Welcome to the “G/LD Network BC” web site.This is the place in BC to connect with Gifted/LD peers and parents. In between all the organizations fall the undefined, misdiagnosed and underrepresented. Particularly in the school system where your potential out strips your performance and no one seems to understand.

If you or yours are Gifted/LD, this web site is for you. Go to the membership page and sign up. If there is already an Advocacy Group in your community posted, send them a note to introduce yourself. It’s that simple to meet the community that surly exists in you own town or school district.

We are parents too, probably much like you, looking for community, support and understanding. Constantly trying to find that light at the end of the tunnel as our kids go through the school system often misunderstood.

What is Gifted/LD?

Prepared for the VSB under the direction of Corinne Bees, the Gifted LD Handbook does a great job in explaining what it is to be Gifted/LD, where to find these students and much much more. Please take the time to download and read this valuable document. Early in the understanding of this dual diagnosis (or twice exceptional, 2E) the LD in Gifted/LD stood for Learning Disability. Since then it has rapidly been expanded to include; ADHD, Aspergers, Autism, Emotional Fragility and many other Learning Differences or Learning Difficulties.

What is G/LD Network BC?

The “G/LD Network BC” has been developed to assist both Gifted/LD students and their parents connect (network) for the purpose of mutual support. The Network is web based for connecting like kids and parents. It will also facilitate the development of and support local Gifted/LD Advocacy Groups and from time to time events for personal meetings and interaction. See below for existing G/LD Advocacy Groups. No group in your area? Click here to start one.

Why a Network?

Although the dual diagnosis of being both gifted and learning disabled has been documented for over twenty years, it is still one of the areas not widely understood for a variety of reasons. Some years ago, teaching in the Vancouver School District, Ms. Bees noticed these students and realized they were not receiving the assistance they needed. In the ensuing years she was instrumental in developing the GOLD program which was and is very successful. So much so the VSB has recently expanded it to a second school!

During this time it was noticed that one of the most valuable results of a program was that it brought community to the students. They were no longer alone in the system. G/LD Network BC is an attempt to identify and connect students and parents throughout the province to share stories, strategies and successes. Foremost is to give them a community.

Local Parent Advocacy Groups

Burnaby – SD41
Gulf Islands – SD43
Surrey – SD36
Vancouver – SD39

Links

Gifted Children’s Association of BC
VSB GOLD Program
Learning Disabilities Association of BC