A newsletter to support those in York Region who work with students with exceptional learning strengths & needs.
Content of this Newsletter
- World Down Syndrome Day
- Celebrate the Spectrum - Autism Acceptance Month
- Post-Secondary Accessibility Fair
Spotlighting Excellence, Achievement & Community
- Ignite Technology Grant Recipients
- Building Community Through Connection: Leadership in Action at Markham District High School
Events, Program, Services & Updates
- Community Living York South
- Council for Exceptional Children
- Learning Disabilities of York-Simcoe
Monthly Highlights
World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is officially recognized in Ontario and globally on March 21st. The date itself is significant: the 21st day of the 3rd month was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. The purpose of this day is to bring awareness and advocacy for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of students with Down syndrome. As this date occurred during March Break, schools recognized and celebrated the week of March 9–13, 2026 by wearing colourful and fun mismatched socks.
Celebrate the Spectrum
On Tuesday, April 7, YRDSB students, staff and community members joined together at The Education Centre Aurora to raise the flag to Celebrate the Spectrum for Autism Acceptance month and World Autism Day.
During the month of April, YRDSB will be Celebrating the Spectrum for Autism Acceptance Month. We encourage all schools to share how they #CelebrateTheSpectrum by tagging us on Instagram @student.services_yrdsb.
Please visit the Autism Ontario Celebrate the Spectrum website for events, activities and information on how you can Celebrate the Spectrum throughout the month of April.
Post-Secondary Accessibility Fair
On March 25, the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) and York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) co-hosted the Post-Secondary Accessibility Fair at Sir William Mulock Secondary School. Secondary students and their families had the opportunity to connect directly with representatives from over 15 Ontario universities, colleges, and polytechnics. The evening featured a keynote presentation by the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre (RARC) entitled "Accessing Support in Post-Secondary: How Accessibility Services Help You Succeed." Attendees learned about student self-advocacy in post-secondary environments, and how to access accommodations and provincial bursaries. The fair also included a Graduate panel, where former students shared about navigating post-secondary life with different learning needs. Additionally, the event fostered a supportive environment where students and families explored a wide range of pathways and opportunities, including Skilled Trades Ontario and individual school board Mental Health supports.
Spotlighting Excellence, Achievement & Community
Ignite Technology Grant Award Recipients
Since 2015, the Ignite Technology Grant has provided students with the opportunity to enhance their leadership abilities, improve their communication skills and increase their self-esteem by sharing their knowledge about the successful use of technology for modern learning. The Ignite Technology Grant, provided in partnership with LEARNstyle, offers grants to schools and Grade 12 graduating students to use towards the purchase of postsecondary assistive technology.
Congratulations to the following schools and Grade 12 graduation award recipients.
School Awards
- Maple HS - Community Building Life & Social Skills Videos
- Maple Leaf PS - Building Communication Access through Student‑Created Visual Supports
- Pierre Elliot Trudeau HS - Assistive Technology and Adaptive Devices Learning Event for National Accessibility Week
Graduation Awards
- Danae Buchanan - Hodan Nayaleh SS
- Sami Ali - Milliken Mills HS
Building Community Through Connection: Leadership in Action at Markham District High School
This year, students in the Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership course (PLF4M) at Markham District High School have been leading an initiative to foster inclusion and well-being. These student leaders have designed and facilitated a series of engaging activities focused on movement and social connection for community class students. The program has become a highlight for everyone involved, proving that authentic leadership is rooted in building relationships and ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging.
The impact of the program is best described by those who experience it. Emily, a student leader in the course, shared that the program "has meant the world to me; I have made so many new friendships and I’ve realized how similar everyone is—it has just been so enjoyable."
This sentiment has also been echoed by staff including Jodi Gram, the leadership class teacher, who noted that “the partnership works beautifully for all students. While the community students get social opportunities and movement practice with their peers, the Leadership Class students get leadership experience that’s grounded in wellness, communication and community building.”
By breaking down barriers and focusing on shared joy, these students are truly defining what it means to be a community.
Events, Program, Services and Updates
From Community Living Youth South
Markham Learning Academy
Looking to build life skills while having fun? The Markham Learning Academy offers engaging activities such as fitness, cooking, budgeting, literacy, iPad learning, yoga and more. Participants can also enjoy outings to local libraries, pools, and restaurants, with new seasonal trips and community experiences offered throughout the year in York Region.
The program is located at Cornell Community Centre and operates on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Please contact Jennifer Palermo (jpalermo@communitylivingyorksouth.ca) or Jacob Yang (kyang@communitylivingyorksouth.ca) for more information!
New! - Skills For Life
An Adult Day Program For Males, Ages 18-30 With Intellectual Disabilities
Build Strength, Gain Independence, Lead With Confidence
- Life Skills & Independence
- Job Readiness & Resume Support
- Fitness & Wellness Training
- Financial Literacy & Vocational Exploration
- Personal Growth & Leadership Training
- Community Outings, Social Skills, & Peer Connection
A Community Initiative Focused on Fostering Personal Growth And Resilience.
For more information, contact: dngozi@communitylivingyorksouth.ca
Council for Exceptional Children
Yes I Can Awards
The Yes I Can Awards honour staff and youth with exceptionalities who shine. The 2026 Yes I Can Awards will be celebrated on June 3, 2026.
- Location: Cardinal Carter Catholic High School (210 Bloomington Rd, Aurora, ON L4G 0P9)
- Time: Begins at 4:30 pm
From the Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe (LDAYS)
The Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe (LDAYS) is committed to supporting students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD, along with their families. We provide social and academic resources, as well as events designed to empower students and strengthen skills for life, school, and beyond.
If you’re interested in enrolling in our programs, please use the registration links below, or contact us at info@ldays.org or 905-884-7933 ext. 1 for more information
Upcoming Events
7th Annual Parent Conference
We’re excited to invite you to our 7th LDAYS Annual Parent Conference. This event will provide parents with practical tools and strategies to help support children with learning disabilities in their learning, confidence, and overall well-being. Through engaging presentations from experienced experts, the conference will offer valuable insights and actionable ideas to help families support their children both academically and emotionally.
Topics Include:
- Ask the Experts: Advocacy and Accommodations
- Executive Function Essentials
- Raising Confident Kids with ADHD and Learning Disabilities
- Classrooms Designed with Access, Agency, and Wellbeing in Mind
Event Details
- Date: May 20th, 2026
- Time: 6:30PM to 8:00PM
- Location: Zoom (Virtual)
- Registration
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable tools and knowledge to support your child’s learning journey!
This conference is a collaboration with the following LDA Chapters:
Niagara Region, Windsor-Essex, Toronto District, Chatham-Kent and London Region
Upcoming Programs and Services
Skills Builders Adventure Summer Camp (Ages 7–12)
Registration is now open for our Skills Builders Adventure Summer Camp,
designed for children with Learning Disabilities and ADHD. This camp focuses on
building essential social and emotional skills in a safe, supportive, and fun environment.
Camp Highlights:
- Communication Skills: Express themselves clearly, confidently, and effectively.
- Self-Advocacy & Self-Esteem: Build confidence and a strong sense of self-worth.
- Problem-Solving & Conflict Resolution: Handle challenges creatively and navigate tricky situations.
- Emotional Regulation & Stress Management: Manage emotions and cope with stress positively.
- Bullying Awareness: Build confidence and resilience in social situations.
- Friendship Building: Engage in teamwork-driven activities to foster meaningful connections.
Our camp uses the PEERS® curriculum and is led by accredited social service
workers. Small group sizes ensure personalized attention.
Camp Locations & Dates:
- Richmond Hill: July 6–10, August 10–14; 9am–4pm
- Newmarket: July 20–24, August 17–21; 9am–4pm
- Innisfil: July 20–24; 9am–4pm
Before and after care available for a fee.
Full subsidies available for low- and middle-income households. Complete the
registration form to see if your family qualifies.
Contact: Heidi, 905-884-7933 ext. 3, heidi.rysan@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: Heidi, 905-884-7933 ext. 3, heidi.rysan@ldays.org
SoAR Mindful Transition Program
For students in Grades 7–8 and 11–12 with LDs and/or ADHD. Focus on study
strategies, stress management, self-advocacy, and essential skills for school and life.
- Group Sessions: Four customized 45–60 minute sessions at the school; 6:1 participant-to-facilitator ratio.
- One-to-One Sessions: Four 45–60 minute individualized sessions; in-person or virtual, evening appointments available.
Contact Isabel at 905-884-7933 ext. 7 or email Isabel.khudr@ldays.org
- More information and registration for SoAR Elementary.
- More information and registration for SoAR High School.
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: 905-884-7933 ext. 5 or info@ldays.org
- More Information and Registration
Reading Rocks & 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: 905-884-7933 ext. 5 or info@ldays.org
- More Information and Registration
Awareness & Advocacy
Educational Presentations & Speaking Engagements
- LD 101 Awareness Presentations – 1-hour interactive sessions for teachers, students, or parents.
- Book Today: 905-884-7933 ext. 1 or email info@ldays.org
- Champions – Real Stories, Real Impact – Personal stories of living with LDsand ADHD. Perfect for assemblies or community sessions.
- Invite a Speaker: 905-884-7933 ext. 1 or email info@ldays.org
- LDAYS Podcast – LDAYS Plugged In – Hosted by Anthony and Angelica, ambassadors at LDAYS, covering essential topics in learning disabilities.
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.
- May 7, 2026
- June 4, 2026
