A newsletter to support those in York Region who work with students with exceptional learning strengths & needs.
Content of this Newsletter
- Buddy Walk
- Youth Space
- YRDSB Work Experience Program: Celebrating 40 Years
Spotlighting Excellence, Achievement & Community
- Yes I Can Provincial Awards
- Grayson Makes OFSAA Cross Country Debut
Events, Program, Services & Updates
- Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe (LDAYS)
- Virtual Presentation - Understanding the Hidden Battles
- Winter 2026 Programs and Services
- Social Skills (Ages 7-12)
- Homework & Beyond (Ages 8-12)
- SoAR Mindful Transition Program
- Level Up Tutoring (Grades 3-7)
- Reading Rocks and JUMP Math (Ages 8-14)
- Awareness & Advocacy
Monthly Highlights
Buddy Walk
From the Down Syndrome Association of York Region (DSAYR)
DSAYR hosted its 21st Annual BuddyWalk. Since 2005, the DSAYR has been hosting an annual BuddyWalk, gathering its members along with their family & friends to walk together to promote the ABILITIES of people with Down syndrome. This also serves the main fundraiser for our association, which relies solely on the support of our donors. Creating awareness begins in our own communities, so we were so happy to welcome over 150 people to our walk, in celebration of Canadian Down Syndrome Awareness Week (Oct 19-26). We were also thrilled to welcome Town of Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas to officially open our walk.
Youth SPACE
Youth SPACE is an identity-affirming student leadership initiative for grades 6-12 students. Youth SPACE aims to provide safe, equitable and inclusive student leadership and engagement for the promotion of mental health, well-being, and stigma reduction. To inspire the student leaders who are part of the Youth SPACE teams at their schools, the Central Mental Health Team organizes the Youth SPACE symposium. At the symposium, students learn about the many ways of supporting mental health and well-being as well as leadership and team building skills to bring back to their schools. Youth SPACE symposiums have been occurring over the months of November and December. These symposiums are co-designed and delivered by secondary student advisors. Youth SPACE is currently in 120 schools across the YRDSB, and will be in all schools by 2026-2027 school year.
YRDSB Work Experience Program: Celebrating 40 Years
This year, the YRDSB Work Experience Program (WEP) is celebrating 40 years of supporting students with post-secondary transitions and work placements. For four decades, WEP has been building bridges from the classroom to the community and workplace for thousands of students.
Since its inception, the Work Experience Program has operated as a community-based partnership between local businesses, industry partners, and the YRDSB. Its core mission is to provide hands-on work experience that enhances students' lives and sets them up for future success. Through the Work Experience Program, students gain experience developing critical skills in a real-world setting, including communication skills, independence, self-advocacy, and essential job and workplace skills.
The 40th anniversary of the Work Experience Program is a testament to the dedication of students, the commitment of staff, and the essential partnership of community businesses.
Check out this podcast on TuneIn YRDSB to hear from staff and students sharing about the Work Experience Program.
Spotlighting Excellence, Achievement & Community
Yes I Can Provincial Award Winners
On December 5 & 6, the Ontario Council for Exceptional Children held their 69th Annual Special Education Conference - Enhancing Inclusive & Accessible Learning, Mattering, and Well-being for All. This conference recognizes excellence in Ontario and YRDSB had 2 student and 3 adult award recipients.
Kabilan, School & Community Award - Kabilan is a dedicated and compassionate student whose enthusiasm and collaborative spirit have made a lasting impact on his school community. He actively participates in the Gardening and Assembly Clubs, and Autism Acceptance Month initiatives. He also participates enthusiastically in cultural celebrations and school presentations. Moreover, Kabilan's caring nature and ability to collaborate with peers have helped build school spirit, fostering a supportive and encouraging atmosphere for others.
Emily, Self-Advocacy - As a grade 12 student, Emily consistently demonstrated remarkable self-advocacy skills. She proactively reminded teachers to utilize the FM system throughout her various learning environments. When the no cell phone policy was introduced in schools, she took the initiative to let her teachers know that she requires an exemption as she uses her phone to adjust the volume on her hearing aid. Furthermore, Emily has become a role model for younger students, having participated in speech contests and actively volunteered at school board events.
Heather Friend, Teacher of the Year Award - Heather is a Multiple Exceptionality Community Class Teacher at H.G. Bernard Public School. Over her 30 year career, Heather’s passion for teaching and developing students to their fullest potential has been evident in her unwavering commitment to support learning. She has created close partnerships with families and paraprofessionals continually encouraging student’s growth along their path with the daily mantra of “We can do hard things”. She advocates for her students, promotes inclusivity, diversity and equity within the wider school community, and uses her creative approach to teaching to inspire students and staff.
April Townsend, Educational Leader Award - April teaches a Multiple Exceptionality Community Class at Highview Public School. She is a fierce advocate for inclusivity and accessibility, consistently adapting materials to fit students’ learning needs and collaborating with colleagues to ensure her students fully participate in field trips. She dedicates her time to mentoring colleagues and running student activity groups during her lunch hours. She is an inspiring leader not only within her school community but for teachers across YRDSB. She readily helps other staff improve their practice and actively supports them in making accessible learning environments.
Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites - Carole-Anne Williams, Director of Human Resources, Business, Community & Agency Award - For almost 20 years, Carole-Anne has been a loyal supporter of the York Region District School Board’s Work Experience Program. She has been a strong and passionate advocate for students with disabilities, providing a variety of work opportunities throughout many of the departments at the Sheraton Parkway North Hotel. As a result of their work experience in the Sheraton Hotel kitchen, several graduates have either been hired directly by local restaurants or entered a modified post-secondary college culinary program. Every student who has worked at the Sheraton Hotel has been warmly received by hotel staff in their respective department and treated like an employee.
Grayson Makes OFSAA Cross Country
On November 1, 2025, Grayson, a Grade 9 student at Stouffville District Secondary School, proudly made his debut at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) cross-country championships, competing in the para division. This division includes athletes across three categories: intellectual, ambulatory, and blind/low vision. Grayson raced in the intellectual category and was supported by a YRDSB Specialist Teacher of Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, who used assistive hearing technology to support him during his race. His qualification for OFSAA came after an impressive first-place finish in the para division at the York Region championships on October 21 at Boyd Conservation Area. Known for his ability to ‘turn on the jets’ in the final stretch, Grayson often edges out competitors with a powerful finishing sprint.
“There were a lot of people. I was happy because I made it to OFSAA. The race was a little hard because there are a lot of hills. I sprinted at the end and tied with another boy…. I feel proud.”- Grayson
Events, Program, Services and Updates
From the 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
Virtual Presentation - Understanding the Hidden Battles
Join us for a free 1-hour webinar to help parents learn how ADHD, worry, and mood affect the brain and body. You'll find out why common parenting strategies don't always work, and what you can do instead. You'll leave with simple tools to respond with more calm and confidence without ignoring your child's feelings or making their fears worse.
Presentation Details:
- Date: January 28th, 2026
- Time: 7PM
- Location: Zoom
- Speaker: Terri Keay, Manager of Community Clinical Services at York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families
- Registration
Winter 2026 Programs & Services
Social Skills Program (Ages 7–12)
Help your child build confidence, friendship skills, and emotional awareness in a fun, small-group setting. Based on the proven PEERS® curriculum, led by trained professionals.
Locations & Dates:
- Richmond Hill (LDAYS Office): Mondays, January 19th - March 2nd, 5:30–6:30 PM
- Markham: Tuesdays, January 27th - March 3rd, 5:00 PM–6:00 PM
- Barrie: Thursdays, March 26th - April 30th, 5:00 PM–6:00 PM
Contact: meghan.beals@ldays.org
Homework & Beyond (Ages 8–12)
A drop-in program that blends academic help with social skills coaching in a positive, supportive environment. This program is partially subsidized.
Locations & Times:
- Richmond Hill - LDAYS Office (9030 Leslie Street, Unit 216):
- Wednesdays, March 25th - April 29th
- 4:00–6:00 PM
- King Township - King Township Public Library (1970 King Rd):
- Thursdays, May 7th - June 11th
- 4:00–6:00 PM
Outside the 10–12 age range? No problem, we’ll arrange an intake call!
Contact: Alicia: 905-884-7933 ext. 6; alicia.carter@ldays.org
SoAR Mindful Transition Program (Elementary & Secondary)
For students in Grades 7 and 8, and 11 and 12 with LDs and/or ADHD. Build essential skills for school and beyond, study strategies, stress management, self-advocacy, and more.
Group Format: 4 sessions, 6 students per group
- LDAYS Office (9030 Leslie St. Unit 216, Richmond Hill)
- Wednesdays, February 4 to February 25
- 5:00 PM–6:00 PM
- Essa Public Library, Angus Branch (8505 County Rd. 10 Unit 1, Angus)
- Tuesdays, April 28 to May 19
- 5:00 PM–6:00 PM
Contact: Isabel at 905-884-7933 x7; Isabel.khudr@ldays.org
Level Up Tutoring (Grades 3-7)
Personalized virtual support in math and literacy, tailored for students with LDs or ADHD. Boost confidence, build skills, and support your child’s learning journey with 1:1 expert tutoring.
Contact: Alicia: 905-884-7933 ext. 6; alicia.carter@ldays.org
Reading Rocks and JUMP Math (Ages 8-14)
Targeted, 1:1 literacy and math interventions for students who are at least one year behind in their curriculum. Programs run 8 weeks, twice a week.
Contact: Alicia: 905-884-7933 ext. 6; alicia.carter@ldays.org
Awareness & Advocacy
LD 101 Awareness Presentations – For Schools & Families
Book our 1-hour, interactive sessions for teachers, students, or parents to better understand learning disabilities and how to support all our learners.
Book today: 905-884-7933 ext. 1, info@ldays.org
Champions – Real Stories, Real Impact
Our Champions share powerful personal stories about living and learning with LDs and ADHD. Perfect for school assemblies, events, or community sessions.
Invite a speaker: 905-884-7933 ext. 1, info@ldays.org
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
- January 8, 2025
- February 5, 2026
- March 5, 2026