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Programs

Applied Learning Disability Studies

LDGCSchool of Community Services

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Key Details

Program Start Dates

January 2025

September 2025

January 2026

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Online / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Graduate Certificate

Program Duration

2 Semesters / 1 Year
Currently not available for international students

Program Contacts

Stephanie Valentini

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.6412
School of Community Services
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Program Overview

A student wearing glasses and a pink hoodie sits at a desk in front of a computer in a well-lit room.

Upgrade your impact on students with learning disabilities 

Whether you’re a new graduate or a professional currently working in academic support, this fully online program elevates your ability to work with students with learning disabilities. Diversify your professional portfolio and bolster your employment options by examining and applying new knowledge in education strategies and learning techniques. 
 
Through the use of assistive technology, you’ll explore what impact learning disabilities and autism have on individuals, including those with co-existing conditions. You’ll develop valuable communication skills for building solid interpersonal relationships with those you support and insight into how to gather and retain private information. 

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • Delivered fully online, allowing you to complete coursework on your own schedule  
  • Full-time and part-time options to work while you learn 
  • Complete in 8-20 months at your own pace 
  • Unique curriculum focused on learning disability studies plus a combined concentration in learning strategies and assistive technology, communication techniques, and mental health awareness 
  • Beneficial for new graduates, current and prospective educators, educational assistants, and academic support service providers 

Admissions

Admission requirements

Applicants must be graduates of a diploma, advanced diploma, or degree program from an Ontario College or equivalent.

OR

Applicant must possess five years of work experience in a related field (or combination of education and work experience) as judged by the College to be equivalent. Applicants must submit a resume detailing their related experience and a cover letter outlining their competencies and preparedness for the program (any and all post-secondary transcripts must still be submitted).

Program delivery

Program delivery

2024-2025

Winter term start

  • Semester 1: Winter 2025
  • Semester 2: Spring 2025

2025-2026

Fall term start

  • Semester 1: Fall 2025
  • Semester 2: Winter 2026

Winter term start

  • Semester 1: Winter 2026
  • Semester 2: Spring 2026

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
PSY 1003Concurrent Disorders, Mental Health & Addictions3
AST 2051Intro to Assistive Technology4
LDS 1202Intro to Learning Disabilities4
LST 1007Intro to Learning Strategies4
COM 1003Interpersonal Communication3
 Credits18
Semester 2
COM 1004Comm. for Client Care3
LDS 2001Applied Practice Capstone4
LDS 1611Learning Disabilities and Other Disorders4
LDS 1006Mental Health Accommodations4
AST 2061Integrating Assistive Technology and Learning Strategies4
 Credits19
 Total Credits37

Part-time students

You will be provided with a pathway to complete this program on a part-time basis.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$7,779.32Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Community Services

Discover the profound difference you can make in the lives of others when you follow the rewarding and noble path provided by Cambrian’s School of Community Services. Community Services programs prepare you to address social and community needs, support child and family welfare, navigate support systems and become a powerful force for positive change.

Learn more

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information. 

Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

Graduates of this graduate certificate program will be positioned to pursue careers as:

  • Accessibility Advisor
  • Learning Strategist
  • Assistive Technologist
  • Academic Success Advisor
  • Tutor for students with Learning Disabilities
  • Enhanced recognition for current Educators, Educational Assistants, and Support Staff

Graduates of this program will have an enhanced capacity for work in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary academics, training, and support services. Graduates from developmental services, child and youth care, and early childhood education fields will demonstrate an increased ability to support students with learning disabilities in school.

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Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

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See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

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Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

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