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Welcome to the Learning Disabilities Association of Red Deer. We are a registered non-profit organization supporting persons with learning disabilities in Central Alberta.
Learning disabilities are a life long condition that affect up to 1 in 10 Canadians. This means approximately 30,000 individuals in Central Alberta and 10,000 in the Red Deer Region need our assistance. According to Statistics Canada, the incidence of learning disabilities is increasing.
LD crosses all ages, genders, socio-economic, cultural and linguistic groups. It is likely that during your life you will be touched, directly or indirectly, by someone with LD in your relationships with family, friends or co-workers.
Research estimates that 80% of learning disabilities, such as various forms of dyslexia, affect literacy. But with correct intervention, support, education and programs such as tutoring or social skills programs, persons with learning disabilities can achieve and excel.
Learning Differently
LDA-Red Deer is committed to viewing “learning disabilities” in a positive light, as “learning differently” and “thinking differently”. We want to help persons who “learn differently” to achieve their full potential. After all, persons who “think differently” have intelligence that is average to above average to “gifted”.
These individuals have the capacity to help our society by “thinking differently” – by innovating, by seeing new solutions and by leading others to new ways of thinking. According to the 2011 World Economic report, Canada is a leader in many aspects of business, but one area where we do not do as well is in innovation.
In fact, British research has indicated that 1 in 5 entrepreneurs have dyslexia. Providing support for persons with learning disabilities can clearly benefit Canadian society.
Please see our Success Stories page for examples of persons with learning disabilities who have found the support they needed to become leaders in their field.
Our Mission:
LDA Red Deer is a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the education and social development of people with learning disabilities and ADHD.
We accomplish this through our programs, services and fundraising events, and by maintaining close partnerships with those who have learning disabilities/ADHD, their families, professionals and the community.
Sponsors
The Learning Disabilities Association of Red Deer could not operate without generous support from our sponsors and our volunteers. Thank You!
Events
Please also see our Events and Past Events pages.
Bottle Drive
Here at LDA-Red Deer, we know that every dollar counts!!
Please help fund our programs and operating costs! We are seeking donations of returnable bottles and cans.
On the first Saturday of each month, please help raise funds by donating your empties, or helping to collect them. Please contact Jennifer @ 403-754-1470.
Thank you for your support!
Programs
2012 Think Social Program – Ages 7-9
This program is generously sponsored by Green Shield Canada, Telus, and Red Deer Public Library
- 4 Saturday mornings 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
- March 3, 17, 24, 31
- Location: Red Deer Public Library – Snell Room
The goal of Think Social 2012 Program for ages 7-9 is to foster skills required to achieve success in social situations. The realm of social competence is a difficult one, as we do not consciously ‘teach’ social skills as we would math or reading.
Students will be immersed in learning through hands-on activities, games, and role plays that will help them fit into some of the social situations they deal with and nurture their self-esteem to feel confident. Learning is so much fun that they don’t know that they are learning.
This program is specifically designed for children with learning disabilities who have externalizing and internalizing social skills difficulties.
- External social skills – one or more of: dominating, hyperactive, impulsive, prone to outbursts, bossy, can make friends but has difficulty keeping them.
- Internal social skills – one or more of: shy, anxious, clingy, withdrawn, difficulty making friends, difficulty starting or joining conversations.
Cost $250 + LDAA Membership. In-take required; payment in advance upon acceptance into program. Registration is limited to 10.
Contact: Carmen at 403-340-3885 or by email at programs@LDRedDeer.ca for more information.
View this link for more information. Think Social 2012 Poster winter ages 7-9
Workshops on Behavioural Management with Keir Kutney
This program is generously sponsored by Lifelong Learning Council of Red Deer.
Kier Kutney has more than 20 years of experience working with youth who have severe behavioural issues in the residential, treatment, educational and community settings. He has worked in assessment and treatment capacities for programs supported by Mental Health, Justice, Education and Child Welfare agencies.
The following three sessions build on each other, and take place at LD Red Deer. Pre-registration is required. Please register early to serve your seat.
Cost: LDAA Members – $50/session or $75 for Member Couples; Non-members – $60/session
Become a member of LDAA-Red Deer! See our Services page for membership information.
Saturday, March 3, 9:30am-12:30pm
Understanding Disorders
Parents will learn how these disorders affect behaviour, and effective interventions that promote skill development.
Saturday, March 10, 9:30am-12:30pm
Behavioural Management and Strategies
Parents learn about behaviour management in greater depth, including motivation, effective consequences, and what works and doesn’t work.
Saturday, March 17, 9:30am-12:30pm
Developing Relationships
Reveals how to have a healthy relationship and what kinds of activities can promote instead of sabotage the relationship.
View this link for more information. Keir Kutney March 2012
2012 Speakers’ Series – Spring
This program is generously sponsored by Lifelong Learning Council of Red Deer.
For parents/caregivers, educators and professionals. These valuable information sessions are being provided to assist people affected by learning disabilities (differences) or ADHD. Pre-Registration is required for these programs.
- Fees: $10 Members, $15 Non-members
- Each session (except Feb. 22) takes place at LD Red Deer, 6:30pm-8:30pm.
- Handouts available at all presentations!
- Attendance Certificates available on request!
Wednesday, April 4
Assistive Technology—What’s In It For Me?
Carmen Scott, Program Director for LD Red Deer, will be speaking on current trends in assistive technology, accommodations and adaptations for students struggling to learn in the regular classroom.
With the move towards inclusion across the province of Alberta, students often need more supports, including assistive technology, to help them be successful in the regular classroom. Find out about some of the current trends and those programs and tools that have proven themselves over time.
Wednesday, April 25
When The Chips Are Down?
Rick Lavoie Video Presentation. Do you ever have days when the kids seem totally out of control?
Do you find yourself falling into the same pointless arguments with your students? This video presentation will present dozens of field-tested behaviour management techniques for use at home and in the classroom.
These strategies are for use with students with language and attentional deficits and explains how teachers and parents can create a stable, predictable environment in which children with learning disabilities can flourish.
Wednesday, May 2
Nurturing Self-Esteem: How To Stop The Bullying
Ralph Cervi from the Red Deer Crisis Centre, will be presenting valuable, current, and effective information for parents, children, educators and other professionals.
Learn how to develop positive self- esteem, deal with bullying, choosing friends and building resiliency.
Wednesday, May 16
A Multi-Sensory/Kinesthetic Approach to the Homework Challenge
Lisa Hansen, from The Sound Connections Centre, will provide an opportunity to learn more about literacy and language intervention strategies.
These are for children ages 3 and up with conditions such as ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome, students studying English as a Second Language, children requiring speech and language stimulation or children who have a different learning style/learning disability.
Please see the 2012 Spring Speakers Series flyer
Services
LDAA-RD Memberships
Become a member of the Red Deer Chapter, which includes membership in both the Provincial and National Learning Disabilities Associations.
Members have benefits! You will receive:
- Perspectives Magazine, published 4 times per year (mailed to you!)
- National and Provincial Magazines when available
- Free privileges at our specialized lending library, featuring many authoritative and hard-to-find texts
- Discounts on LDAA-Red Deer programs
- Access to programs throughout the province
- Voting privileges at the Red Deer Chapter’s AGM.
Membership is $40/year. Thanks for joining the Red Deer Chapter!
Tutoring for Learning Disabilities
Do you, your child or someone you know struggle with reading, writing or math?
We offer programs specifically tailored to meet the needs of each person who walks through our doors!
Benefits of LDAA-Red Deer tutoring
- One on one instruction
- Multi-disciplinary and multi-sensory approach
- Individualized programs specifically developed for your learning needs
For more information or to register: Please feel free to give Carmen a call @403-340-3885.
View this link for more information. LDAA-Tutoring Poster 2011
Learner’s Licence Prep Kits
Pass your Learner’s Licence the first time!
Alberta’s Basic Licence Driver’s Handbook condensed into study cards to help you pass the Learner’s Test and put you on the road to becoming a safe driver.
Cost: $20 cash or cheque payable to LDAA-Red Deer
Available for pick-up at LD Red Deer Office – Lower Level, 3757-43 Ave. Red Deer. Ph. 403-340-3885
View this link for more information. Learners Licence Kits Poster
Notices
The LD Red Deer is Seeking Nominations for the Board
If you have an interest in serving your community and supporting persons with learning disabilities and ADHD, please contact the LD Red Deer Office at 403-340-3885. The Board consists of up to 12 dedicated individuals who would like to have input and chart a path for the future of the Association.
Please see the About Us page to learn more, and contact us at 403-340-3885 or by email at execdir@LDRedDeer.ca
Volunteer Tutors Needed!
Do you have three hours a week to spare? Mondays & Wednesdays OR Tuesdays & Thursdays after school for 1.5 hours each of those days? We are currently accepting volunteer applications for tutoring. You must have some post-secondary education. Programs are developed by a qualified educator to meet the specific learning needs of the person being tutored. Training is ongoing for this position.
Math and Reading/Writing are the main areas that you would be assisting with, however, it is dependent on what help is needed by those requiring our services.
Please forward a copy of your resume to LD Red Deer. A copy of a Criminal Record Check and Child Welfare Check will also be required if you are accepted as a tutor. Do you have any particular strengths in subject areas that we should know about so that we may match your expertise with client’s needs?
Contact info: execdir@LDRedDeer.ca
