Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (LDANL) presents
Blind Date in a Bubble
Thursday, July 9th, 2020
LDANL is pleased to unveil Blind Date in a Bubble, our new and unique fundraiser that is suited to these times!
The Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (LDANL) has hosted our annual fundraiser, Blind Date with a Star, for the past 19 years. We have been honoured by the support of our many participating restaurants, celebrities, sponsors, and the wonderful companies and individuals who purchased tickets and attended the event. Blind Date with a Star has always been a well-attended evening of good food, friendship, and fun.
A ticket for Blind Date in a Bubble includes a mystery dinner delivered from a local restaurant on Thursday, July 9th. You can also share pictures from your bubble on social media during the event using the hashtag #LDANLBlindDate or by tagging LDANL’s social media pages.
Blind Date in a Bubble will emphasize giving back to the community of Newfoundland and Labrador. Half of each $50 ticket will go to LDANL and half will go to the local restaurant who provided your mystery dinner. Many mystery dinners will be delivered by our sponsored local taxis. Additionally, LDANL is giving back to the essential workers who have been risking their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting the Gathering Place’s meal program. You can support LDANL, the Gathering Place and the Paramedic Association of NL by purchasing a special ticket to provide dinner to a guest who accesses the meal program at the Gathering Place or a surprise thank-you meal for a paramedic in our province.
The Blind Date event has been vital in enabling LDANL to help and support individuals who struggle with Learning Disabilities (LD) in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The children, adults, and families living with LD need our support during these challenging times.
We hope that you will support us and the local community by participating in the Blind Date in a Bubble fundraiser.
Find out more about the event and purchase tickets here or email info@ldanl.ca or call 685-0474.
Restaurants we are supporting
Update:
Click here for an important memo from the English School District
Click here for Guidance support offered by the English School district during this COVID-19 closure.
Our office is closed in keeping with recent Health advice around social distancing due to Covid-19. Our tutoring is currently happening through Skype and the students and tutors are working from home. Information about registration for upcoming terms will be posted at a later date.
We are checking our email regularly from home:
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Karen can be reached at info@ldanl.ca
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Edie can be reached at edie@ldanl.ca
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Aneesh can be reached at aneesh@ldanl.ca
Stay home and stay safe everyone!
Take part in a study about accessible reading … Win Prizes! Receive Honorariums!
“How do YOU read?” Study
NNELS (the National Network for Equitable Library Service) wants to learn more about the different ways people read and listen to books. Would you like to participate in a lively conversation or reply to a survey about your reading habits and preferences? Do you have difficulty reading a hard copy print book? Do you have a visual, physical, or learning disability that affects your ability to read?
If so, we want to hear from you!
Take “How do YOU Read?” Survey for a chance to win an Android tablet.
When you take this 15-30 minute survey, you will be asked things like:
- Do you read with your ears, eyes, or fingers?
- Do you read ebooks, audiobooks, braille, or large print?
- What devices do you use to read? Computer, tablet, phone, DAISY, magnifier?
There is also space for you to tell us what you most want or need, given your unique circumstances. If you are a parent of a child with print disabilities, please answer the survey questions about your child.
Survey closes at midnight PST on Friday, February 21.
Your input will help the Canadian library community and publishing industry better serve the diversity of readers in Canada.
“How do YOU Read?” Focus Groups
NNELS will be conducting six Focus Groups across Canada and online. If you are selected to participate, you will receive $100 honorarium as a thank you. At the in-person groups, light meal will be served. If you are interested in finding out more, please sign up, and we will let you know if you have been selected.
Note: All Focus Groups will be wheelchair accessible, and accommodations for people with various disabilities will be made.
List of Focus Groups:
- Vancouver: Thursday, February 20 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
- Edmonton: Sunday, February 23 from noon to 2:30 pm.
- Online focus group: Monday, February 24, 5:00 pm to 7:15 pm Eastern Time
- Toronto: Saturday, February 29 from noon to 2:30 pm.
- Online focus group: Saturday, February 29, 5:00 to 7:15 pm Eastern Time
- Montreal: Monday, March 2 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Thank you from the NNELS team!
For more information: https://nnels.ca/
Share your story!
Happy Holidays!
On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of LDANL, we would like to thank our students, parents, tutors, volunteers, clients, partners and our generous donors for making 2019 a truly great year. We have really enjoyed working with each one of you. To our students and tutors, have a wonderful break from your studies and work. Our office will be closing at 12:00 on December 20th and reopening on January 6th. Tutoring begins again on January 6th. Happy holidays to all and we look forward to seeing you in the new year!
LDANL supports The Gathering Place
Thank you to parents, tutors and staff who contributed to the Christmas Gift bag that we had in our office this past week. Edie delivered the overflowing bag to The Gathering Place and they were very grateful to receive it. They said their guests will be very appreciative. Thank you to everyone who supported this effort!
Congratulations to Michael from LDANL!
“Many of you know, Michael was diagnosed with a learning disability in grade 2, and proudly supports the Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador through his racing. Last night at his cap and gown graduation ceremony, Michael not only received his high school diploma but was awarded the “Award of Excellence” for Earth Systems 3209. The diagnoses of a Learning Disability does not mean you cannot succeed, it opens up pathways to figure out ways to succeed. The world awaits! Congratulations to Michael and the entire Class of 2019 at Prince of Wales Collegiate.”
-Julianna Neary
https://www.facebook.com/michaelnearyracing23/
Feel free to contact us if you also have a success story to share!
Notice:
Our AGM will be held at 5:30 on December 11th. RSVP to info@ldanl if you are interested in attending.
Conference and Training Workshops Support Worker
This is a Job Creation Partnership (JCP) position and you must be EI eligible to be considered for this position.
Full-time temporary position (6 months)
The Conference and Training Workshops Support Worker will assist with the annual conference organized by the Learning Disabilities Association of NL and various training workshops LDANL is planning to design and deliver. The ideal candidate for this position is required to have skills and experience in managing logistics, editing, research, designing etc. The eligible candidates must meet the requirements of the Provincial Government Jobs Creation Partnerships Program (JCP), one of which is to be EI eligible.
Deadline for applications: December 6, 2019
Role and responsibilities include:
- Assist with researching, designing and planning of conference and training workshops.
- Assist with marketing, publicity, sponsorship and advertising.
- Assist with transcribing and editing presentations as and when needed.
- Contact trainers and presenters for instructions and prepare presentations and materials.
- Assist with making videos and pamphlets.
- Ensure that training packages and other materials are printed and filed.
- Compile participant feedback forms and prepare summary reports.
- Provide necessary technology support and other logistical support for events.
- Assist with the training and coordination of volunteers.
- Research existing Assistive Technology and other tool kits useful for people with Learning Disabilities.
Forward your resume to edie@ldanl.ca
Job Vacancy: Research Assistant: Archiving and Updating of Resources (2 positions)
Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador – St. John’s, NL
Full-time Temporary positions (6 months)
*This is a Job Creation Partnerships (JCP) position and you must be EI Eligible to be considered for this position.
The research assistant will research and compile the history of Learning Disabilities Association of NL and update the resources and Learning Disabilities awareness materials. LDANL has been supporting the community for over 30 years. We recognize the importance of having a record of our past and current activities to reach out to more people as well as to enhance our goals and work in the future. Our goal is to have a brief overall history of the development and activities of LDANL; also our success stories, for example our tutoring program and our major fundraising event Blind Date with a Star. The ideal candidate for this position will have skills and experience in research, analysis, editing, interviewing, content writing and design. The eligible candidates must meet the requirements of the Provincial Government Jobs Creation Partnerships Program (JCP), one of which is to be EI eligible.
Deadline for applications: November 16, 2019
Role and responsibilities include:
- Review files, documents and materials of LDANL’s past operations and prepare a brief overall history of LDANL;
- Collect information and document success stories about LDANL’s past and current activities;
- Collect statistical information about the numbers of students, tutors, parental support provided, website hits, facebook followers etc.
- Research and explore the stories of adults who identify as having Learning Disabilities who have achieved success in their field;
- Review and update LDANL’s learning disabilities brochures, awareness materials, on-line and print resources;
- Research materials and create an awareness resource package that may include video, online and print materials.
Forward your resume to edie@ldanl.ca
Check out this interesting opportunity:
Thank you to all participants
Our Assistive Technology Conference, held on October 5th, was a great success! Thank you to all who came out and joined in the conversation. Special thanks to all the presenters who prepared interesting and relevant presentations, the helpers behind the scenes, and to the participants who were actively involved throughout. Shout-out to Dr. Dave Philpott and panel presenters for a great opening. We hope to maintain this momentum and to continue to grow our community. Stay tuned for new and ongoing projects. Also, follow our Facebook page, Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, (@Learning Disabilities NL) to see what we are up to and how you can contribute.
Welcome
We are pleased to welcome Aneesh Kumar to our team as Communication and Development Officer. Aneesh was working here previously on a short-term contract and we are happy to have him back on a more long-term contract. Reach out to Aneesh with any communications, community liaison or funding project projects that you would like to discuss, at aneesh@ldanl.ca
Thank you to North Verafin
We are delighted to welcome Verafin as an “Academic Distinction” sponsor for our Assistive Technology and Learning Disabilities conference.
Registration is now open for our exciting conference on Assistive Technology and Learning Disabilities!
See details here: http://ldanl.ca/assistive-technology-and-learning-disabilities-learning-together-through-experience-and-expertise/
Hope to see you there!
Thank you to North Atlantic
We would like to extend out sincere gratitude to North Atlantic for their recent generous donation to LDANL. Chris Dowden and Dana Ryan represented the North Atlantic Community Giving Committee. The funds will be put toward our Tutoring Bursary program, which helps offset the costs for students in need, as well as toward our recent purchase of new tutoring materials. Through the generosity of North Atlantic our Tutoring program can continue to flourish this year. Call 753-1445 or email info@ldanl.ca for more information on our Tutoring Program.
Pit Party with Micheal Neary and Friends on Saturday the 24th at 12 pm-2 pm
Thank you to the Scottish Rite
LDANL would like to extend gratitude to the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of Canada Valley of St. John’s for their recent donation of $1000.00. We are delighted to have been chosen as this year’s recipient of the Deputy’s Award. The write up is below:
The Valley of St. John’s was pleased to be able to present the annual Deputy’s Award of $1000 to a deserving charitable organization in the province of NL. Each year the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation provides funds to each Valley in Canada through the various Deputies; and each Valley is asked to research and recommend an appropriate recipient. This year the Valley of St. John’s recommended “ Learning Disabilities Association of NL”.
On hand for the presentation were:
Ill. Bro. Owen Devereaux, 33˚, SGIG, Edie Dunphy of LDANL,
Ill. Bro. Paul Miller, 33˚, HIG, ILL. Bro. Clayton Handrigan, 33˚, HIG,and Ill. Bro. Jim Finch, 33˚, SGIG.
Thank you to Husky Energy
It is with much gratitude that we acknowledge the recent contribution of $3000.00 and two laptops from Husky Energy. The funds used to purchase Assistive Technology, a valuable resource to individuals with Learning Disabilities. Husky’s generous donation of funds and equipment, as well as a Summer Student position funded by the Government of NL, enabled us to offer our summer Tech Buddies program. The technology will continue to be used throughout the years to come. Please drop by our office to see our Assistive Technology, or set up a meeting with our AT Tutor to learn more by emailing Antonia at AssistiveTech.LDANL@gmail.com
L-R Erin Doherty (Husky Energy), Edie Dunphy and Lynn Green (LDANL)
AT@LDANL presents: Tech Buddies
Blind Date 2019 Raffle Results:
1st Prize (BBQ Pool Party with live music for 10 people $1000) – Isabella Campbell
2nd Prize (Beauty Counter Safer Skin Care Product Gift Basket $250) – Kayla Reid
3rd Prize (Original acrylic painting, “Geraniums on Windowsill” $150) – Kimberly O’leary
Congratulations to the winners!
Thank you to everyone who supported Blind Date 2019 and we look forward to seeing you next year.
Blind Date Gratitude
We are overwhelmed with gratitude after our event last week, Blind Date With a Star 2019. So many people helped to make this event, our major annual fundraiser, the success that it is.
Thank you to all of the generous individuals and companies who purchased tickets to the event. We couldn’t do the work we do without your support. We hope you enjoyed the evening as much as we did. To our celebrities, a huge thank you. You gave up your evening to come, participate, entertain and otherwise add to the merriment. It is much appreciated. And to our restaurants, the foundation on which this event is built. These amazing restaurants and caterers gave freely of their time, their services, their spaces and their delicious food in order of make this event possible. We encourage you to choose them when you are making your next reservation to eat out. They are all magnificent. Finally, thank you to our sponsors and donors who provided monetary and in-kind services, donations and publicity.
We appreciate you all so much. Again, our heartfelt thank to our generous and supportive community. Stay tuned here and on our FaceBook page to keep in touch.
Scholarship opportunity for students entering post-secondary studies
The Coalition of Persons with Disabilities – Newfoundland and Labrador (COD-NL), in partnership with the West White Rose Project is now accepting applications for two (2) scholarships to high school students who self-identify as living with a disability, and entering post-secondary studies in September 2019.
Please see the link for more details: https://codnl.ca/scholarships/
Blind Date with a Star – 2019 Participating Restaurants and Contributors
We would like to thank the generous participants in our Blind Date fundraising event, without whom this event would not be the success that it is. The following restaurants have offered their space, services and exquisite meals to support the event. Thank you also to those who are hosting meals at their homes. You are helping us build our capacity to offer supports and services to individuals with Learning Disabilities in NL.
Summer Jobs at LDANL
Summer Employment for Post Secondary Student*
*dependent on approval of Provincial Government funding for Summer Student Employment Program – Post-Secondary
The Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is seeking a person to assist individuals with Learning Disabilities and their families/teachers use Assistive Technology.
Terms of Employment:
Start Date: July 2, 2019
End Date: August 30, 2019
Hours: 35 hours/week
Salary: $11.40/hour
The individual must be entering or returning to Post-Secondary training within the current year. Strong knowledge of Assistive Technology desired. Preference will be given to candidates with Learning Disabilities who are regular users of Assistive Technology.
Duties:
– co-design and run a “Tech Buddies” summer program for students or adults with Learning Disabilities who want to learn about Assistive Technology or want to upgrade their skills;
– advise, demonstrate and instruct on the use of Assistive Technology with parents, teachers and others interested in supporting users of Assistive Technology;
– act as a mentor to students with Learning Disabilities;
– create webinars that can be uploaded to LDANL’s website regarding the use of Assistive Technology;
– answer questions or phone calls and participate in FaceTime, Skype or Video Conferences with individuals around the province related to Assistive Technology;
– assess the current Assistive Technology at LDANL and advise on what improvements and updates need to be made;
– contribute to Conference planning on Assistive Technology as needed.
Forward resume to edie@ldanl.ca or call (709) 753-1445 for more information.
Summer Employment for High School Student*
*dependent on approval of provincial Government funding for Summer Student Employment Program – High School
The Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is seeking a person to assist individuals with Learning Disabilities and their families/teachers use Assistive Technology.
Terms of Employment:
Start Date: July 2, 2019
End Date: August 30, 2019
Hours: 35 hours/week
Salary: $11.40/hour
The individual must be currently enrolled in a high school Level I, II or III program. Strong knowledge of Assistive Technology desired. Preference will be given to candidates with Learning Disabilities who are regular users of Assistive Technology.
Duties:
– co-design and run a “Tech Buddies” summer program for students or adults with Learning Disabilities who want to learn about Assistive Technology or want to upgrade their skills;
– advise, demonstrate and instruct on the use of Assistive Technology with parents, teachers and others interested in supporting users of Assistive Technology;
– act as a mentor to students with Learning Disabilities;
– create webinars that can be uploaded to LDANL’s website regarding the use of Assistive Technology;
– answer questions or phone calls and participate in FaceTime, Skype or Video Conferences with individuals around the province related to Assistive Technology;
– assess the current Assistive Technology at LDANL and advise on what improvements and updates need to be made;
– contribute to Conference planning on Assistive Technology as needed.
Forward resume to edie@ldanl.ca or call (709) 753-1445 for more information.
Summer Opportunities!
We are making plans to offer a “Tech Buddies” program this summer. This program will provide support and instruction in the area of Assistive Technology as well as mentorship to those with Learning Disabilities. We hope to have two individuals working with us this summer who are users of Assistive Technology. These individuals will be available to offer one-on-one individualized help and support as well as small group sessions for interested students, young people, parents, teachers and adults. This will be on a sign-up basis and a schedule will be posted soon to sign up for one hour, two hours or a half-day session. We hope to offer FaceTime, Skype and/or Videoconference options as well. Stay tuned!
(Dependent on provincial Government Summer Student Employment approval.)
Income Tax Deductions
Follow this link to see whether you are eligible for any of these deductions: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/line-215-disability-supports-deduction.html
Saturday Sessions – new session added!
#2. Assistive Technology
#1. Vision Therapy
Needs Assessment
We would like your input to help us expand our services and supports. We invite you to please complete the Needs Assessment Survey below. It can also be accessed through the menu. We strongly encourage you to share this survey with anyone who has a learning disability and/or those who support them.
Accessibility Legislation – Public Consultation