
October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month. It is about raising awareness and reducing stigma around learning disabilities to allow children and adults living with learning disabilities to get the support they need to reach their potential.
What the Statistics tell us
- 1 in 10 person lives with a learning disability
- 35% of students with LDs drop out of school
- 62% of students with LDs will be unemployed a year after graduation
- 36% of youth in correctional facilities have specific learning disabilities
- Almost 50% of adolescent suicides have a diagnosis of an LD
Source: Putting a Canadian Face on Learning Disabilities (PACFOLD), 2007.
Together we can change this!
With awareness and services, the above statistics can be radically changed. With increased success in school and employment, persons with LDs can become more productive contributors to our communities.
About the Campaign:
The greatest hurdle for persons with LDs to overcome is the stigma and public perception. From their early years in school, they receive direct or indirect messages that they are “not as smart” as their classmates, “are not working hard enough”, and “will never amount to anything”. Their self-esteem is gradually eroded and they live every day with great anxiety and stress. But by addressing their disability and providing necessary supports, persons with LDs can excel in their chosen fields. We want to see New Brunswick become the leader in breaking down these hidden barriers.
More About Learning Disabilities:
- Learning disabilities are a group of specific neurological disorders.
- They can be diagnosed by pediatricians and psychologists trained in the field.
- Screening for potential LD can be access by contacting LDANB-TAANB.
- Early identification and early intervention can increase self-esteem and confidence.
- LDs can be inherited so parents and grandparents are now becoming aware of the reason for their lack of success in school.
- Most common form of LDs, an estimated 80%, is reading disabilities (dyslexia).
About Us:
The Learning Disabilities Association of New Brunswick is a registered charitable organization which has been working on behalf of persons with learning disabilities for 45+ years to increase awareness and services.
Our Mission:
To promote the understanding and acceptance of the ability of persons with learning disabilities to lead meaningful and successful lives.
We approach our mission by providing accurate up-to-date information regarding learning disabilities; assisting families, adults with LD, and professionals who work with them; and speaking as the provincial authority on learning disabilities.
For further information, contact:
Andre Deschênes, Executive Director, LDANB TAANB
Email: ed@ldanb-taanb.ca
Telephone: (506)-459-7852
Moncton Chapter
Rhonda Rubin
Email: rhonda.rubin@nbed.nb.ca
Saint John Chapter
Stacey Arthurs
Telephone: (506) 642-4956
200 Ludlow Street, Saint John