Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region

What services does your organization provide?

• Reading Rocks! (5-16 yrs.): A one-on-one literacy program for children who struggle with literacy skills. Through this program children will be matched up with tutors who will adapt a workstation and literacy program according to their needs (phonics, sight words, fluency, comprehension, reading, spelling, sentence structure). This program is designed to support children with reading difficulties by working on their literacy skills, self-esteem and motivation.
• B.E.S.T (6-11 yrs.): Better Emotional and Social Times provide explicit instruction in social skills and interpreting body language/facial expressions. Through discussion, games, role-playing and direct instruction in small groups, children learn how to interact successfully and how to fit in social situations with proper actions and reactions - touching a variety of topics.
• S.T.E.P.S (12-14 yrs. 15-17 yrs.): Social Teen Empowering Program to Succeed focuses on effective and relevant support and strategies that adolescents need in preparation for the next step in their academic life. Through group discussion, role-playing and hands-on activities, youth gain a deeper understanding of their disability and how to use this information to enhance their own success.
• Reading Rocks Junior (4-6yrs.): Supports children who are struggling with early literacy skills. Children will work in small groups at workstations and receive some one-on-one support.
• S.L.A.M. and March Break Boost (6-12 yrs.): Sunshine Learning Achievement and More and March Break Boost are full-day programs designed to support children with learning disabilities during school breaks. Children will spend approximately 50% of their time working on their academic skills (literacy and numeracy) and approximately 50% of their time having fun with recreational activities (crafts, games, sports, swimming, etc.) and 100% of their time working on their social skills. Children will work and play in a friendly, supportive environment with low adult-child ratios.
• P.A.C.E.: Parents Advocating-Children Excelling is LDANR's parent support program designed to provide knowledge, information, tools and strategies for parents of children and youth with learning disabilities.
• Adult Support Group: For adults of any age who are looking to learn more about their learning disability or ADHD, coping strategies and meet other individuals going through similar challenged and experiences.

Do you have any age requirements?
16 years of age or older to work with children, students younger than 16 may volunteer for office support.

What time commitment(s) are you expecting from a volunteer?
Variable

Are there any specific skills and experience required?
Enjoy working with children

What type of volunteer positions are typically available?

• Reading Rocks Tutors
• Reading Rocks Junior Literacy Volunteers
• B.E.S.T. & S.T.E.P.S. Volunteers
• Small Group Literacy Program Volunteers
• Changing Hearts, Attitudes, and Minds for Personal Success (CHAMPS) volunteers
• Just Add Music (JAM) volunteers

Is there any training provided for volunteers?
Yes, basic training and training on how to deliver the program materials

What are the typical volunteer activities occurring at your organization?
Tutoring, supporting activities, office help

How will a person benefit from volunteering with Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region?
They will gain the knowledge and skills to help children cope with thier learning disabilities, they will benefit the community as a whole by volunteering their time to allow these programs to exist, and they can benefit from knowing they helped a child improve in school.

Do you accept high school students?
Yes.