Learning disabilities expert visits Sudbury April 27

People with learning disabilities usually have average or above-average intelligence, but may have difficulty picking up on social cues, said Liz Brett-Dickie, chair of the LDAS board of directors.

“It's really important to teach them social skills, because that relays further into their workplace,” she said.

“As you know, social skills are huge. Being able to be co-operative, being able to work as part of a team. All that kind of thing is very important for employment.”

The presentation would be useful to all parents — whether or not their child has a learning disability — as well as teachers and even older students, said Brett-Dickie.

A former Rainbow District School Board elementary school principal and special education consultant who has also taught at Nipissing's teacher's college, Brett-Dickie said she's looking forward to meeting Lavoie.

“I'm really excited because I'm actually going to get to meet the man I've seen on videos and read all of his books,” she said. “I've used a lot of his teachings and concepts in courses I've taught.”

The presentation is being put on by the learning disabilities group, in partnership with the Rainbow board and Cambrian College.

Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury, established a decade ago, provides a number of different services, from supporting families through diagnosis to tutoring to summer camps specializing in assistive technology.

With an estimated 5,000 students in Northern Ontario with learning disabilities, the agency has recently set up satellite offices in North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie.

For more information, visit www.ldasudbury.ca.