Learning disabilities (LDs) are a group of varying disorders that have a negative impact on learning. They may affect one’s ability to speak, listen, think, read, write, spell or compute. LDs affect one or more of the ways that a person takes in, stores, or uses information. LDs come in many forms and affect people with varying levels of severity. The most prevalent LD is in the area of reading, known as dyslexia.
Pre-school Years
School Years
Dyslexia – A Reading Disability
Difficulty with reading, writing, spelling, speaking.
Dyscalculia – A Math Disability
Difficulty with doing math problems, understanding time, using money.
Dysgraphia – A Writing Disability
Difficulty with handwriting, spelling, organizing ideas.
LDs are a life-long condition – they do not go away – but can be coped with successfully by using areas of strength to compensate and accommodations such as technology.
The LDANR’s programs are designed to support children, youth and adults who are struggling with a learning disability; however, the individual does not need to be formally diagnosed with a learning disability to participate in these programs. The LDANR recognizes that a formal diagnosis is not something all individuals/families can have done and, therefore, we welcome children, youth and adults who are struggling in their academics due to an identified or non-identified learning disability. The LDANR offers a number of programs – click here for a list of current programs.
If you feel that your child can benefit from one of our programs, please fill out an application form and submit supporting documents via email, fax, or in person. You may want to call and speak with a Program Coordinator prior to completing an application form. The Program Coordinator can provide you with useful information regarding programs and whether they would likely meet your child’s needs in regards to their learning disability.
**Please note applicants will be screened for other exceptionalities (i.e. autism, down syndrome, FAS, developmental delays, etc.) as the LDANR’s mandate is to offer programs and services for those with learning disabilities. The LDANR’s programs are not designed to treat students with severe mental health or students with severe emotional and behavioural issues. B.E.S.T. and S.L.A.M. programs are not behavioural programs, but rather programs to support children with learning disabilities through LD awareness, self-advocacy, building self-esteem and developing social skills.
All participants must have the ability to behave in a small group setting.
For more information, please contact the LDANR office at (905) 641-1021 or email info@Ldaniagara.org
Following the online application form, you are required to submit supporting documents to complete your application. These supporting documents may include and are not limited to: the child’s most recent report card or progress report (*required), a copy of the child’s IEP (*required for our SOAR programs), and/or assessments and diagnoses. Only documents in English can be accepted.
A screening takes place once your complete application has been received. If your child has been accepted, you will be notified of details including the time, location, program fee, etc. a week or two prior to the start of the program.
The LDANR recognizes that some families in the Niagara Region cannot always afford LDANR programs. It is important to the LDANR that cost does not act as a barrier to families accessing LDANR services. Therefore, the LDANR offers the following options to families:
Yes! The LDANR partners with local post-secondary institutions to provide hands-on, meaningful learning experiences for students. If you are hoping to complete a placement with the LDANR as a component of your studies, please complete a Placement Intake Form and an LDANR office staff will be in touch to determine if the placement would be a good fit.
Prospective placement students will be interviewed, and will be required to provide the LDANR will proof of enrolment as well any required documents to be completed as part of the placement.