York University's Project ADVANCE Prepares High School Students with Learning Disabilities for University Successes

TORONTO, July 6, 1999 -- To alleviate some of the difficulties and strain associated with the transition between high school and university, Project ADVANCE, a six-week summer pilot program at York University, will give students with learning disabilities the tools they need to succeed at university.

Project ADVANCE, which will run Monday to Friday, July 5 through August 13, will give 16 OAC students with learning disabilities the opportunity to learn a variety of university coping skills including: reading and writing strategies for university-level materials; computer skills and adaptive technologies; note-taking; study skills; strategies for test-taking; memory and learning retention; and time and stress management techniques.

Students with learning disabilities at the university level often find it difficult to synthesize the vast quantities of information they receive from textbooks, lectures and seminars, which is typically far greater than at the high school level. The students, who come from high schools across Ontario bound for universities across the province, will learn the standards they are expected to meet academically at university and will become familiar with how to fully participate in campus life. Five of these students will be staying on York's campus come September, enrolled in a range of programs including in arts and business.

Project ADVANCE is offered through York University's Learning Disabilities Program, and was funded by the Learning Opportunities Task Force, Ontario Ministry of Education and Training. York's summer transition program was one of eight pilot projects selected for funding by the Ontario Government.

"Since the inception of York's Learning Disabilities Program in 1985, we've known that many students with learning disabilities could be better prepared for university studies," said Marc Wilchesky, Director of York's Learning Disabilities Program. "Government funding has provided us with our first opportunity to address these concerns with a summer transition program. Students will also gain increased self-awareness about their learning disabilities and develop self-advocacy skills."

Said Laurie McNelles, coordinator of the project at York: "The task force contacted universities and colleges in the province to let us know that they wanted to try innovative ways to help high school students further their education. The idea is to help students with recognized learning disabilities find ways to achieve their goals in higher education."

"There is a tremendous period of adjustment for any student, and in particular one with learning disabilities, when making the change from high school to university," said McNelles. "Most problems are discovered during the first term in the first year. These students have overcome numerous problems throughout school, but usually with the tireless support of parents, teachers, coaches and so on. There are larger classes and unfamiliar instructors at university. That can be daunting. We want them to know that their instructors will want them to be successful, and that their time at university can be exciting." Project ADVANCE is available to students who are Ontario residents, regardless of where they plan to attend university. To qualify for entry into the program, they must have documented proof of a learning disability, have an average of 65% or higher in six OAC credits, a letter of recommendation from an educator at their high school, and a personal statement of why they want to be part of the project.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Marc Wilchesky
Director, Learning Disabilities Program
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 33409
email: marc@yorku.ca

Dr. Laurie McNelles
Coordinator, Project ADVANCE
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22543
email: lmcnelle@yorku.ca

Ken Turriff
Media Relations Officer
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22086
email: kturriff@yorku.ca
YU/076/99