Education
July 26, 2007

Learning Disabilities Association Receives Government Funding

The work of the Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (LDANL) will be enhanced through a $25,000 boost in funding from the Provincial Government. The LDANL is a not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to the advancement of education, employment and social development of people with learning disabilities.

"Community partnerships are an important component of the many services provided across government," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "Partnerships with any organization ensure we are providing the best service possible to those who need it and that we identify quickly where improvements can be made. I�m confident this funding will have a worthwhile impact on the work of the association and more importantly, the people they serve."

It is estimated that one in 10 Canadians has a learning disability. This can take the form of a language-based disability, a math-based learning disability, or a disability that involves understanding non-verbal communications. Individuals with learning disabilities can be taught skills to ensure personal and professional growth with early identification and intervention.

"The Learning Disability Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is most appreciative of the $25,000 grant from Provincial Government," said Lynn Green, president of the LDANL. "This support will enhance our ability to provide awareness and understanding of learning disabilities. This in turn leads to improving early diagnosis and strategies and the development of appropriate supports to learning disabled individuals to help them go onto post-secondary education and be successful citizens in their working environment."

The Department of Education coordinates several school-based interventions to support students with exceptionalities, including student assistants, learning technologies, educational psychological services and special accommodations for exams that respond to the individual student�s needs.

In addition, the Provincial Government committed $150,000 for an independent assessment of the Individual Support Services Plans (ISSPs), with the goal to streamline the administration of the program, while improving services to students with exceptionalities.

"I expect to receive this report in the coming weeks and look forward to a thorough review of the recommendations," said Minister Burke. "Our education budget, for the first time in our province�s history, is over $1 billion. It is our intent that these investments have a positive impact on all students, giving them every opportunity to succeed and to contribute to our province�s bright future."

For more information about learning disabilities, call the LDANL at 709-753-1445, or visit their Web site www.nald.ca/ldanl/

-30-

Photo #1

Media contact:

Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

2007 07 26                                                  11:55 a.m.

 


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement