Most people likely know an individual with learning disabilities who is picked on outside, or even inside, the school environment.
Peers can make life very difficult for these individuals and as a result they will often withdraw emotionally and socially.
But others can make a difference by recognizing the signs of the emotional and social pain and also by gaining a better understanding of what those individuals are experiencing.
With that idea in mind, the Mapleton Community Awareness Training Seminar (CATS) team has announced Aletha McArthur will lead a two-part seminar on March 24 entitled Learning Disabilities Outside of School: Emotional and Social Aspects.
A special education and behaviour therapist for the past 25 years, McArthur has worked for the public and separate school boards in Dufferin and Wellington counties.
In 2009 she completed The Post Institute’s attachment therapist training in Virginia directly from Dr. Bryan Post, recognized by some as America’s foremost child behavior expert.
McArthur is the founder of the New Growth Family Centre in Mount Forest and continues to work with foster care agencies, schools, medical practitioners, mental health professionals and youths and parents in southern Ontario.
The March 24 seminar will appeal to caregivers, youth leaders, teachers and counsellors and offer an opportunity to ask questions as well as connect with a service provider in the area.
The seminar will be held on March 24 from 9am to 12pm at the Drayton Christian Reformed Church (88 Main Street East).
Officials say that due to the solid support of local churches and individuals, there are no admission fees for the seminar.
Those who require transportation arrangements can contact Teresa Dekker at 519-638-2542 or at info@mapletoncats.org.
The CATS team is a group of local individuals that gives its time to host seminars in Mapleton focused on mental health and learning issues.
Members include: Pastor Al Dreise, Jim and Annette Curry, Teresa Dekker, Joanne Koetsier, Clara Stevens, Trudy Stroetinga and Harold and Dorothy Struyk.
For more information on the CATS team visit www.mapletoncats.org.
