Learning Links meeting with The Hon. Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Education together with The Hon. David Coleman MP, Minister for Immigration and Member for Banks highlighted the educational challenges for children with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Our discussions provided Minister Tehan with an insight into the real experiences of children and their families dealing with learning difficulties and disabilities, said Learning Links CEO, Ms Birgitte Maibom.
“We appreciate the time Minister Tehan, together with Minister Coleman have taken to meet with our Learning Links team. Minister Tehan was keen to understand Learning Links multidisciplinary model of intervention and how Learning Links services support children to prevent learning difficulties and disabilities from causing disadvantage”, said Ms Maibom.
“It was an opportunity to discuss the need for effective programs to support the developmental needs of these children in our educational system. Such support programs include Learning Links Reading and Counting for Life programs, where children with learning difficulties are provided with one-on-one support in schools. The impact of the For Life programs has seen children make great gains in their education, but most of all, a real boost in their confidence and enjoyment for learning.
“Our work with indigenous group, NGROO Education, was also of great interest along with Learning Links free Teacher Professional Learning workshops where teachers are educated in effective and practical teaching strategies to help children with learning difficulties and disabilities in the classroom”, said Learning Links CEO, Birgitte Maibom.
In Australia, 5% to 15% of children are affected by learning difficulties and disabilities[1]. Early intervention plays a critical role in the future outcomes for these children. Those who don’t acquire the necessary skills at an early age can fall further behind at school, widening the gap between them and their peers[2].
Learning Links is supporting a generation of children with essential development skills that will help them reach their full potential and support a community where difficulties learning are no longer a barrier to a fulfilling life.
Learning Links is a not-for-profit charitable organisation established in 1972 by parents concerned about the lack of appropriate education and support services for children with learning difficulties. Learning Links works with these children, their families and schools offering tailored programs and services to improve the children’s learning, wellbeing and participation helping them reach their full potential.
[1] DSM5, 2013
[2] Gap caused by the Matthew effect, Stanovich, 1986