A group of children with ADHD in Chatham-Kent had their lives Elevated recently.
Thanks to a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), the Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) of Chatham-Kent developed an executive functioning skills program called Elevate. It targeted children aged six to 14 who suffer with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities.
The OTF funding of $13,200 was a seed grant for the Elevate program.
“The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s investment in the Learning Disabilities Association of Chatham-Kent will help local children develop important skills for success and continued growth. Congratulations to the organization on this funding and its continued commitment to supporting youth and families in our community,” said MPP Trevor Jones, Chatham-Kent–Leamington, in a media release.
Within six months, staff facilitated three separate sessions of Elevate to accommodate different age groupings and allow parents to choose between after-school or summertime.
OTF funding covered materials, snacks and travel costs for families coming from outside of Chatham.
Participants learned time management, long-range planning, emotional regulation, self-discipline, and other executive functions, with the goal of giving children with ADHD skills to deal with or lessen their symptoms. Whether they had ADHD or not, every participant gained skills that help them function in the classroom and home.
“Matilda Battle, the program co-ordinator who developed Elevate, did extensive research to develop the program. She created a welcoming environment with the help of a dedicated volunteer, that allowed each child to improve their executive functioning skills. We hope to continue running the program beyond this pilot project and could even potentially expand the ages we offer it to,” said Julia MacKellar, executive director of LDA for C-K.
In existence since 1976, LDA C-K is a not-for-profit charitable organization committed to helping individuals reach their full potential. It offers after-school and summer programs for elementary children, including one-to-one tutoring and small group social skills training.
LDA C-K advocates for individuals with, or suspected of having, learning disabilities, believing that they have the right to learn and the power to achieve.
