For many families, there are significant barriers to accessing programs for children with learning differences. A Vancouver-based advocacy group is putting the rubber on the road B次元官网网址� with a vibrant customized bus B次元官网网址� in hopes of mending that gap.
Learning Disability Society has launched a new mobile education centre, under a program called LDS Access, driving directly to schools and even studentB次元官网网址檚 homes to host one-on-one learning sessions.
B次元官网网址淲e pride ourselves on thinking outside the box and really figuring out how we can get to the families and communities that need us,B次元官网网址� director of education Jennifer Fane told Black Press Media. B次元官网网址淲hat we know from working with our community partners is that geography and cost is a barrier for most families in accessing instructional services for their child with a learning difference.B次元官网网址�
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Thanks to $250,000 in donations, the society has purchased a Green Power electric minibus and outfitted it with customized learning stations, featuring graphic design by Vancouver artist Carson Ting which tells the story of how education can empower children with learning differences.
Aboard the bus, students can find a colourful interior filled with learning supplies and a social robot named QT B次元官网网址� the society is working on a study with the University of Waterloo to see how robots can help students in meeting learning goals.
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B次元官网网址淨T is able to take students through a goal setting exercise, self-regulation activities and can play a game as a reward if students are able to stay on task and complete their learning goal for the day,B次元官网网址� Fane said. B次元官网网址淥ur students have found QT extremely engaging and highly motivating.B次元官网网址�
Finding ways to keep youth engaged is core to the societyB次元官网网址檚 work, as many of their students come to do B次元官网网址渟chool after schoolB次元官网网址� during a 50-minute session.
Society experts can work with three students at once on the bus. The instructors use the B次元官网网址淩ISEB次元官网网址� method, which stands for research-informed individualized student education methodology.
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Programs are open to children with or without diagnosed or suspected learning disabilities, because the process of diagnosing a learning disability can be arduous.
The LDS Access Bus is currently serving families in the Greater Vancouver Area. The program is available on a sliding fee scale for lower-income families. The society is on track to serve over 400 students this year across its network of learning centres, partner schools, online programs and the new LDS Access program.
cole.schisler@bpdigital.ca
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