Workshop Block 4

Recognizing Mental Health Issues in Youth

Presented by Dr. Lorraine Lazier, Psychiatrist, IWK Health Centre

More than 20 percent of people will develop a mental illness at some point in their life. For the majority of these individuals, difficulties will begin before reaching adulthood. The earlier mental illness is detected and treated, the better the chance of recovery.   Youth spend most of their time at home and school. Therefore, the onus is on parents/guardians and school staff to identify the signs of mental illness and guide children and their families to the services and supports they need. In this session, we will review the mental illnesses most likely to present in youth, how to recognize the symptoms, and how to help.

Keeping Students Connected: How Teachers Can Help Students Feel Good About School...And Why It Matters

Presented by Debora Schofield, Teacher, Nova Scotia Youth Facility

Students who don’t feel connected to their school community don’t engage in learning. As a result, many do not stay in school. This session will offer practical strategies in creating meaningful connections with students in the classroom. 

IPP vs. Accomodations

Presented by Lisa Saunders, Director of Programs, Bridgeway Academy

 

What tools are best to help your child/student in the classroom? Schools offer various methods of support for students who struggle in the regular classroom. Learn what is available to students in Nova Scotia when they experience difficulty in a traditional classroom setting. Discover some of the myths and facts behind supports offered to students with learning disabilities and how to decide what will work best for your child.

Parenting 911: Managing Learning Disabilities at Home

Presented by Angela Rudderham, Director of Turning Tides Community Outreach, Bridgeway Academy

 

Parenting is the toughest job. When you add the stressor of a learning disability, it can feel like a battle. There are battles to get out the door on time, over homework, social concerns, getting others to understand your child and much more. This leaves very little time for hugs, kisses and caring moments. This session will explore effective parenting strategies that will save your energy and add more tools to your parenting tool box.

Encouraging Written Expression in Junior High Students

Presented by Dr. Fred French, Mount Saint Vincent University

 

Have you struggled with enabling junior high students to express their thoughts in print? This session will critically examine current research and evidenced-based practices aimed at enabling written expression for junior high students with learning disabilities. The session will focus on recent developments in a program that aims to renew interest and engage students in the act of writing. Drawing on a variety of strategies and techniques and developed by Dr. French for junior high students, the program is continuing to evolve and is part of ongoing research being conducted at MSVU and in selected Nova Scotia schools. At the end of the session, participants will have a critical overview of best practices in the teaching/learning process associated with written expression, an update on a range of strategies that have been shown to work, added insight into the writing act and an overview of the current research project being conducted by Dr. French.

Applying for the Disability Tax Credit - A How-To for Parents of LD Children

Presented by Wade Brummet, Parent of LD child and Chairman, Equal Education Association of Nova Scotia

 

A workshop for parents, facilitated by a parent, who has been through the process. Many parents aren’t aware that a child with learning disabilities will often qualify for the federal Disability Tax Credit, providing them with thousands of dollars for education, psychological support and other expenses. This presentation will introduce the basics of the federal Disability Tax Credit, and review the application process. Parents will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Assistive Technology-to-Go for Students with Learning Disabilities

Presented by Barbara Welsford and Anita Kingdon, Assistive Technology Centre, South Shore Regional School Board

Today's students are fast paced and in the moment.  They are geared to mobile digital interactive technologies.  Students with learning disabilities are utilizing iPod Touches and Apps that support their unique learning styles.  This presentation will demonstrate a variety of these devices (iPod Touches and iPads) and associated Apps that students with learning disabilities are using in the South Shore Regional School Board, Nova Scotia.  Apps shown will include but not be limited to Word Prediction, Text to Speech, Graphic Organizers, Scheduling Apps, Voice Input, Curriculum related Apps (Math, Science, Language Arts etc.).  We will also discuss trials and tribulations of implementing and integrating this dynamic technology in a school system.