Resources for Students with Diverse Learning Abilities in Catholic Schools

Introduction

Every child learns differently, and some students require specialized support, accommodations, or modified instruction to help them succeed academically. Catholic schools offer various programs and resources to support students with diverse learning abilities, ensuring they receive the help they need within an inclusive environment.

This guide will cover:

✔ The support programs available in Catholic schools

✔ In-school services such as special education, assistive technology, and speech therapy

✔ External resources and community organizations that can provide additional support

✔ How parents can access these resources and advocate for their child’s learning needs

1️⃣ Overview of Support Programs for Students with Diverse Learning Abilities

Catholic schools provide inclusive education by offering different levels of support based on student needs. These programs help students who experience challenges in areas such as:

✔ Learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia)

✔ Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

✔ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

✔ Speech and language impairments

✔ Physical disabilities or sensory impairments

✔ Gifted education for students requiring enrichment

📌 Support is provided through a combination of classroom accommodations, special education programs, and external partnerships.

2️⃣ In-School Support Services Available for Students

📌 Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT)

✔ Works directly with students who need academic or behavioral support.

✔ Helps develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and ensures accommodations are in place.

✔ Collaborates with classroom teachers to implement effective strategies.

📌 Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

✔ A written plan outlining accommodations, modifications, and goals for students requiring additional support.

✔ Developed by teachers and reviewed annually with input from parents.

✔ Helps students succeed without changing curriculum expectations (accommodations) or by modifying curriculum when necessary.

📌 Assistive Technology for Learning

✔ Speech-to-text and text-to-speech software (e.g., Google Read&Write).

✔ Audiobooks and digital learning tools for students with reading disabilities.

✔ Personalized devices (e.g., Chromebooks, iPads) for students requiring accessibility tools.

✔ Graphic organizers and visual aids to help students structure their learning.

📌 Educational Assistants (EAs)

✔ Provide one-on-one or small group support to students with higher needs.

✔ Assist in transitions, sensory breaks, and personalized learning strategies.

📌 Speech-Language Therapy & Occupational Therapy

✔ Available for students needing support in communication skills, fine motor development, or sensory regulation.

✔ Typically provided through referrals from school staff or special education teams.

📌 Autism Support & Social Skills Development

✔ Schools may offer ASD-specific support programs to help students build communication, self-regulation, and social interaction skills.

✔ Social Thinking Programs help students navigate friendships and social situations.

📌 Tip: Parents can request access to these services through their child’s teacher or the Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT).

3️⃣ Community & External Resources for Families

While schools provide many in-house resources, external organizations also offer valuable support for students and families.

📌 Special Education & Learning Support

✔ Autism Ontario – Programs, funding, and advocacy for students with ASD.

✔ Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO) – Resources for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning disabilities.

✔ Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) – Support for students with brain injuries affecting learning.

📌 Assistive Technology & Accessibility Services

✔ Easter Seals Ontario – Provides assistive devices and mobility support for students with physical disabilities.

✔ Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP) – Financial assistance for communication and learning technology.

✔ Library Services for Accessible Reading (CELA & Bookshare) – Free audiobooks and learning materials for students with print disabilities.

📌 Parent Support & Advocacy Groups

✔ Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) – Parents can join this school board committee to advocate for special education improvements.

✔ Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) – Helps parents navigate school policies and available support.

✔ Community Living Ontario – Provides advocacy and resources for students with developmental disabilities.

📌 Tip: Many external organizations provide free parent workshops and funding for learning supports. Check their websites for eligibility and application deadlines.

4️⃣ How Parents Can Access These Resources

📌 Step 1: Identify Your Child’s Needs

Observe where your child is struggling—academic challenges, social skills, sensory needs, or executive functioning difficulties.

📌 Step 2: Speak with the Teacher & School Team

• Request a meeting with your child’s teacher, Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT), or principal to discuss concerns.

• Ask about in-school accommodations and whether an IEP would be beneficial.

📌 Step 3: Request Formal Assessments if Needed

• If additional support is required, parents can request psychoeducational assessments, speech therapy, or occupational therapy evaluations.

• These assessments can be completed through the school board or privately.

📌 Step 4: Access School & Community Resources

• Work with school staff to implement an IEP and track progress.

• Apply for external support services (e.g., assistive technology, tutoring, therapy).

• Join parent groups for guidance and advocacy support.

📌 Tip: Keep documentation of all meetings, assessments, and school accommodations to track your child’s progress.

5️⃣ Steps to Request Additional Support if Needed

If your child’s needs are not being met, follow these steps:

✔ Request an IEP review – If accommodations are not working, ask for adjustments.

✔ Escalate concerns to the principal – If challenges persist, schedule a formal meeting with school leadership.

✔ Involve the school board’s special education team – Parents can request additional board-level assessments or advocate for more support.

✔ Seek an external consultation – Consider professional assessments (e.g., private speech therapy, tutoring, psychological evaluations).

📌 Tip: If a dispute arises about support services, parents can seek assistance from SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee) for guidance.

Conclusion: Every Student Deserves the Right Support

Students with diverse learning abilities thrive when they have access to proper accommodations, specialized programs, and a supportive school environment. By understanding the resources available in Catholic schools, in-school services, and external community supports, parents can ensure their child receives the best possible education.

📌 Key Takeaways:

✅ Catholic schools offer a range of support services, including IEPs, speech therapy, and assistive technology.

✅ Parents can request assessments and advocate for accommodations based on their child’s needs.

✅ External resources provide additional learning supports, such as funding, tutoring, and assistive devices.

✅ Collaboration between parents, teachers, and support staff is essential to ensure student success.

💬 Has your child benefited from a specific school resource? Share your experiences in the comments!