New programming for adults with learning disabilities

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This article was published 25/09/2019 (2200 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Learning Disabilities Association of Manitoba is looking to get “back on the map” with new resources for adults with learning disabilities — a first in four decades.

Shelly Brown, executive director of the Learning Disabilities Association of Manitoba Brandon chapter, said the association has started three new types of programming in partnership with local groups. The organization recently shifted its mandate, which drove Brown to start creating the new programs.

“We wanted to create that new programming so we can be there for the families and the caregivers in need,” she said.

The first new program is an information session and parent support group that runs the third Tuesday of each month. The sessions are facilitated by Breanna Lawrence, a professor in Brandon University’s Department of Education.

“She offers some keen insight into human emotion — some parents are struggling when they have identified people (with learning disabilities) in their life … it’s nice to have an avenue that’s in a relaxed setting where people can listen,” Brown said.

Holding the support group at Brandon University is also meant to help adults with learning disabilities. Brown said that even going into a university can open the door to help them find ways and the confidence to pursue post-secondary education.

The programming is meant for people with a wide variety of learning disabilities, she said, whether that is ADHD, autism, a brain injury or something else. The organization is casting as wide a net as possible and not setting a specific goal for how many people they hope to register.

The group has also started a tutoring program for adults living with learning disabilities with the help of the Retired Teachers’ Association of the Brandon School Division. The one-hour classes focus on things like functional literacy and practical skills such as banking, grocery shopping and transportation — all skills that can help people with learning disabilities find jobs. Brown said there was previously a gap in this area.

“People sometimes look at adults and children with learning disabilities as not being able to contribute to society or have a job, and we’re saying ‘You can have all that and more,’” she said.

The third new program is a social and mentorship night held with the City of Brandon and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Brandon. Brown said it was inspired by her son, who lives with a learning disability, and his experiences. There are few places for people in Brandon with learning disabilities to hang out and build friendships with similar people, which is something Brown is trying to help change.

“I wanted to garner a night once a month that these guys could come out and feel comfortable, play games and meet some people and maybe meet a friend,” she said.

October is learning disability month in Brandon, and the slogan is “Don’t diss my ability,” Brown said. The slogan is about giving people with learning disabilities the confidence to pursue what they want to and for everyone else to recognize the contributions people with learning disabilities can have.

“We’re saying ‘you can be trained so you can have that important first job or maybe a second job.’ We want to tell you there’s a place where you can hang out to make new friends, and we’re also telling you that at the end of the day, we’re here to support you.”

» dmay@brandonsun.com

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