Guest Blog Post by: Shelley Lavoie 

Self-Advocacy

Often, persons who live with learning differences have also, unfortunately, learned to be afraid to self-identify, for a variety of different reasons. This may cause them not to seek help, help that could alter their lives in so many positive ways. Persons dealing with learning differences are generally of average or above average (and sometimes genius level) intelligence and frequently have a very high level of “learned creativity.” This means they may possess a wide array of creative methods and techniques designed to hide their learning differences. The good news is that self-advocacy can be the key both to success and getting the things they need and want in life.  Some helpful sites for Self- Advocacy are:

http://www.edac.org.au/letmespeak/html/selfadvocacy.html

http://canlearnsociety.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/LC_Self-Advocacy_N2.pdf

But as people open up and embrace the challenges of asking for help, they may then encounter another hurdle: where do you turn for specific types of help? Below is a list of resources in Windsor/Essex County where you can seek information and assistance related to a variety of learning differences:

http://www.ldawe.ca/

http://www.ldawe.ca/resources.php

http://www.ccrw.org/resources/resources-for-people-with-learning-disabilities/