The Advocacy role of the Learning Disabilities Association has long been a central purpose. When parents encounter difficulties in handling the school related issues of their children, they often have to learn much about how Special Education works in the school system. As they do this, they have to learn the protocol within the system as well as the jargon associated with Special Education. Learning Disabilities Associations are experienced at assisting parents, students and adults learn what is out there and how to gain access.
Terms like IPRC (Identification, Placement and Review Committee) and IEP (Individual Education Plan) are short forms used in the language of Special Education and if it is the first time you hear these sorts of things, it can be like listening to a foreign language. It is important that parents and students alike educate themselves so that they can work their way to solutions.
To receive help with Special Education matters pertaining to IPRC follow the Lambton Kent District School Board link here or the St. Clair Catholic District School Board link here.
Here you will find, in the Special Education sections, guides for parents and students and other information relating to Special Education, legislated committees such as the Special Education Advisory committee (SEAC), definitions that will assist you in your search to find the proper accommodation for yourself or your child, and what steps to follow to obtain services from these school boards.
The SEAC is a committee with representatives from agencies that serve the children of the identified exceptionalities such as Learning Disabilities Association. All school boards are mandated by the government of the province to have such a committee at work in the system. To read more about SEAC, its structure, mandate and work in the system, click here SEAC. The Learning Disabilities Association of Chatham-Kent has representatives volunteering on the SEAC of both the Lambton-Kent District Board of Education and the St. Clair Catholic District Board of Education.
If you do not understand how to access help, call our office and trained, experienced personnel will guide you through this process. Contact Us
To find out more about the definition of Learning Disabilities, Assessment, the latest legislation, research, conferences, resources and products available in Ontario, click here.
More information on research, resources, conferences and much information about learning disabilities is available here [English] or here [French].
In our office there is a well equipped library of video, audio and printed matter in the form of books and photocopied handouts. A catalogue of the contents of the library is located in the Library pages in this website.