October is Learning Disabilities Month! There are many people who go their whole life thinking they have difficulty remembering, learning, etc. without proper diagnosis of their circumstances. Creating awareness and having the resources available allows people to feel empowered without feeling alone or ashamed.
Did you know?
3.2% of children in Canada have a learning disability? Without proper help or treatment, this makes essential parts of life difficult. More than half a million Canadian adults live with a learning disability, according to Statistics Canada. This makes it very challenging when they are trying to complete their education and obtain jobs.
In Ontario…
- 1 In 10 people in Ontario are impacted
- 35% of students with LDs drop out of school
- 62% of students with LDs will be unemployed a year after graduation
- 36% of youth in correctional facilities have specific learning disabilities
- Almost 50% of adolescent suicides have a diagnosis of an LD (Source LDAC survey)
(Statistics from 2022)
Together we can change this! If society helps them to succeed, all of the above statistics can be radically altered, leading to successful lives that can impact our communities for the better.
Check out the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario for more information. You can also learn more about the link between Learning Disabilities and Mental Health by reading the handbook below developed by The Integra Program of the Child Development Institute funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Children and Youth Services.
