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Parenting is tough! Parenting children with learning disabilities is tougher yet!

A family’s ability to cope with the challenges that learning differences present is dependent upon their understanding of their child’s unique strengths and difficulties, how well they can advocate for their child within the educational system, and the appropriateness of the interventions, accommodations and support accessed at school, at home, and within the community.

This workshop series is designed to enhance parents’ understanding of learning disabilities so they can ensure their child’s academic, social, and emotional needs are met.

Each workshop is one-hour in length (from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.) which include 10 minutes scheduled for questions from the audience. The schedule is as follows:

1. What is a Learning Disability?
   September 30, 2024
2. Supporting Literacy Development at Home
   October 21, 2024
3. Brain Boosting Learning Strategies/Study Skills for Students with Learning Disabilities
   November 4, 2024
4. Empowering Students Through Advocacy
   November 18, 2024
5. Learning Disabilities and Mental Health
   December 2, 2024

September 30, 2024
from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. MST

Presenter: Michele Pentyliuk

Session 1: What is a Learning Disability?

Learning Objectives:

• To provide an overview different types of learning disabilities and how they differ from other developmental disabilities.
• To describe how learning disabilities are diagnosed.
• To outline the kinds of information typically included in psychoeducational assessment.

Session Overview

Parents of children with learning disabilities can support and advocate for their children more successfully when they have a solid understanding of what learning disabilities are and how they impact their child’s functioning in and out of school. There is no single definition of a learning disability and there are several terms that are used to describe these learning differences. Michele will provide an overview of the definitions and terms as well as the diagnostic process. A discussion of the kinds of information contained in most psychoeducational assessment reports and how this can help parents advocate for both interventions and accommodations will also be included.

October 21, 2024
from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. MST

Presenter: Jodi DeVries

Session 2: Supporting Literacy Development at Home

Learning Objectives:

After this session, participants will be able to:

• Identify the complexity of literacy through the components of the Reading Rope and the Simple View of Reading.
• Implement some support for their children in their development of each of the components of the Reading Rope.
• Articulate the importance of skill development in a wide variety of reading subskills.

Session Overview

How can parents support their children’s literacy development at home, beyond reading with them and coaching them to “sound it out” when they stumble? This session will use the Simple View of Reading and the Reading Rope as a framework for exploring practical, easy-to-implement ways for parents to support their developing readers at home. The methods explored will be applicable for developing readers of all ages.

November 4, 2024
from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. MST

Presenter: Michele Pentyliuk

Session 3: Brain Boosting Learning Strategies/Study Skills for Students with Learning Disabilities

Learning Objectives:

• To increase participants’ awareness of the principles of learning.
• To differentiate the similarities and differences in learning for LD and nonLD students.
• To demonstrate practical approaches and strategies that increase retention and mastery.
• To engage participants in hands-on learning activities that offer practice of strategies.

Session Overview:

Students with learning disabilities struggle with one or more academic skills. In addition to ensuring appropriate intervention and accommodations are provided, they also benefit from developing strategies to enhance their ability to retain and apply their knowledge and skills. Michele will provide information about how the learning process occurs for all learners and will talk about how to use these principles and modify strategies for students with learning disabilities.

November 18, 2024
from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. MST

Presenter: Sarah Sarich

Session 4: Empowering Students Through Advocacy

Learning Objectives:

• Build awareness of the benefits of advocacy.
• Demonstrate how parents and caregivers can successfully engage in advocacy.
• Identifying and overcoming barriers.
• Unpacking the skills students need to engage in self-advocacy.

Session Overview

Students with learning disabilities often struggle in school. Accommodations ensure that students with disabilities have equal and meaningful access to education. Parents play a vital role in ensuring that students are accommodated in the classroom and provided with the tools to participate fully. Our discussion will focus on building awareness for parents and caregivers about the benefits of advocacy and how to engage with teachers and school administrators. We will examine some of the barriers students face when accessing accommodations and ways to support students on their journey to self-advocacy.

December 2, 2024
from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. MST

Presenter: Michele Smith

Session 5: Learning Disabilities and Mental Health

Learning objectives:

• To promote understanding of the relationship between learning disabilities and mental health.
• To provide practical strategies for parents, aimed at highlighting strengths, developing interests, and teaching advocacy skills to their children.
• To outline effective approaches for creating a supportive home environment to foster positive relationships and emotional wellness.

Session Overview

In this session, we will explore the vital connection between learning disabilities and mental health.  Insights from neuroscience and polyvagal theory will be included to understand stress responses and emotional regulation. Parents will discover practical strategies that promote safety, connection, and regulation, creating supportive environments for emotional well-being, learning, and self-esteem. Michelle will provide parents with resources to boost positive mental health outcomes, including understanding when additional support may be needed and where to find help.