The Centre for Diverse Learners wants to help those with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism and mental health conditions reach their potential in and out of the classroom.
The centre is holding its first public speaking event and fundraiser, with keynote guest and Waterdown resident Rick Green of The Red Green Show.
“Rick was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, and now it’s kind of his mission to spread awareness and ensure children get the support they need – when they are children,” Carolyn Rankin-Boutin, executive director of the Centre for Diverse Learners said. “And that adults who suspect they may be neurodiverse can get support. This is something he wants to promote, and the idea of an event focused on celebration really resonated with him.”
Green starred in The Red Green Show as Bill Smith with his segment "Adventures With Bill". He’s the one who could pull nearly any tool from his overalls, and being particularly prone to injuring himself or the crew’s Possum Van.
The event, hosted at the Burlington Golf and Country Club on Thursday, Sept. 26, is aiming to raise $20,000 to help increase the capacity in all programs to ensure no children are on wait lists.
“We serve approximately 500 to 700 parents per year through our workshops and advocacy work,” Rankin-Boutin said. “Our literacy program serves about 100 students, three times per year. Our math program serves approximately 60 students, three times per year. And we serve about 60 through our social skills program.”
The Centre for Diverse Learners does not diagnose learners, but instead leaves that decision up to the families who decide for themselves if they are in need of assistance.
Rankin-Boutin added as many as 20 per cent of learners are neurodiverse in some form, but the Centre for Diverse Learners is the only charity in the area offering services to that community. The need outweighs the capacity to help.
“Our programs are designed to help neruodiverse learners access learning in a way that works for them,” she said. “All of our programs are based on current research, and designed to have a meaningful impact in the students’ lives. We also support the parents through resource and advocacy work, and help them foster relationships with their schools and teachers.”
Since being diagnosed with ADHD, Green has taken to the internet to spread his message on his YouTube channel, Rick Has ADHD. In his videos, he discusses stress management, career paths, organization, and public speaking tips.
The channel has nearly 90,000 subscribers.
Tickets for the event on Sept. 26 cost $85 for CDL members, and $100 for non-members. For more information, and to purchase tickets, click here.
