A newsletter to support those in York Region who work with students with exceptional learning strengths & needs.
Content of this Newsletter
- National AccessAbility Week & Red Shirt Day
- SODA-E & SODA-S
- Best Buddies Prom
- Blind Sports Event
- DHH Picnic
Spotlighting Excellence, Achievement & Community
- Yes I Can Awards
- Nathan’s Work Experience
Events, Program, Services & Updates
- Community Living York South
- Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe
- Queen’s University - Regional Assessment and Resource Centre
- Your Support Services Network
Monthly Highlights
National Accessibility Week and Red Shirt Day
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) begins on the last Sunday in May and this year was recognized between May 25-31, 2025. The theme for this year was "Breaking barriers together: Paving the way for an inclusive future.”
National AccessAbility Week aims to:
- celebrate the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities
- highlight the work of individuals, organizations and communities who are removing barriers
- reflect on our ongoing efforts to become a better, more accessible, more disability inclusive Canada
YRDSB Student Services is committed to supporting our students with opportunities that allow them to learn and grow. Removing barriers to their learning looks different for different individuals. Some students may require assistive technology, while other students may require accommodations or modifications in their learning. Secondary students engaged in the Work Experience Program may require opportunities for hands-on learning in the workplace to develop essential skills needed for employment opportunities.
What is Red Shirt Day?
Red Shirt Day takes place on the Wednesday of National AccessAbility Week each year. This year, Red Shirt Day was on May 28, 2025 and is a day when people across Canada come together and wear red "to show their support for persons and families who are living with disabilities, to celebrate the achievements of people living with disabilities and to pledge their commitment to help create a fully accessible and inclusive society that honours and values the contributions of people of all abilities in all aspects of life in Canada."(Source: Easter Seals)
Students of Differentiated Access (SODA) Athletics and Activities Festival
Elementary
On Monday, May 5th, YRDSB elementary students and staff participated in the Students of Differentiated Access(SODA) Athletics and Activities Festival at Bill Crothers Secondary School. There were a variety of events and activities including: running, standing jump, distance ball toss, corn hole, precision toss, obstacle course, bubbles, parachute, bocce ball (Special Olympics Ontario), music creation, dance and movement, baseball (Jays Care Foundation) and Sphero sports. This year’s event was the largest to date with over 1300 students participating.
Secondary
On Monday, May 26th, YRDSB secondary students and staff participated in the Students of Differentiated Access(SODA) Athletics and Activities Festival at Dr. J.M. Denison Secondary School. Overall 500 students from 29 secondary schools across York Region participated in the event. There were a variety of events and activities including: running (100m or 200m), standing and running long jump, distance and precision ball toss, obstacle course and Sphero sports.
Thank you to all participants, staff and volunteers for making both of these days an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Experience Works
The Spring edition of the Work Experience and Transition Program newsletter is now available. Check out the amazing stories highlighting the success of students at various work placements throughout York Region.
Best Buddies Prom
Best Buddies Prom was held on May 6 at Grand Cinnamon Banquet and Convention Centre. The Best Buddies Prom is an annual event that takes place in May. Secondary students with disabilities and their Best Buddies are invited to attend this social event where students get to dress up, dance to the beats and hang out with their friends.
Thank you to all the YRDSB staff for organizing, supporting and/or attending this wonderful event!
Blind Sports Event
On June 3, 2025, students and staff from the Blind/Low Vision (BLV) department gathered at MacLeod’s Landing Public School for an exciting Blind Sports Event. The day was all about promoting physical activity and showing how sports can be fun and accessible for students with visual impairments.
Students had the chance to try out different sports and learn new skills. Some even shared their own stories about playing blind soccer and competing outside of school, which inspired everyone there. The event was organized by the Ontario Blind Sports Association. It was a great day of learning, movement, and community!
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Picnic
On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, students, families, and staff from the YRDSB Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community came together at Richmond Green Park for their annual picnic event. It was an afternoon full of celebration, connection, and fun!
Everyone enjoyed a variety of exciting activities, including learning American Sign Language (ASL) learning, bracelet making, face painting, cupcake decorating, bubbles, meeting the audiologist and decorating DHH equipment cases. Thank you to the DHH department for hosting this community building and celebratory event.
Spotlighting Excellence, Achievement & Community
Yes I Can Awards
Every May, a joint CEC Yes I Can Awards Ceremony is held with the York Region District School Board, York Region Catholic District School Board and the Ontario Council for Exceptional Children. On May 22, students, families and staff came together to celebrate the accomplishments of over 200 students, while also recognizing educators, staff and parents who teach, support and inspire students with exceptionalities.
Congratulations to all the award recipients! On behalf on the York Region District School Board, we would like to congratulate the following YRDSB award recipients:
- April Townsend, Teacher at Highview P.S., Educational Leader of the Year Award
- Carole-Anne Williams, Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites, Business Award
- Heather Friend, Teacher at H.G. Bernard P.S., Teacher of the Year Award
- Heather Lowes, Developmental Support Worker at Barbara Reid P.S., Paraprofessional of the Year Award
- Hilary Greavette, Teacher at Sutton P.S., President's Award
- Tamara Baker, Parent Award
Nathan’s Work Experience
Nathan is a student at Middlefield Collegiate Institute and a graduate of the class of 2025. As a member of Middlefield’s Community Classes, Nathan has participated in a variety of in-school and community-based work experience placements. For the past two years, Nathan has worked at the Aaniin Community Centre and Shoppers Drug Mart. At Aaniin, Nathan helped to keep the kitchen area clean, and cupboards stocked for residents and program groups that access the space. Nathan mastered his work routine and this spring he was able to model tasks and help train a classmate who will be taking on the role next year. This term, Nathan also had the opportunity for a more public role at the Community Centre helping to hand out flyers at an information table, assist a seniors group making smoothies and taking care of the plants throughout the building.
Wearing his uniform proudly, Nathan worked at Shoppers Drug Mart doing great work with rotations checks ensuring products close to their expiry date were removed from the shelves. When he completed his work, he would assist a peer stocking shelves. Nathan’s hard work has paid off as he will get the opportunity to continue his work experience after high school. Thanks to a supportive letter from the store supervisor, Nathan’s new day program will support Nathan working at their local Shoppers Drug Mart! Well done, Nathan!
Events, Program, Services and Updates
Community Living York South
Summer Camp
Community Living York South will be hosting summer camps across York Region from June 30, 2025 to August 22, 2025 for children aged 8-15 and youth/adults aged 16+. Please see the location and contact for more information and registration.
Locations:
- Markham Camp - Castlemore Public School
- Time: 9:30am - 3:30pm
- Contact: Stina Li
- 905-294-4971 ext. 267
- sli@communitylivingyorksouth.ca
- Richmond Hill Camp - Crosby Heights Public School
- Time: 9:30am - 3:30pm
- Contact: Shamira Prabakaran
- 905-294-4971 ext. 703
- prabakaran@communitylivingyorksouth.ca
- Vaughan Camp - Elder's Mills Public School
- Time: 9:30am - 3:30pm
- Contact: Palak Bhatia
- 905-294-4971 ext. 640
- pbhatia@communitylivingyorksouth.ca
- Virtual Camp
- Time: 10:30am – 2:30pm
- Contact: Winny Ho
- 905-294-4971 ext. 382
- who@communitylivingyorksouth.ca
Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe (LDAYS)
LDAYS remains committed to offering programs, services, and events that support students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD, as well as their families. As we continue to provide both social and academic resources, along with exciting upcoming events, we’re excited to keep you informed about what’s next!
If you are interested in enrolling in our programs, please refer to the corresponding registration links and contact information below. Alternatively, feel free to email us at info@ldays.org or call us at 905-884-7933 extension 1 for more details
Upcoming Events
Free Online Workshop: Children's Mental Health: Its Connection to learning Disabilities and ADHD
We are excited to announce our next virtual presentation, which will focus on Understanding Children's Mental Health: Its Connection to Learning Disabilities and ADHD. This presentation will explore the link between children's mental health and learning disabilities, as well as ADHD. It highlights how mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, can affect learning and focus, often overlapping with ADHD and learning disabilities. The session will answer frequently asked questions and suggest strategies for support in both home and educational settings. The goal is to equip parents, educators, and professionals with insights to help children succeed academically and emotionally. It will be presented by Vicki Cochrane from Parents for Children's Mental Health (PCMH). We encourage everyone to join us for another impactful evening of learning and discussion!
- Date: June 18th, 2025
- Time: 7PM
- Location: Zoom
- Registration
Upcoming Programs and Services
Social Skills Summer Camp
In a safe, encouraging and positive environment, learning social skills has never been so much fun! Skills learned include introducing oneself, ways to make friends, responding to teasing, being a good winner and loser, dealing with emotions, problem-solving, relaxation, and self-esteem.
From Pajama Day to Superhero Day to Messy Hair Day and many more, each day features a new theme packed with exciting activities to explore! Activities include nature walks, arts and crafts, sports, and even outdoor swimming, ensuring each day is full of fun and personal growth.
While we’re excited to have your child join us. By registering now, you’ll secure your child’s spot in the camp, and we'll update you with more information.
- For children ages 8-12 with a primary diagnosis of learning disabilities or ADHD.
- Maximum 14 children per session, with a caring staff-to-child ratio of 1:6.
- First-time participants must provide a copy of the child’s psycho-educational Assessment
- Please note there are no guarantees of placement as groups are determined based on the number of registrants, as well as factors such as age and gender.
Dates:
- Richmond Hill: July 7th-July 11th
- Aurora: July 21st-July 25th
- Newmarket: July 28th-August 1st
- Bradford: August 11th-15th
Time:
- 9am-4pm
Fee:
- Early bird Member fee: $320
- Early bird Non-member fee: $370
- Non-Early Bird Members: $350
- Non-Early Bird Non-members: $400
**Subsidies are available: contact the program coordinator to apply and find out if you are eligible **
Summer Camp Registration available.
For more information, please contact Sara Carnovale at 905-884-7933 ext. 3 or sara.carnovale@ldays.org
SoAR Mindful Transitions: Richmond Hill Group Summer Sessions
The foundation of this program will help Grade 8 participants identified with Learning Disabilities to develop life skills to succeed academically and vocational.
Important Note
*Scheduled program dates may be subject to change due to the requirements on minimum number of participants.
*Submitting this registration does not guarantee enrollment in our program.
*Participants must have a PRIMARY diagnosis of LD and/or ADHD
Learning Objectives:
- Understanding LDs/ADHD and identifying learning styles.
- Develop self-advocacy strategies for success (i.e. review (I.E.P.) Individual Education Plan).
- Build executive function skills (i.e. organization, time management, etc.)
- Prepare for school assessments including tests, exams, and assignments.
- Cultivate skills for managing stress.
- Build confidence to facilitate an easier transition to high school.
How the Sessions Work:
- Space is limited.
- There are 2, 120-minute group sessions held in our Richmond Hill office once in July and August.
- Students will receive a workbook that they will take home at the last session.
- Students will work 1-to-1 with the facilitator and receive tailored discussions and interactive activities based on their needs.
Dates and Time:
Group 1 - July Session
- Tuesday, July 15
- Thursday, July 17
- Time - 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Group 2 - August Session
- Tuesday, August 19
- Thursday, August 21
- Time - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Location: 9030 Leslie Street, Unit 216 Richmond Hill, ON, L4B 1G2.
Fees for the SOAR program are as follows:
- $200 for non-members
- $150 for members
Space is limited and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
Registration is available.
For more information, please contact Isabel Khurd at 905-884-7933 ext. 1 or isabel.khurd@ldays.org
Level Up Tutoring
Our Level Up Tutoring Program offers personalized numeracy and literacy assistance, specifically designed for students in grade 3 to grade 7 with learning disabilities or ADHD. With one-on-one virtual sessions, our experienced tutors help your child build confidence, enhance study habits, and develop crucial academic skills in both math and reading. Sessions are tailored to meet your child’s unique learning style, ensuring a more enjoyable and effective learning experience. Enroll now to secure a spot and let’s make this school year the best one yet! More information and registration
Reading Rocks and Jump Math
Our Reading Rocks and Jump Math are individualized virtual intervention programs designed for students aged 8-14 who are significantly behind in literacy or math due to diagnosed learning disabilities. Reading Rocks focuses on enhancing reading skills through tailored instruction and motivational tactics, while Jump Math emphasizes foundational math skills and confidence-building through 1-to-1 or small group sessions and engaging activities. Both programs run for eight weeks, meeting twice weekly, with a fee structure that includes options for subsidies.
More information and registration for JUMP Math and Reading Rocks.
We are excited to offer summer sessions of our Reading Rocks program!
Registration for summer Reading Rocks.
LD 101 Information Sessions
LDAYS is proud to offer our informative and engaging LD 101 educational presentations, designed to provide valuable insights into learning differences. Our 1-hour, in-person sessions are available for schools and can be tailored for staff meetings, assemblies, or as part of professional development for teachers and students. We work closely with schools to create an interactive and informative experience that helps deepen understanding and foster inclusivity for all learners. Whether you're looking to educate teachers, empower students, or engage parents, LDAYS has the expertise to make a meaningful impact.
Don't hesitate—call us today at 905-884-7933 ext. 7 or email info@ldays.org to book a speaker and take the first step in promoting a more inclusive, supportive learning environment at your school or organization!
Important Updates
Champions Speaking Engagements
Our team of Champions share their personal stories of success, their journeys to overcome obstacles, and speak on behalf of youth and their families to increase awareness and knowledge surrounding what it means to learn differently. We are also offering informative LD awareness and educational presentations to help deepen your knowledge and support our community. Interested in having a LDAYS speaker or champion at your school, office, or upcoming special event contact us at info@ldays.org.
Podcast
Check out our podcast, “LDAYS Plugged-In”!
Tune in as our ambassadors from the Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe (LDAYS) dive into essential topics surrounding learning disabilities (LDs). Stay tuned for the upcoming Summer episodes!
Queen’s University - Regional Assessment and Resource Centre
Parent Workshop Series - Supporting your child’s transition to high school
The Parent Workshop Series is a virtual, parent-only program consisting of 2 half-days. This program was designed by the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre (RARC) to support students with learning disabilities and ADHD as they transition from elementary to post-secondary school by providing programming to their parents/guardians. Based on the parent component of RARC's long-running STEPS (Successful Transition from Elementary to PostSecondary) program, the Parent Workshop Series will offer parents this same valuable content in a virtual format.
This program is for parents and guardians of students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD in Grade 7 or 8 in Ontario.
The goal of the program is to provide parents:
- Information and support to understand their child’s experience and potential more fully
- Skills to navigate the school system
- Ability to provide timely and targeted support
- Support to know they are not alone
Date: Two virtual, half-day sessions will take place August 12 and 13, 2025 from 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Contact Info: (613) 533-6311, or email: rarc.transitions@queensu.ca
Your Support Services Network
Transition Planning Resource Days
Need help understanding the developmental services system and transition planning? Do you have an IEP? Book a free, one hour session, with a transitional planner to discuss and ask important questions related to your situation.
We can:
- discuss the differences between elementary and high school
- share tips and strategies to help you and your child prepare for life in high school
- help fill out forms and applications (e.g. ODSP, SSAH, Mobility Transit, etc.)
- share options for after high school and adult life
These sessions are for individuals who have a developmental disability, have an IEP, are in high school or recently graduated and need help planning adult services. Also included are students in Grade 8 with an IEP preparing to transition into high school.
Dates:
- Wednesdays
- July 23, 2025
- August 20, 2025
- September 17, 2025
- October 22, 2025
- November 19, 2025
- December 17, 2025
- January 14, 2026
- Fridays
- August 8, 2025
- September 5, 2025
- October 3, 2025
- November 7, 2025
- December 5, 2025
- January 9, 2026
- January 30, 2026
Time: 09:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
How to book an appointment:
- Email: cmacdonald@yssn.ca
- Call: 905-898-6455 ext. 2245 or toll free 1.866-257-9776
York Pride
Visit the YSSN Booth BOOTH & Watch the Parade
- Date: Saturday June 21
- Time: 10am-10pm
- Trans March at 3pm
- PRIDE Parade at 6pm
- Where: Riverwalk Commons & Main Street, Newmarket
- Registration: Please email: jkellie@yssn.ca
Come have fun and volunteer with us for the Trans March, the Pride Parade and the YSSN Booth!
Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Meetings
The SEAC meets on the first Thursday of every month. All are welcome to attend and observe. For more information about SEAC and our SEAC members, please visit the SEAC webpage.
Upcoming SEAC Meetings
The meeting dates for the remainder of the year are set out below.
- September 4, 2025
- October 9, 2025
- November 6, 2025
