MEDIA RELEASE: October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month in Sudbury

MEDIA RELEASE: Monday September 30, 2013

 

2013 October Is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month

 

October Is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month in Canada! The Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury is very excited to announce that Dr. Kevin McCormick, President Huntington University is the 2013 Honorary Chair for this year’s celebrations. “This year's campaign will raise awareness that all students with learning disabilities have the potential to both reach and succeed at post secondary studies, find meaningful employment, and become highly engaged and actively contributing members of our community”, announces Dr. McCormick. LDA Sudbury is proud to be a United Way Agency and 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 north, there are 5938 students formally identified with learning disabilities by school boards and authorities. In 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, they are children that need our advocacy and support.

Rainbow District School Board 848 students identified with a learning disability.

Sudbury Catholic District School Board 283 students identified with a learning disability. French school boards in the area have proportionate numbers.

In total, at all schools and post secondary institutions in the Sudbury District, well over 2000 students have been identified with a learning disability.

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 did not 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 caseloads 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 a job for only three months.

 

To help raise awareness and understanding of learning disabilities in the community, LDA Sudbury is pleased to celebrate this year's campaign with the signing of the Municipal Proclamation by Mayor Matachuk. This event will take place at Tom Davies Square on Monday, October 7th, at 10:00 a.m.

During October is 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 children with learning disabilities and turn challenges into opportunities for success.

For further information call The Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury at 705 522-0100 / toll-free at 1 855 522-0100 or connect with us by e-mail at info@ldasudbury.ca.

 

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