Event Calendar
IDA, Ontario Branch Speaker Series 2010
ONBIDA's speaker series is FREE and open to educators, students, parents, individuals with dyslexia, psychologists, speech language pathologists, and anyone else who may have an interest in dyslexia and related language learning difficulties. This is YOUR opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and practical advice from experts in the dyslexia community. Events often reach maximum capacity so please reserve your seat EARLY!
Each lecture will be presented in the following format:
Time:
6:30 - 7:OO PM Coffee/tea networking
7:00 - 8:15 PM Lecture/Presentation
8:15 - 8:30 PM Questions from the audience
Location: All lectures are held on the University of Toronto St. George campus. Please note that each lecture is held at a different location on campus. A map link is provided for each lecture.
Changes to the program:
We reserve the right to make changes to the program. In the event of inclement weather, please call 416.716.9296 to check for cancellation or changes.
Schedule:
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Download flyer for Dr. Barr's presentation here
The Genetics of Reading Disabilities - What Do We Know So Far?
Presented by: Dr. Cathy Barr
University of Toronto, Associate Professor, Senior Scientist, Hospital for Sick Children
Dyslexia has long been known to run in families and twin studies indicate that dyslexia has a substantial genetic component (40 - 60%). There is now evidence from genetic studies for as many as 10 genes contributing to dyslexia! Dr. Cathy Barr and her team have been involved in the exciting research that identifies these genes and how they function differently in people with dyslexia. Dr. Barr's lab is examining questions like:
Is dyslexia caused by a gene turning on and off at the appropriate time?
Do the same genes contribute to both dyslexia and ADHD?
How do identified genes affect the migration of neurons in the developing brain and why is this important?
How do environmental factors like print exposure and specific reading training interact with genetics?
This special presentation is a MUST for anyone interested in finding out how genetic contribute to dyslexia. Dr. Barr's presentation will be suitable for all audience levels from beginner to advanced knowledge - parents and professionals are invited to join us for this unique educational opportunity!
About the Presenter:
Dr. Barr completed her Ph.D. in molecular biology at the University of Texas, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (M. D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. She then pursued her postdoctoral training in the genetics of complex behaviours at Yale University and subsequently at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Currently, Dr. Barr is a Senior Scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children, Senior Scientist at the Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, and Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto.
Has your son or daughter been identified with dyslexia or a related language learning disability? Then this group is for you!
This is an opportunity for parents and those concerned about children with dyslexia to meet, share ideas and information, and support one another.
Location: Langstaff Discovery Centre, Program Room
155 RedMaple Road, Richmond Hill, Ontario Map
Time: 7 - 9 PM
Cost: FREE
RSVP: call 416.716.9296 or email info@idaontario.com and provide your name and email address
Space is limited to 30 people so please call or email early to reserve your spot!
2010 Schedule
February 18, 2010
Speaker: Bonnie Plouffe, Special Needs Consultant, Microcomputer Science Centre Inc.
Topic: Assistive Technology
Bonnie Plouffe, Special Needs Consultant, will be presenting a seminar that promises to be one of our most lively sessions! Microcomputer Science Centre Inc. has been serving the Canadian Special Needs Community since 1980 by providing adaptive technology, consulting, training, service and support. In this presentation, Bonnie will talk about the latest technology available to your child including:
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Text-to-speech software like Dragon Naturally Speaking
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Livescribe Pulse Smartpen
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How to get textbooks onto your iPod
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Putting it all together with education: Tests on Kurzweil
Bonnie will have samples available so that you can see products in action. We are also pleased to advise that Bonnie will be providing a headset with microphone that one lucky attendee will receive as a door prize!
April 15, 2010
Speaker: Colleen Lipinski, Audiologist
Topic: Central Auditory Processing Deficit
(Central) Auditory Processing Deficit (CAPD) is a complex problem affecting about 5% of school-aged children. It refers to a deficit in the neural processing of auditory information. Kids with CAPD often do not recognize subtle differences between sounds in words, even when the sounds are loud and clear enough to be heard. CAPD is an often misunderstood problem because many of the behaviours can co-exist with other conditions like dyslexia and ADHD.
CAPD is identified by an Audiologist who completes a comprehensive test battery in a soundproof room. Intervention involves a multidisiplinary approach and is individualized for the child's areas of need. It may include auditory signal enhancement, auditory training, compensatory skills and metacognitive and language strategies.
Join Colleen Lipinski, Audiologist, to learn about diagnosis and intervention for CAPD!
May 20, 2010
Speaker: Mahjabeen Sadik, Tutor
Topic: Working with your child's school
Mahjabeen Sadik, M.Ed., stumbled upon the term "dyslexia" 25 years ago as a parent and pursued it as her profession. Mahjabeen became an Orton-Gillingham specialist promoting the use of a multi-sensory, structured approach to learning language. Mahjabeen now runs the Center for Assessment and Remedial Education (CARE) where she provides training for teachers, group and individual tutoring, and assessments. Mahjabeen has also designed Orton-Gillingham remedial programs and has successfully integrated the strategies into existing mainstream school curriculum.
Join Mahjabeen as she discusses how to work with your child and your child's school to promote learning success!
Teacher Training Sessions
ONBIDA offers a variety of teacher training programs annually. These are generally held in July and August. Please watch this spot for plans for 2010 as they are developed.
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See photos of our 2009 events here!
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