October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month! This month is a special time where we discuss, consider and inform others about children and adults with learning differences.

What does the average person know about learning disabilities?

There are a variety of learning disabilities that can include:

• Dyslexia (difficulty processing language)
• Dyscalculia (difficulty with math skills and concepts)
• Dysgraphia (difficulty with written expression)
• Dyspraxia (difficulty with fine motor skills)
• Auditory Processing Disorder (difficulty with interpreting auditory information)
• Visual Processing Disorder (difficulty interpreting visual information)

Students with learning disabilities often have trouble with reading and writing. Without support, this can negatively affect the development of their literacy skills, progression through school and post-secondary and job prospects as adults. With good strategies and techniques, literacy educators can help learners feel confident and empowered.

For more information about supporting people with learning disabilities, check out the information and resources at the these websites:

• Children: Reading Rockets: Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia Awareness Month
• Children: Dyslexia Canada’s Mark it Read campaign
• Children: LD@School’s Learning Disabilities Awareness Month toolkit
• Children and adults: Learning Disabilities Association of British Columbia (LDABC)
• Children and adults: Learning Disabilities and ADHD Network (Calgary specific, but many useful resources)

More Resources

• Addressing learning disabilities with the medicine wheel
• How to Design and Host Community Conversations about Learning Disabilities
• Learning disabilities: simple assessment and proven teaching techniques
• Self-advocacy for People with Learning Disabilities: A Guide for Adult Literacy Educators
• Snakes and Ladders for Learning: Learning Disabilities Edition
• Time for a Change: Learning Disabilities or Abilities?
• What is Learning Like for ME?: a Community Approach to Learning Disabilities

Helpful Blog Posts

• Myths and Facts about Dyslexia
• Supporting Students with Dysgraphia
• Understanding Dyslexia

Even more resources are available to borrow from the Decoda literacy library. Browse the catalogue today!