Alvin V. Baird Attention and Learning Disability Center

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Learning Leaders: A Mentoring & Tutoring Program for School-aged Children with Learning & Attention Disabilities

History:

Leigh Buckley, a JMU student with a learning disability, presented her idea for Learning Leaders to the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at the beginning of her freshman year in the fall of 2000. She was referred to Esther Minskoff, professor in the Special Education Program, and one of the directors of the Alvin V. Baird – Attention & Learning Disabilities Center (ALDC). The ALDC provided the resources, and shared expertise to found the program. In place now since 2001, this collaborative effort between the ALDC, ODS, Special Education and Psychology has resulted in overwhelmingly positive feedback from all involved.

Program Description:

Learning Leaders is a mentoring program that pairs children and youth with learning disabilities and/or attention disorders with university students who have experienced similar learning challenges. The goal of the Learning Leaders program is to provide the children and youth with a role model who can assist them in understanding and managing their disability. The mentors take advantage of “teachable moments” during the session to link their own experiences to those of the child. Mentors have reported feeling more open about sharing their learning differences and feeling more confident about their own abilities as a result of mentoring a child with a learning disability or attention disorder. A highlight of this program is the importance of “giving back,” or as Leigh puts it, “the joy that comes from turning personal experiences and feeling of frustration into a tool that helps someone else.” Mentors enroll in a 1 credit class, plan and engage in at least 14 hours of mentoring activities throughout the semester and attend regular class sessions in order to share their experiences and increase their mentoring and tutoring skills.

Future Visions

While Learning Leaders continues to provide children with an adult role model who has “been there” and is successfully learning how to cope with the challenges of a learning or attentional disorder, it is our dream to expand the program. As part of this expansion, Learning Leaders is developing a series of experiences designed to enhance the opportunities and transitions for young adults with disAbilities as they move from high school to college. Discovering College (held biannually) provides a chance for high school students with disAbilities to shadow a successful college student with a disAbility for part of a day. Exploring College (Summer 2005) provides a more in-depth look at the demands and expectations of attending a 4 year college. Planning for the Future is an annual ½ day workshop for parents and service providers.

For more information contact:

Learning Leaders
Office of Disability Services
MSC 1009
Wilson Hall, Room 107
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Voice/TDD - 540-568-6705
Fax 540-568-709