Spring Edition 2003

The LDRC Project (Learning Disabilities Resource Community) is a virtual information community created to benefit all individuals affected by learning disabilities including individuals with LD, parents, teachers, researchers, other professionals in the field as well as concerned community members. It is a place to gain knowledge about learning disabilities, discover new teaching and educational tools, share information and experiences, and contribute to a greater understanding of Learning Disabilities.

This Edition

  1. Latest News and Update
  2. Advertise your LD related Products or Services
  3. Knowledge Building and YOU

Latest News and Update


In Memory of our Dear Friend and Colleague Dr. Nancy Benson

It is with deepest regret that we acknowledge the passing of Dr. Nancy Benson-a dear friend and colleague to the LDRC. On February 4th, 2003, Dr. Benson succumbed to complications of a stroke. Among immeasurable things, Dr. Benson will be remembered for extraordinary contributions to research at the Hospital for Sick Children's Learning Disabilities Research Program, as well as her role as an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, Mississauga. Her devotion to advancing knowledge in the field of learning disabilities was truly inspirational. Her legacy will live on through the many lives that she miraculously touched including her students, colleagues, friends and most of all, her family. Nancy is survived by her husband and daughter. We offer our sincerest condolences to all her loved ones. Nancy will be sadly missed but always remembered. Donations in memory of Nancy's life can be made through the Hospital for Sick Children


New at the LDA at Mississauga

The Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) of Mississauga announces the introduction of 2 new programs: a Homework Club and an Academic Tutoring Program. The Homework Club will allow students ages 6-16 years the opportunity to complete their homework and assignments in a supportive environment with assistance from LDA staff and trained volunteers. The program is available Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 4:00 p.m-6:00 p.m. Price is $100.00 for 10 sessions (2 hrs each). The Tutoring Program provides students ages 8-12 years with one-on-one academic tutoring in the areas of math, organization and concentration skills through the use of educational tools, games and resources. The teacher delivering this program has a Master's degree in Special Education as well as extensive experience and training. The fee is $20.00/hr. For more information, please visit the LDAM website.


ATutor 1.1 Release

On March 13th, the LDRC released its fully functional ATutor (Version 1.1). ATutor--a FREE resource--is an adaptive learning environment and a Web-based course-authoring tool. The primary purpose of ATutor is to create an environment that meets the skills and preferences of each individual learner. It is an accessible learning environment that is adaptable to a diverse range of skills and abilities. ATutor 1.1 includes many new features. Some of these include: ·


For more details about ATutor, please visit the ATutor website.


LDRC Course Server

The LDRC Course Server is now available for those who wish to develop online instructional materials to support their classroom teaching, or who wish to develop fully independent online courses. Course designers may choose to create private courses, available only to their selected students, or may choose to create public courses that will benefit the larger community. Non-commercial courses may be developed on the LDRC Course Server for FREE. For more information, visit: http://www.ldrc.ca/projects/projects.php?id=22.


Project Survival

Project Survival offers adventure and experiential based programs for youth at risk of social failure due to learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder or low self-esteem. In addition to existing programs-which includes a 'Wilderness program' as well as an 'Out of the Woods program'--Project Survival is pleased to announce their new customized programs for pre-existing youth groups, schools or agencies (i.e. alternative schools, special education classes, social service and mentorship agencies) now available for students ages 9-17 years. For more information, visit the Project Survival website.


Advertise your LD related Products and Services


The LDRC is now offering economical advertising space for those who wish to market an LD related product or service. Proceeds from LDRC banner advertising will help us recover the costs associated with maintaining the LDRC site and keeping the information on the site up to date. If you have a product or service that would benefit the learning disabilities community, please visit the LDRC advertising page for more information about creating an instant advertisers account, and displaying your banners on our site.


Knowledge Building and YOU


Can you contribute to the public understanding of LD? Do you have LD related knowledge, expertise, materials, curriculum or personal experiences that can help learners with LD better adapt, develop skills, and allow them to become productive members of their communities? Visit the LDRC site and learn more about how you can become involved!

Contact us: info@ldrc.ca

Funded in part by the Office of Learning Technology (OLT)

www.ldrc.ca