- Get effective intervention for your child using a structured literacy program provided by a qualified professional. Fees paid for private intervention programs for learning disabilities may be tax deductible as a medical expense For more information; check the Canada Revenue Agency website (click here or here) and/or talk to an accountant. The Learning Disabilities Association of Canada has prepared a fact sheet on federal tax deductions and credits.
- Encourage your child to read out loud every day for 10-20 minutes, using text that is appropriate for their reading level. If a child is in an intervention program, appropriate reading material may be provided.
- Read to your child everyday or encourage them to listen to age-appropriate or grade-level audio-books. This will ensure vocabulary and comprehension development, and keep them interested and excited about books. These books may be at a significantly higher level than their current reading ability. Check your local library for audiobooks or purchase them at sites such as audible.com.
- If your child has a diagnosed reading (print) disability, apply for free access to downloadable audio-books through the Canadian Equitable Library Access program.
For more information about CELA
In Quebec, you must apply through the Service québécois du livre adapté (SQLA) using this form. In Ontario, contact your local libary to apply for access to CELA services.
With a CELA account, you can also apply for access to Bookshare, an American online library of over 200,000 titles, including New York Times bestsellers, novels, children’s books, mysteries, science fiction, nonfiction, foreign-language books . These books are read using text to speech software (ie. computer voice).
- For older students encourage the use of assistive technologies, including speech-to-text software (for writing), text-to-speech software (for speaking), text enlargement, enhanced spelling/grammar checkers and graphic organizers and outliners.
- Have a discussion with the child’s school and psychologist about appropriate accommodations , such as extra time for tests or having a quiet place to do tests.
- Provide emotional support to your child. Celebrate and support their strengths and abilities. Encourage their participation in sports, music, arts or other activities that the student enjoys.