Emma’s Bio:
Dr. Emma Peddigrew is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto and instructor at Brock University, where she specializes in learning disabilities, disability advocacy, mental health, and critical disability studies. Drawing on both her professional expertise and personal experience with learning disabilities and mental health, she is passionate about creating more inclusive and empowering environments for individuals with disabilities. Her research examines the social and structural barriers that shape educational and healthcare experiences, with the goal of promoting equity, belonging, and meaningful participation for all.
Erin’s Bio:
Dr. Erin Panda is an associate professor in the department of Child and Youth Studies and co-director of the Developmental Neuroscience Lab at Brock University. As a neuroscientist, educator, and parent with personal and professional experience with ADHD and dyslexia, she brings a strengths-based, empathetic and outside-of-the-box perspective to her work. Her research and teaching focuses on understanding neurodiversity across development and on helping pre-service teachers and clinicians recognize and provide evidence-based support for students with diverse learning profiles.
Title:
Transitioning from High School to Post-Secondary with a Learning Disability
Session:
Summary: Transitioning to post-secondary involves more than navigating academic expectations, for students with learning disabilities it also requires self-advocacy, forging new support systems and managing mental wellbeing. Drawing on qualitative research with post-secondary students with learning disabilities, this session explores the social and emotional dimensions of transition to post-secondary alongside practical strategies that students, educators, families, and support professionals can use to foster confidence, resilience, and successful self-advocacy. Attendees will leave with evidence-informed approaches to better support students before, during, and after the transition to post-secondary education.