School Closures on Students with Special Educational Needs Nadine Bartlett.Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba who is seeking feedback from parents’/guardians’ about childrens’/youth’s experiences, and their experiences as a parent/guardian, during school closures due to COVID-19 This research about Canadian parents’/guardians’ perspectives on the impact of COVID-19 school closures on students with special educational needs will explore

Free Educational Resources for parents during Covid-19

A number of organizations have been providing resources that parents can use to help them with their children’s education at home during the Covid-19 crisis. LEARNstyle LEARNstyle has made a couple of programs available free of charge: CloudGear Learning | Click to read the press release here (PDF File) PULSE (Personal Use Learning Evaluation) | Click to read the press release here (PDF File) Texthelp Texthelp has made their Read&Write program available free to Ontario students and parents | Click

Online Educational Activities that can be done at home

The following are some options you could consider for online activities that can be done at home while kids are out of school due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

OHRC announces locations for Right to Read public hearings — beginning January 14

The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has announced locations and participation details for its Right to Read public hearings in Brampton, London, Thunder Bay and Ottawa, where students, parents and other stakeholders can share their stories and lived experiences related to reading disabilities.

LDAO study results measuring awareness, perceptions and attitudes among Ontario residents towards learning disabilities

In the summer of 2019, the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario partnered with the Community Research Co-Operative in order to measure awareness, perceptions and attitudes among Ontario residents towards learning disabilities.

Participants needed for research on Video Game Intervention for Kids with ADHD, ASD and/or CHD

The Department of Psychiatry at the Hospital for Sick Children is undertaking an exciting new research study where they will be looking to see if a video game can help improve behavioural control and working memory in kids. Criteria for participation in the study: A child with a diagnosis of either: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)and/or Congenital Heart Disease(CHD) Between 6-12 years of age Willing to come to SickKids for 3 study visits Willing to play the

Give feedback to Information & Communications Standard Recommendations by October 18

The Information and Communications Standards Development Committee’s Initial Recommendations Report has been posted online for public comment.  Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 the report must be posted for public comment for a period of 45 business days. The comment period has been extended to October 18, 2019. Feedback will be used by the Committee to finalize its recommendations before they are submitted to the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. You can read the report on the Ministry for

Promising results for Mindfulness Martial Arts Training

A new study led by Ryerson University, released June 2019, suggests teens with learning disabilities and mental health challenges practicing a mix of meditation, yoga and martial arts can focus better.

Postsecondary Transitions

Summer is an important time for students transitioning to postsecondary education. An excellent resource to help transition planning is the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre (RARC) Transition Resource Guide (www.transitionresourceguide.ca/). Parents and students can also read an updated version of the LDAO document, Accommodating Students with LDs in Postsecondary Studies 2019, to get a better understanding of how accommodations work at the postsecondary level. Most colleges and universities offer summer transition programs for students with disabilities entering their institution. These