Introduction- As an individual with an NVLD I strongly believe IEP teams need to make a few changes to how they set up for inclusion. One change that needs to be made is encouraging full inclusion in sports. Yes, I understand for many students with disabilities like NVLD team sports would be hard but individual sports can most certainly be included. So my goal for this piece is for you to understand why I feel this way as too many students are missing out on forming wonderful mentors and benefitting from all the wonderful things that being a teammate brings. Read More
It is no secret that I am a strong believer that students with an NVLD and similar disabilities are better suited to attend colleges with comprehensive support services as it increases successful outcomes. It isn’t unusual for these students to face more than academic challenges so they greatly benefit from having daily support. However, I am also realistic. If you’re not dedicated to your studies and achieving personal growth these programs won’t increase your likelihood for success as unlike in high school they won’t track you down. Read More
One way in which I practice discourse analysis (as part of the research I conduct as a program director and evaluator) is through reading blogs. I can usually pick apart deeper messages within the author’s words, and get a better sense of who they are as a person. The vast, vast majority are cisgendered, heterosexual women, and the overwhelming majority of them suffer from crippling anxiety, of which I feel nothing but empathy for. No one should feel constant fear over their identity, but many do. Read More
Hello, so today we are going to be talking about NLD and sensory issues. Do you have any sensory reactions to sounds, sights, textures, tastes, or smells? I know I do! We’ll be discussing those topics today. Read More
Hello, my name is Taylor Richardson and I am 21 years old. And I have a Non-verbal Learning Disability. Wasn’t diagnosed until the 9th Grade about it. I graduated from high school in 2021 Whetstone High School. I was in school for 14 years because I started school late but the other reason was because I thought that my parents and teachers thought it was best for me to get held back a year. Read More
I was blessed with an opportunity to obtain a degree in Disability Studies combined with a minor in Indigenous Knowledge and Experience. Together, these unique educational experiences allowed me to embrace a disability lens which allowed me to unlearn everything I thought I knew about disability.
Read More
What are you doing right now?
Can you picture yourself? You can probably imagine the position of your limbs in relation to each other and the space around them. Your head. Your hands, feet, shoulders. Imagine yourself right now. Can you picture the look on your face? Can you visualize your posture, whether relaxed, tense, slumped down, or erect? Chances are, you know what you look like right now. Read More
Growing up with an NVLD, one of the things that greatly bothered me was how clear it was that students weren’t being encouraged to challenge themselves a little by joining activities, and having new experiences. It truly took some time for my support team to understand my parents’ philosophies. However, as time went on it ended up being a great learning experience for us all. The truth is students with an NVLD and other disabilities loved challenging themselves more than some realized. Read More