NewsAbilities

From the Desk of the ED 1

Resource Update 2

Programs Update 2

STYLE Update 3

Senior’s Update 4

Community Outreach Update 4

Upcoming Events 5

Postsecondary Preparation 7

Upcoming Programs 10

In the Community 12

121 Willowdale Ave., Suite 203

Toronto, Ontario M2N 6A3

Tel: (416) 229-1680

Fax: (416) 229-1681

Email: admin@ldatd.on.ca

FALL 2012

Published for the members and friends of the

From the Desk of the Executive Director

Our Vision A world in which people

with LDs and/or AD(H)D

are able to successfully

reach the full potential

of their intellect and

abilities.

Our Mission

A centre of excellence in the provision of education, advocacy, research and services to advance the full

participation of children.

Fall is upon us and as we make preparations to move forward with our schedule of programs and services, we would like to stop and thank those that have supported our programs and services in the past through volunteering their time or through donations. We would also like to welcome those that wish to learn more about our agency and how they too can become actively involved in this great cause. Volunteerism is at the very core of every successful non-profit agency. Volunteers are special people! Here at the LDATD, we are always looking for those that would like to come on board as committee members, fundraising volunteers or program mentors with programs such as Smart Kids Tutoring. There are many exciting and different ways to become connected to us. In November, for example, we are reaching out to those that would like to attend our Casino Night event or simply volunteer their time that night to making the event a great success. We welcome your participation. Just give us a call and tell us about yourself or submit a resume and we will get back to you with ways to help. By getting involved, you help us meet our mandate of serving those that struggle with learning disabilities or ADHD. Your help can make a difference.

Mimi Hoffman Executive Director

2011 -2012

Board of Directors

Chair Marilyn Taylor Vice Chair Matthew Press Treasurer Mark Kovats Secretary Lina Zacharopoulo Director at Large William Shone Director at Large Loris Bennett Director at Large Valerie Shuttleworth Director at Large Elliot George Director at Large Dr. Audrey Huberman Director at Large Connie Vergura Ex-Officio Mimi Hoffman SEAC Rep – TCDSB Marilyn Taylor SEACH Rep – TDSB Loris Bennett

LDATD Staff Members

Mimi Hoffman Executive Director

Charlotte Jones Resource Coordinator

Aneka Paulpillai Program Coordinator

Katie Bushie S.T.Y.L.E Program Manger Lucy Malarkey S.T.Y.L.E Assistant Coordinator

Bipul Dev Senior’s Program Coordinator

Kofi Adu-Parko Administrative & Outreach

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As we settle into the new school year the Resource Department is thriving with activity! We continue to

proactively assist our community members by ensuring every caller and visitor receives support that

caters to their individual needs. We are here for you, whether you are looking for information on a

formal diagnosis, wondering about your academic options or even if you are seeking LD and/or AD(H)D

specific employment services. We can help you find the available support, services and accommodations

that will assist you on your path to success.

We have also continued to be actively engaged in the community by attending events such as the

9th Annual Simply People Fair, the NOW Newcomer Fair and conducting informative workshops at

agencies such as the Catholic Children’s Aid Society.

Whether you have a general question or are looking for something specific feel free to give us a call

at 416-229-1680 or email us at admin@ldatd.on.ca and we would be more than happy to help. We look

forward to hearing from you!

Since the last update, there has been tremendous growth at LDATD! Our social skills, keyboarding and

tutoring programs continue to assist many children throughout Toronto. We have also continued to

introduce new programs to the agency such as our upcoming Creative Arts for Kids. This program is

designed for participants to explore and discover visual arts, dance or drama. Participants will be able to

express themselves creatively while increasing self-confidence and positive social connections.

This summer our revamped Computer Camp for Kids program was a fun experience for all who attended.

The new recreational component was an effective balance to learning the keyboard and assistive

technology. Next summer, we will have a whole new line up of camps, so don’t miss out when

registration opens in April 2013.

For our parents we have a great line up of parent workshops for the school year with the following

upcoming topics: Solution Focused Parent Teacher Interview, Organizing the Disorganized Learner, and

Providing for a Lifetime: Financial Strategies.

There are certainly many new and exciting programs and workshops in store for this school year! For

more information visit our website or give us a call!

Resource Update

Programs Update

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Celebrations have begun as STYLE heads into our 5th year! Gone are the lazy days of summer, the

sleeping-in and, for many of our youth, the first summer jobs because STYLE is back in full force. Bring on

the homework, staff vs youth basketball games and the youth cooking nights (where the staff get served

dinner!).

In honour of our 5th year anniversary, the symbolic gift of wood was received in the form of expansion

and growth into the Toronto Catholic School Board with the addition of our first TCDSB school site. This

growth truly meets our vision of *equalizing the playing field for all youth*

On behalf of the 6 partnership schools, our passionate educational allies, program staff and our over 400

youth attending STYLE nightly - the books are open, something special is cooking in the oven and all are

welcome and supported within our program spaces!

Additionally, due to generous funding by the Ontario Trillium Foundation STYLE has seen the launch of 4

new program sites: Downsview S.S, Madonna Catholic S.S, James Cardinal McGuigan H.S and Birchmount

Park C.I. STYLE Trillium is a volunteer led initiative comprised of teachers, youth workers, social workers

and other professionals. STYLE continues to offer academic remediation, recreation, health/nutrition and

life skills to youth with learning disabilities and/or AD(H)D. One of the greatest successes we have seen

within the program is the unity of all students, with and without learning disabilities, working together to

break the stigma associated with LDs and to promote the academic and personal growth of their peers.

S.T.Y.L.E Update

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This past summer has been both busy and exciting! We are ecstatic to say that both the Computer Skills for Seniors (CSS) and Seniors Yoga and Wellness (SYW) continue to be very popular among our seniors in the community. Every morning at the LDATD offices you can feel the calming energy as participants enjoy their meditation and siting exercises as well as hear the contagious laughter during our uniquely crafted Laughing Yoga. By mid-afternoon our participants are actively engaged as they learn how to navigate the internet and master the basics of the computer. As the weeks pass by we continue to see a steady stream of new and returning participants! Another exciting addition to our list of programs is the Computer Skills for Adults program. Participants are able to learn the foundations of the 2010 versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or the Internet. We provide affordable program-specific training to our students in an environment that is conducive to learning. If you would like to make a donation to ensure that we are able to provide our beneficial programs to

even more wonderful seniors in Toronto visit our website or give us a call!

In the Spring issue of the Newsletter, we promised to make it our aim to make LDATD as visible as it can

be. That is exactly what we have been doing this past summer and it is yielding results.

We visited 41 community centers and libraries, 16 public schools (in both Catholic and Toronto District

Boards), as well as 2 educational fairs all in Toronto.

We are pleased to state that more than 90 percent of the schools we visited remembered LDATD and its

programs. They also willingly offered to put the brochures and flyers on their notice board without our

prompting. What this signifies is that the schools, (which harbour most of our potential clientele), are

getting to know who we are and what we do in the community at large. This is very good for awareness.

In all, we believe awareness of our programs is being created in the mindset of community members and

we will not rest on our laurels until LDATD becomes the Agency of choice when it comes to programming

for people with Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD.

Seniors Update

Community Outreach Update

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CASINO NIGHT

It is that time of the year again! We would like to formally invite you to the Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto’s 4th Annual Casino Night Gala. It is guaranteed to be an unforgettable night filled with excitement, entertainment and great company. Join us on November 23, 2012 at the beautiful Avenue Banquet Hall for a great night in support of children, youth, adults and seniors who struggle with Learning Disabilities and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Start the night off right with a delicious drink in one hand and a handful of LD dollars in the other. Each guest will be provided $100 of LD cash so you can try your luck at one or all of our classic casino games. From poker to roulette we have it all! Your evening with lady luck doesn’t end there though. Throughout the night there will be amazing door prizes and raffles. We will also be holding a silent auction where we are sure one of our many amazing items will catch your eye.

Once you’ve had your fill of games you will be able to enjoy an extravagant assortment of hor d'oeuvres and a fabulous food station. The whole night will be set to great music, so get ready to enjoy!

And the best news is that we have been able to keep our ticket prices the same as last year!

Tickets are each $55 or 2 for $100. For more information or details on group rates of 10 or more people please contact Aneka at 416 229 1680. Learning Disabilities are complicated but having fun and helping out a great cause isn’t!

Please pass the message on to friends, family and colleagues.

Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto’s

4th Annual Casino Night Gala

Upcoming Events

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Upcoming Events

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University Preparation & Learning Disabilities

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Friendship Club: Social Skills

Friendship Club helps children and youth build positive peer relationships, teaches effective

strategies for conflict resolution and improves skills needed for making and keeping friends..

Ages: 4 – 13 years old

Dates: Mon – 8/9 Tues – 5/7

Wed – 10/11 Thusr – 12/13 Fee:

Winter Session: $449.00 per session or $400.00 for returning participants and members

Smart Kidz Tutoring

This program provides a comfortable and reception environment where children and youth

can improve their academic skills.

Every Sunday Group 1: KG – Grade 7

10:00am – 11:30am

Group 2: Grade 8 – 12 12:00pm – 1:30pm

Fee: $150.00 per 6 week session

Keyboarding for Kids

Through fun activities participants will improve their typing speed and accuracy while reinforcing spelling, grammar and composition. The program is designed to help participants foster a skill that will be essential as they progress through school.

Groups meet on Saturdays

Ages: 7 - 15 Group 1: 10:00am – 11:25am Group 2: 11:30am – 12:45pm Fee: $150 per 7 week session

Keyboarding at Montcrest

Our widely popular Keyboarding for Kids program is also downtown!

Location: Montcrest School

658 Braodview. Avenue

Groups meet on Thursdays Time: 4:30pm – 5:45pm

Fee: $150 per 7 week session

Creative Arts for Kids Various art forms, visual arts, dance and drama

helps to build confidence, imagination and expands emotional thinking.

Program is designed for Ages 5 – 12

Time : 4:30pm to 6:00 pm Tuesday – 8 – 12 yr olds

Wednesday – 5 – 7 yr olds Fee: $299 per 8 week session

$750 for all three sessions

Mindfulness

Mindfulness training helps improve attention, focus, memory, self-understanding and self-

acceptance. Participants develop awareness of their own thoughts, feelings and individual style

through interactive activities.

Groups meet on Thursdays Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm

Fee: $175 per 7 week session

For more information on programs call 416-229-1680 or visit us online at www.ldatd.on.ca

Upcoming Programs

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Parent Group

Parents are children’s “first” and most significant teachers. Parent Group knows this!

Parent group enhances a child’s social emotional growth because it teaches their parents (“first teachers”) specific social and emotional knowledge and skills. The result is children with increased

positivity, confidence and peer and academic success.

In Parent Group, the group facilitator, addresses pertinent topics and offers practical strategies for the social-emotional development of the exceptional child. In addition, participants share their experiences,

and receive support and encouragement from like-minded others in a secure and confidential space.

Monthly meetings from January to June on Tuesday evenings, 7:00 – 8:30 pm.

Fees $130 per person

Upcoming Preparing the Parent Workshops

November 7th, 2012 – Organizing the Disorganized Learner

February 27th, 2013 – Providing for a Lifetime: Financial Strategies

March 27th, 2013 – Advocating for your Child/Youth

April 10th, 2013 – Educational Law for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities

Upcoming Programs

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Norda's Private Tutoring

Kdg- grade 8

Phone: 416-783.3767

Email: nordae@sympatico.ca

Help your child learn and apply new strategies to

improve reading, comprehension, writing, math and

core French

Develop better organization, time management and

study skills

Learn how to research a topic and write a report

One-to-one tutoring in your home

Individualized lessons which follow the Ontario

curriculum

Over 30 years teaching experience with successful

results working with special needs students

In the Community

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Dr. Joel M. Landau

Psychological Services

The Upper Village Counselling Centre

1020 Eglinton Avenue West

Toronto, Ontario M6C 2C5

Website: http://uppervillage.org/

Email: joellandau@uppervillage.ca

Telephone: (416) 391-5747 Extension 25

Fax: (416) 391-1641

Psycho-Educational Assessments

Learning Disabilities Assessments

Testing for Gifted Placement

Screening for ADD and ADHD

In the Community

Become a Member

of the LDATD

Receive discounts on

programs and

workshops

Receive informative

newsletters and

magazines

Support a great cause

Call 416 – 229 – 1680

for more information

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In the Community

For more information on our programs, resources, events or

general information contact us at:

www.ldatd.on.ca

416-229-1680

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