About Us
Who We Are
Centre for Diverse Learners Update
Thank you for visiting the Centre for Diverse Learners (formerly the Learning Disabilities Association of Halton-Hamilton).
Who We Are:
As the Centre for Diverse Learners, our mission is to support and empower diverse learners through advocacy, education, and services so that individuals with diverse learning needs are valued, included, and empowered
Why the name Centre for Diverse Learners?
Diversity includes everyone. We do not want to be limited, by a name, in the types of students we are able to serve. We want all the students who need us to be seen and heard. Diversity is embedded in everything we do:
Diversity in Needs: Learning Disabilities (LDs) rarely appear on their own, and we serve students with LDs, ADHD, high-spectrum Autism, and the many other symptoms that accompany these diagnoses, like executive functioning and mental health issues.
Diversity in Learning: We pride ourselves on having a wide array of support and staff to assist our students every step of the way. Our programs and advocacy services cover a range of needs both in and out of the classroom.
Diversity in Thought and Identity: Our staff, board members, and community come from many different walks of life, and each brings a unique perspective to help us continually improve the ways we support our students. Learning diversity is not restricted by age, race, religion, or gender and neither are we.
Our mission is to support and empower diverse learners through advocacy, education, and services. We aim to build a world where individuals with diverse learning needs are included, empowered, and celebrated.
Our programs are designed to help students learn on their own terms, in the ways that work for them. In the short term, we teach students and parents how to advocate for their rights in the classroom. In the long term, we want to make sure they don’t have to. Our goal is a world where our organization isn’t needed – where every student automatically gets the help they deserve.
CDL is Proudly certified by:
- Ontario Living Wage Network
- Plan to Protect®
Our Mission
To support and empower diverse learners through advocacy, education, and services.
Our Vision
A world in which individuals with diverse learning needs are valued, included, and empowered.
Values
Respect
We treat everyone with honesty, dignity, and respect and value the unique experiences and knowledge they bring.
Compassion
We recognize the struggles that diverse learners and their families face and welcome the opportunity to support them.
Leadership
We act as a strong and passionate voice for diverse learners by embracing ongoing education and research in the field.
Innovation
We encourage continuous learning, evaluation, and creativity throughout the organization to allow us to better serve our community.
Community
We create meaningful partnerships to support the many needs of our learners and their families.
We promote positive change through:
Innovation
Strategic Partnerships
Credible Advocacy
Informed Public Policy
Quality Services
Innovation
Strategic Partnerships
Credible Advocacy
Informed Public Policy
Quality Services
Who Do We Serve?
We support any diverse learner who can benefit from our programs, with a primary focus on:
- Those with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, non-verbal and other learning disabilities.
- Those with ADHD.
- Those with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Those with mental health issues that affect their learning.
How We Help
- LOperate a resource centre in Burlington
- LOffer programs to support the specific needs of children and youth with learning disabilities
- LHost lectures and workshops related to Learning Disabilities, ADHD, and other relevant topics
- LHold regular parent advocacy sessions to empower parents to advocate for their children
- LProvide information and resources related to Learning Disabilities
- LHost an annual conference for educators, professionals, and parents. This conference combines peer-reviewed research with hands-on strategies for understanding and working with students with Learning Disabilities and ADHD
We work closely with the educational systems in our area to make sure that parent concerns are heard and addressed. We have representatives on the Special Education Advisory Committees (SEAC) for the following school boards:
- 5Halton District School Board (HDSB) Rep: Alison Brindle
- 5Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) Rep: Samantha Sweet
- 5Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) Rep: Julie Armstrong
- 5Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWCDSB) Rep: Tim Hewitson
