Learning Difference Awareness Month

Find resources and join us for community events to uplift those with learning differences.

LEARNING DIFFERENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Celebrating Differences

In October, the Stephen Gaynor School community comes together to celebrate neurodiversity, share resources, and advocate for the rights of those with learning differences and education systems on a city, state, and national level.

UPCOMING LD AWARENESS MONTH EVENTS

Celebrating Community and Raising Awareness

During Learning Difference Awareness Month, Gaynor is hosting events where attendees can engage with our community, hear from our experts, and uplift those with learning differences together.

Open House for Professionals in Education

October 6

This open house is for professionals in education interested in learning about Gaynor and help them make referrals.

Gaynor & NCLD Learning Difference Awareness Month Parent Talk

October 8

Parents are invited to attend a conversation between Head of School Dr. Scott Gaynor and Lindsay Kubatzky, Director of Policy and Advocacy at NCLD (National Center for Learning Disabilities). Mr. Kubatzky will share information about some of the most pressing issues affecting students with learning differences at the national level and what you can do to support them. 

Celebrating 20 Years of Gaynor's Community Learning Center

October 16

The CLC is turning 20! Join us to honor its founders, dedicated supporters, and two decades of educational partnership. We are especially excited to honor CLC Founder and Lower Division Director Donna Logue and Trustee and alumni parents Keech Combe Shetty and Akshay Shetty.

Professional Educator Workshop

October 20

Assistant Head of School Jill Thompson will lead a workshop for educators on How to Support Students with LD in Mainstream Classrooms. Join us to learn hands-on approaches you can seamlessly bring into your classroom, including multisensory instructional methods, diagnostic-prescriptive teaching, differentiated instruction, and scaffolding.

Check back for more events coming this fall!

LD AWARENESS MONTH RESOURCES

Understanding Neurodiversity

We've put together a Glossary of Terms for Learning Disabilities. Download and review this informative brochure to gain a deeper understanding of terms typically used when talking about learning differences and education and how we address these issues at Stephen Gaynor School.
Members of our faculty and staff are helping to build awareness about language-based learning differences and ADHD by sharing their favorite books, articles, podcasts, documentaries, websites, and more. We invite you to explore the recommendations below:

Understood.org

A helpful resource for parents whose children may be struggling with learning and attention issues. The Understood web site provides state-of-the-art technology, personalized resources, free daily access to experts, a secure online community, practical tips and more.

National Center for Learning Disabilities

This organization aims to improve the lives of the 1 in 5 children and adults nationwide with learning and attention issues by empowering parents and young adults, transforming schools and advocating for equal rights and opportunities.

International Dyslexia Association

Resources for parents of children with dyslexia. Stephen Gaynor School’s reading program is accredited through the IDA.

American Psychiatric Association

Answers questions and provides resources on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators

Stephen Gaynor School’s reading program is accredited by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators. The Orton-Gillingham Approach is a direct, explicit, multisensory, structured, sequential, diagnostic, and prescriptive way to teach literacy when reading, writing, and spelling does not come easily to individuals, such as those with dyslexia.

Made by Dyslexia

A global charity, led by successful dyslexics. Their purpose is to help the world to understand, value and support dyslexia.

NEW YORK STATE & CITY RESOURCES

Expert Local Guidance

Navigating local services can be complex. We’ve compiled these essential New York State and City resources to help you access the support and information your family needs.

New York State Association of Independent Schools

A voluntary association of 203 independent nursery, elementary, and secondary schools enrolling over 80,000 students. It is affiliated with the National Association of Independent Schools and the New York State Coalition for Independent and Religious Schools.

Promise Project

Promise Project's goal is that all children with learning disabilities get the chance to succeed. Promise Project’s mission is to provide an educational path for underserved children who struggle with learning disabilities, evaluating their learning disabilities and getting them the support they need.

INCLUDEnyc

The leading provider of training and information for young people with any disability (age 0-26) in New York City, their families, and the professionals who support them. They create access to educational, employment, and independent living opportunities, and advocate with families for meaningful inclusion in the broader community. INCLUDEnyc assists more than 9,000 people each year, and reaches over 130,000 individuals through digital communications and community outreach—all provided free of charge.

Advocacy Toolkit

In partnership with the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), we've put together an Advocacy Toolkit for the Gaynor Community. This toolkit is a one-stop-shop to understand Learning Difference Awareness Month at Gaynor, learn about key education policies issues, and take part in our 2026 advocacy campaign.
For more resources,

FROM THE GATOR GAB PODCAST

Voices of Gaynor: LD Awareness Month

Hear directly from Director of Outreach and Innovation Emily Barnes in her segment from Season 5 Episode 4 of the Gator Gab podcast, the official podcast of Stephen Gaynor School. Emily introduces Learning Difference Awareness Month, and the ways Gaynor is honoring those with learning differences throughout October.

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At Stephen Gaynor School, students with learning differences develop essential academic and critical thinking skills through individualized and evidence-based approaches, empowering them to reach their full potential. Students learn to advocate for themselves and others while actively building an inclusive community, a sense of belonging, and a belief in their own possibilities.
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