Learning disabilities group gets a full-time co-ordinator

NEWS RELEASE FROM DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

******************** Orazietti announced $68,500 in funding for the Learning Disabilities Association of Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie - Sault MPP, David Orazietti, announced today that the Learning Disabilities Association would receive $68,500 to hire a full time Co-ordinator to enhance their services.

The announcement was made at the Learning Disabilities Association centre at 898 Queen Street East with a plaque presentation to president, Margo Dale.

"Our government is committed to supporting organizations that provide assistance to those most in need," said David Orazietti, MPP.

"I applaud the work of the staff and volunteers of the Learning Disabilities Association who significantly contribute to improving the quality of life for children in Sault Ste. Marie."

The grant money will be used to hire a Co-ordinator that will allow the Association to offer essential services to an increasing population.

The need for this assistance has grown as more children, youth and adults discover that they may have a learning disability.

Persons with average to above average intelligence levels are learning new ways, thanks to the Association, to receive information and process it in a different manner.

They are learning these techniques in an encouraging environment at the Association that will enable them to become leaders in a variety of business fields and volunteers in the not-for-profit sector.

Established in 1985, Learning Disabilities Association of Sault Ste. Marie is a volunteer-run organization with 11 area residents serving on the Board of Directors.

The main priority is to assist persons living with learning disabilities discover their true potential.

The organization helps children and their parents find and understand their strengths and weaknesses so that they will be able to receive information and relay what they know.

"We work with educators, counsellors, professionals, agencies and families to help them understand symptoms and their impact on behaviour," said Margo Dale.

"We now will be able to offer more workshops, attend more Community Agency networking opportunities, do more in-depth advocacy and provide extended hours for our Resource Library. This will result in a more productive team approach," added Dale.

If you would like to get involved with the organization or would like to learn more about the programs and services offered, please contact Margo at 705-942-4310.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Culture, receives annually $100 million of government funding generated through Ontario's charity casino initiative.

The Foundation allocates grants to eligible charitable and not-for-profit organizations in the arts and culture, environment, human and social services and sports and recreation sectors.

(Shown with Orazietti in photo above are Margo Dale, Jane Beny and Vin Greco.) *************************