A newsletter to support those in York Region who work with students with exceptional learning strengths & needs.

Content of this Newsletter

Monthly Highlights

• National AccessAbility Week & Red Shirt Day 
• SODA-E & SODA-S
• Best Buddies Prom
• Transitions Hub 

Spotlighting Excellence, Achievement & Community

• Yes I Can Awards
• Tactile Sunflower Art 
• Titan’s Work Experience 

Events, Program, Services & Updates

• Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe

Monthly Highlights

National Accessibility Week and Red Shirt Day 

National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) begins on the last Sunday in May and this year is recognized between May 31 - June 6, 2026. The theme for this year is "Building a Strong, Accessible Canada” 

National AccessAbility Week aims to:

• celebrate the 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

What is Red Shirt Day? 

Red Shirt Day takes place on the Wednesday of National AccessAbility Week and this year, was on June 3, 2026. Red Shirt Day 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)

Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School Hosts Assistive Devices Fair

In support of National AccessAbility Week, Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School (PETHS) hosted an interactive Adaptive Devices Fair. Aligned with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) principles, the event aimed to raise awareness, reduce barriers, and promote inclusivity by giving students an opportunity to learn about and explore devices that support persons with disabilities.

Using the Adaptive Devices Fair passport, students traveled through six stations, earning stamps while reflecting on what accessibility means to them and how they can create inclusive spaces. The stations included:

• Vision, Hearing, and Communication Devices
• Adaptive Utensils
• Adaptive Gym Activities
• Self-Regulation Tools 
• Mobility Devices, and 
• Accessible Robots.

Students of Differentiated Access (SODA) Athletics and Activities Festival

Elementary

On Monday, May 4th, over 1300 elementary students participated in the Students of Differentiated Access(SODA) Elementary Athletics and Activities Festival at Bill Crothers Secondary School. There were a variety of events and activities including: running, standing jump, distance ball toss, precision toss, soccer skills, wall sports with Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA), obstacle course, bubbles, parachute, bocce ball (Special Olympics Ontario), music creation, corn hole, Sphero sports, dance and movement, and baseball (Jays Care Foundation). 

Secondary

On Monday, June 1st, secondary students from across York Region participated in the Students of Differentiated Access(SODA) Secondary Athletics and Activities Festival at Bill Crothers Secondary School. Overall 500 students from 31 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, Sphero sports, Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA) - sports station, and baseball.

Congratulations to all the participants, and thank you to the staff and volunteers who made this day possible! 

Best Buddies Prom

On Monday, May 25, the Grand Cinnamon Banquet and Convention Centre was filled with music, dancing, and pure joy for the annual Best Buddies Prom.

This community-building event brought together over 600 secondary students from YRDSB Secondary Schools. Attendees spent the day hitting the dance floor together, singing along to their favourite songs, and celebrating friendship.

The Best Buddies Prom continues to be a highlight of the school year, fostering meaningful connections and creating unforgettable memories.

Transitions Hub

Students experience transitions throughout their school day and across their school years. In alignment with the YRDSB Transition Strategy: Towards Disability Justice, the YRDSB Transitions Hub has been launched as a dedicated space to support all students and their families during times of change. It includes specific information and strategies to support students with special education needs. 

What You Will Find

• Helpful Information & Clear Steps: Access actionable strategies designed to make transitions feel predictable and safe.
• Explore by Grade Level: Find resources mapped out from Kindergarten entry all the way to Adulthood.
• Explore by Category: Dive into topics including daily transitions, transitioning to a new school, and student advocacy.
• Accessible Content: All content on the Hub can be translated using the website's built-in web translation tool.

Explore the YRDSB Transitions Hub today!

Spotlighting Excellence, Achievement & Community

Yes I Can Awards

Every year, 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 June 3, 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 adult award recipients:

• Boston Pizza, Markham, President's Award
• Curdel Palmer-Grant, Parent Award
• John’s No Frills, Newmarket, Business, Community & Agency Award
• Laura Stackhouse, Occupational Therapist, Educational Leader of the Year Award
• Melissa Sunderland, Teacher at Johnny Lombardi P.S., Teacher of the Year Award
• Shavonne Jarvis, Developmental Support Worker at Charlton P.S., Paraprofessional of the Year Award

Art for Everyone: Finding Sunshine Through Touch

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows. It’s what the sunflowers do.” — Helen Keller

Inspired by these words and the iconic work of Vincent van Gogh, a group of YRDSB students recently created a bouquet of stunning tactile sunflowers. This project was designed to spread beauty, positivity, and optimism throughout school communities.

Tactile Art is a powerful form of expression that invites the audience to experience creativity through the sense of touch. By moving beyond the visual, these pieces allow everyone to interpret and appreciate art in a multi-sensory way, proving that art truly is for everyone.

Titan’s Work Experience

My name is Titan, and over the last three years in the Work Experience program, I have gained valuable hands-on experience in different workplaces. At first, I was nervous trying new things, but over time I became more confident in my abilities. Across all my placements, the staff made me feel comfortable, welcomed, and supported, which really helped me grow.

At Longo’s, I learned to assist customers with self-checkout and enjoyed working in the bakery decorating cupcakes and packaging baked goods. This helped me build customer service skills and attention to detail. At GoodLife Fitness, I signed guests in, provided clean towels, and learned how to interact professionally with customers in a welcoming environment. 

In my school library, I learned to stock books and stay organized, and at Care and Share Thrift Store, I tagged household items and organized sections like books, games, and toys. Overall, my work experience has helped me grow, build confidence, and learn important skills for the future. I am proud of how much I have learned and how far I have come. 

Events, Program, Services and Updates

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

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: Beverley Acres Public School: 283 Neal Drive, Richmond Hill, ON
  • July 6–10, August 10–14
  • 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
•  Newmarket: Prince Charles Public School: 684 Srigley St, Newmarket, ON
  • July 20–24, August 10–14
  • 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Barrie: Location (TBD)
  • July 20–24
  • 9:00 am–4:00 pm

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.

**Subsidies are available: contact the program coordinator to apply and find out if you are eligible ** 

Summer Camp Registration. For more information, please contact Isabel Khudr at 905-884-7933 ext. 3 or isabel.khudr@ldays.org

LDAYS 50th Anniversary Celebration

Join us as LDAYS celebrates 50 years of supporting individuals with Learning Disabilities and ADHD in our community! Come enjoy a relaxed afternoon of food, fun activities, and great company. This is a free event open to all, and we would love for you to celebrate this special milestone with us! 

Date and Time

• Wednesday, August 26th 4:00pm-7:00pm

Location:

• Loyal True Blue & Orange Home, 11181 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON L4S 1L2

Please register to reserve your spot!

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: Hannah Ricardson at 905-884-7933 ext. 6 or email tutoringservices@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: Hannah Ricardson at 905-884-7933 ext. 6 or email tutoringservices@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. 

• September 10, 2026
• October 1, 2026

• November 5, 2026