The Learning Disabilities Association of Sault Ste. Marie’s flag was raised this afternoon at the Civic Centre. Mayor Christian Provenzano was on hand to officially mark October as Learning Disabilities Awareness Month in Sault Ste. Marie. Earlier in the day, volunteers planted nearly 2,000 at the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library representing the total number of students who have been identified with a learning disability within both the English school boards and Sault College. These flags can be seen at the library until the end of the month.
As part of Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, the organization is hosting a free movie night on October 19th, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. This event will feature the documentary The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia and will take place in the community room at the SSM Public Library.
planting 1,600 awareness flags at the Sault Ste. Marie library.
“People with learning disabilities have a lot to contribute to our community,” says Matt Trainor, Chair of the Learning Disabilities Association of Sault Ste. Marie’s Community Advisory Committee. “With their creative strengths and above average intelligence, some simple support can see them excel in their educational pursuits and eventually find meaningful employment.”
The Learning Disabilities Association of SSM is proud to have Elissa and Kayle Trozzo as our Honourary Co-Chairs of Learning Disabilities Awareness Month. Elissa and Kayle are sisters and attend St. Basil’s Catholic Elementary School. “People with learning disabilities are as smart or smarter than average students. Just because we have a learning disability doesn’t mean that we can’t learn.” said Elissa Trozzo, Honourary Co-Chair of Learning Disabilities Month.
“We just learn in a different way,” added Kayle Trozzo. Elissa and Kayle Trozzo, Co-Chairs of Learning Disabilities Month, planting 1,600 awareness flags at the Sault Ste. Marie library.
The following are some interesting facts and statistics about learning disabilities:
• By definition someone with a learning disability has average to above average
intelligence;
• 1 in 10 people in Ontario have a learning disability;
• Learning disabilities impact skills, most of which can be improved with the right
supports;
• Because learning disabilities usually exhibit in the school system, those with learning
disabilities can be identified early in life. Early intervention improves confidence;
• When they do not receive appropriate support, individuals with learning disabilities have
higher than the average rates of school dropout, unemployment and poverty;
• Learning disabilities can be inherited and through their child’s diagnosis, many parents
realize that they have been impacted by a learning disability themselves.
(Source LDAC PACFOLD survey)
