ONBIDA 2012 Annual Report - The International Dyslexia
Transcription
ONBIDA 2012 Annual Report - The International Dyslexia
ONBIDA The International Dyslexia Association Ontario Branch Annual Report 2012 Promoting literacy through research, education and advocacy. Founded in Memory of Samuel T. Orton Annual Report 2012 Dyslexia is a specific learning disability. Despite having normal to above normal intelligence, individuals with dyslexia have difficulty learning to read. This impacts all aspects of their lives. OUR MISSION OUR BELIEFS The Ontario Branch of the International Dyslexia Association is committed to informing, educating and supporting individuals with dyslexia, their families, and the communities and professionals that support them. We believe individuals with dyslexia have the right to achieve their potential, that individual learning abilities can be strengthened, and that social, educational and cultural barriers to literacy must be removed. WHO WE ARE Pictured from left to right: Sherry Raffalovitch (Vice President), Sue Barr, Philip Young (Treasurer), Sean Keane, Liisa Freure (Past President), Jana Leggett (President), Michelle Halsey (Executive Director), Dr. Jennifer Goudy (Secretary) Missing in Action: Andy Strub, Alex Wu, Howard Balter, Sally Gfeller, Valerie Fish, Jan MacLean The Ontario Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (ONBIDA) is a non-profit charitable organization founded in June 2004. The branch is operated almost entirely by volunteers, providing free information, support and referral services to the public. Contact Information: 115 Hanna Road, Toronto, ON, M4G 3N5 416-716-9296 www.idaontario.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS OUR COMMITTEES Jana Leggett (President) Liisa Freure (Past President) Sherry Raffalovitch (Vice President) Jennifer Goudey (Secretary) Philip Young (Treasurer) Howard Barr Susan Barr Valerie Fish Sean Keane Sally Gfeller Jan MacLean Andy Strub Alex Wu Annual Literacy & Learning Conference Eastern Ontario Representation Extra-Provincial Representation Executive Finance Fundraising Membership Newsletter Oliver Martin Memorial Trust Fund Assessment Scholarship Right To Read Night Speaker Series Parent Group/Education Charitable Registration Number 85713 3078 RR0001 Page 2 OUR ADVISORY COUNCIL Stewart Burton Luc Corneli Flemming Friisdahl Mark Foerster Elie Roth Sally Shearman Annual Report 2012 Message from Michelle Halsey Executive Director In 2012, ONBIDA continued to offer the high caliber programming we have become known for over the last 8 years. Through our services we serve the 1 in 10 individuals with dyslexia, their families, and the professionals who support them. We do this for our clients in Ontario where we are based, and also for Canadians across the country via our virtual services such as our Information & Referral line and audio broadcasts of presentations. The conference committee once again ran a very successful event in 2012. Relationships with new sponsors were also forged. Our ongoing education events such as parent education groups and speaker series continued to attract families and professionals seeking knowledge as well as connections. Our communications committee also ensured a higher reach with potential audiences through social media expansion and the introduction of Skype broadcasting. Other highlights from 2012 include gaining intervener status in the appeal of Moore vs. British Columbia (Ministry of Education) and hosting the first event with the new IDA ambassador and race car driver, Justin Wilson. ONBIDA also worked to set the stage for a new program in 2013 – the Oliver Martin Memorial Trust Fund Assessment Scholarship program. Committee members worked diligently to develop the rollout of this program which will grant scholarships in the amount of $1,500. These grants will be awarded to families demonstrating financial need who have a student requiring a psycho-educational assessment. We are honored to partner with the family of Oliver Martin to provide the critical first step towards remediation of students who struggle to learn to read. It is important to note that ONBIDA provides all of its outstanding programming without any grants or government funding. Through generous donations and sponsorships as well as a commitment to costefficiency, ONBIDA is able to provide services that positively impact thousands of individuals every year. More specific details on the families and professionals we reached over the last year are available further in this report. The above achievements and groundwork laid for 2013 are due to the diligent efforts of many volunteers and contributors. Through the efforts of these dedicated individuals we were able to further our mission of promoting literacy through education and advocacy. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to all of our supporters in 2012. Michelle Halsey Table of Contents About ONBIDA 2 Training 7 Executive Director’s Message 3 Communication 8 Treasurer’s Report 4 Information & Referral 8 Fundraising 5 Newsletter 9 Conference 6 Oliver Martin Memorial Trust Fund 9 Speaker Series 6 Volunteers 10 Parent Education 7 Donors 11-12 Page 3 Annual Report 2012 Treasurer’s Report Philip Young The treasurer is the financial officer of the branch and serves as the authorized financial custodian of the branch and its funds. On behalf of all of us at ONBIDA, we cannot thank you enough for your continued support. ONBIDA is focused on the prudent management of its financial resources and seeks to optimize every dollar that it receives. The funds that have been raised go to raising public awareness and providing education and support to make a significant and positive impact on the lives of those with dyslexia. The accompanying pie charts represent the breakdown of our revenues and expenses for the year ended December 2012. 2013 STRATEGIC PLAN Public Awareness ONBIDA will strive to reach a wider audience of professionals and nonprofessionals and work to develop partnerships with like-minded organizations in an attempt to increase awareness of dyslexia. Organizational Sustainability ONBIDA will focus on fortifying its organizational sustainability by appointing new board members with varied professional experiences to help guide and manage the nonprofit organization, recruit more volunteers to reduce burn out and work to welcome and maintain new and renewing members. Parent as Tutor Program 4% Revenue Right to Read Night 26% Fundraising 13% Outreach 1% Training Membership 0% 2% Admin 1% Conference 52% Newsletter 1% Other 3% Expenses Financial Stability ONBIDA will continue to work towards financial stability through fundraising, grant writing and securing sponsorship in order to maintain current programs and add exciting and far-reaching initiatives. Website 3% Nominating 2% Parent as Tutor Right to Read Program Night 2% 12% Fundraising 5% The financial statements are audited by D’Angela Sorrenti Palombo, Chartered Accountants. Contact us for a copy at [email protected]. Page 4 Admin 15% Conference 27% Newsletter 2% Membership 0% Outreach 28% Training 1% Where your money goes: Annual Literacy & Learning Conference; Free Information & Referral Line; Parent Education Groups; Speaker Series; Scholarships; Outreach & Public Awareness; Teacher Training; Parent as Tutor Program; Outreach Presentations; Printing & Publishing; Administration Annual Report 2012 Fundraising Michelle Halsey Our flagship fundraiser was another great success in 2012. The 4th annual Right To Read Night took place on October 17th at the Hard Rock Café in downtown Toronto. This year we changed our format to include a live band performance by the James Dean Band who brought along Juno nominated singer Amoy Levy. Guests also enjoyed the social time and a silent auction in between performances. The event brought in over $20,000 and attracted a new audience in addition to the core following from the past three years. In 2012 we held the second annual Adopt-A-Word campaign. This initiative was created to honour individuals in our community with dyslexia and language learning disabilities, those who support them, and those who contribute to furthering knowledge and awareness in this area. A limited number of powerful words related to literacy and learning were made; each available for a one-year “adoption” for the individual or on behalf of someone special. Chair: Michelle Halsey Members: All board members Our Task: The responsibility of this committee is to identify potential sources of funding, including, but not limited to, donations, grants and sponsorships. The committee develops and implements fundraising projects. We are thankful to have also received so many generous individual donations that made our work possible in 2012. These donations are critical to our organization given that ONBIDA receives no government funding. Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to all of the individuals and organizations who made monetary or in-kind donations to ONBIDA during the past year. We also extend our gratitude to all of the volunteers who gave their time and talent to support our fundraising efforts. A full listing of donors in 2012 is available within this report. 2013 Goals: Our 5th Right to Read Night is currently being planned. ONBIDA will be partnering with the SHAMBA Foundation in order to increase efficiency and effectiveness, reach a new audience and reduce overall administrative costs. Page 5 Annual Report 2012 Literacy & Learning Conference Chair: Valerie Fish Valerie Fish Elie Roth Scholarship Recipients Members: Liisa Freure, Jana Leggett, Sherry Raffalovitch, Roby Hochman, Andy Strub, Michelle Halsey, Alex Wu, Eleanor Collins, Cathy Martin, Lisa Strub Our Task: This committee is responsible for planning and conducting programs designed to meet the needs and interests of the membership. The varied programs include speakers, panel presentations, workshops, conferences, parent education groups, and social events, in order to reach out to the diverse membership and the public. Kate Buchan, Valerie James, Martin Karadafov, Janet-Lee Nadas, Robert Zandona ONBIDA’s 8th Literacy and Learning Conference was held at the Allstream Centre downtown Toronto. The 2012 conference was dual stream, with separate programming for professionals and parents. In total, ONBIDA welcomed 221 participants, including 24 exhibitors, 5 scholarship winners, 9 speakers, 13 board members and 2 VIP guests. The conference honoured the volunteer leadership of ONBIDA board member and founding President, Sally Shearman. ONBIDA’s net income from the conference was very positive at $24,173.52 but below budget projection of $35,000.00. The venue, which was larger to accommodate the pattern of increasing attendance over the past years, was more costly. Speaker expenses were in keeping with previous years and sponsorship and donations were slightly higher this year; however, registration, exhibitor fee revenue and advertiser fee revenues were all lower than budgeted. 2013 Goals: In order to better align with our strategic plan the 2013 Literacy & Learning Conference planning committee will work to recruit more volunteers, deliver a comprehensive yet focused program to appeal to a wider audience of both professionals and non -professionals and will be set in a more conservative venue. Speaker Series Jen Goudey Chairs: Jen Goudey Members: Anne Bundssei Our Task: The responsibility of this committee is to organize and provide research informed presentations for the general public and for specific target audiences. ONBIDA hosted three events in Toronto in 2012. As part of the committee’s performance improvement plan, we piloted feedback questionnaires to survey audience opinion and gather ideas for future topics, and aimed to increase attendance with a renewed effort to distribute fliers to a wider population. While the registration numbers increased to the 70 to 80 range, we maintained a consistent 40 plus attendees at each session. We had significantly more non members than members attend with about a 6 to 1 ratio respectively, and an equal representation of educators and parents/family members. 2012 Guest Speakers: Dr. Peter Chaban, Dr. Karen Ghelani, Dr. Esther Geva As chair person, I would like to thank the committee, ONBIDA Board members, and volunteers who assisted with set up and registration. 2013 Goal: ONBIDA will continue to strive to bring the public face-to-face with experts in the field of dyslexia. Feedback questionnaires will continue to be developed and used to inform future sessions. Page 6 Annual Report 2012 Parent Education Sue Barr The ONBIDA Parent Education Committee continued to offer parent workshops across three different regions; Kingston, Richmond Hill and Toronto. Parent groups in Kingston had a successful year. Individuals who attended the workshops, both ONBIDA members and non-members, had the opportunity to learn about a variety of topics related to dyslexia (e.g., Individual Education Plans, Assistive Technology). Despite having access to excellent speakers regarding the most current and hot topics regarding dyslexia, parent groups in the Toronto and Richmond Hill areas struggled with low attendance resulting in multiple session cancellations. Chair: Sue Barr Members: Jan MacLean, Riina Makk, Sioban Karman, Diana Carrington Our Task: The responsibility of this committee is to provide parents with support and education so they can make informed decisions with regards to the education and well being of their dyslexic child. 2013 Goals: In order to increase attendance, the Toronto and Richmond Hill parent groups will offer sessions that are suitable to both parents and preteens/teens. ONBIDA will bring students with dyslexia face-to-face with role models from their community (i.e., successful artists, businessmen and authors who have dyslexia). Varied advertising initiatives and increased discussion with membership and attendees will also serve to increase attendance. Training Chair: Jan MacLean Our Task: The responsibility of this committee is to organize and provide research informed teacher training sessions and workshops, as well as informational presentations for the general public and for specific target audiences. Jan MacLean ONBIDA held a Phonological Awareness teacher training course for kindergarten and grade 1 teachers. The course was delivered by Sally Sherman with a focus on building foundational instructional strategies that are foundational to learning to read and spell words. The “Parents as Tutors” program continued to be delivered by Eleanor Collins M.Ed./ AOGPE. Eleanor assisted parents through email correspondence in creating reading lessons and materials to work intensively with their child. The feedback from parents has been very positive. See testimonial below. 2013 Goal: Teacher training will be provided via outreach presentations upon request. ONBIDA will continue to work towards building partnerships with schools and/or school boards. ….My journey with my son and his dyslexia has taken me through such a wild ride of emotions ... I was right in the throes of teaching my son how to read on our own time. I found the International Dyslexia Association (ONBIDA) and was blessed to be put in contact with a retired teacher who worked with me to show me how to teach my son how to read...I didn’t realize that there was even such a program out there to help kids with reading difficulties learn how to read.... Pam Cairncross Page 7 Annual Report 2012 Communication Members: Michelle Halsey Liisa Freure Our Task: The responsibility of this committee is to inform members, other organizations and the general public about the ongoing activities of the branch. Communications helps recruit members and increase attendance at branch functions. This committee also maintains an updated mailing list of important contacts for the branch and manages the content of the website. Michelle Halsey In 2012 the Communications Committee increased interaction with audiences through social media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn and Pinterest. Our audience was engaged across all platforms and we regularly transmitted relevant news across all channels. Offline, many presentations were made to increase awareness in the community such as the TDSB “Help is Here!” Family Support Services Fair. We also had an increased presence at the Toronto Word on the Street Festival that included dyslexia simulations and a popular book exchange. In July, the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) announced its newest ambassador to the world – 33 year old IndyCar driver Justin Wilson. Just days after the announcement, ONBIDA hosted a meet & greet at Toronto’s Honda Indy to celebrate this new partnership. A group of ONBIDA member families had the privilege of meeting with Justin at the track to chat, get autographs, and have a personal guided tour of Justin’s race car. We once again participated in the annual Timeraiser event in Toronto – an event that matches potential volunteers to organizations and opportunities. This year we also joined Volunteer Toronto to advertise our opportunities more widely. We liaised with volunteers from Burnaby, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg interested in spreading the word to their communities and look forward to continuing that conversation. We coordinated a legal presentation related to the ground-breaking case of Moore v British Columbia (Ministry of Education). ONBIDA’s committees were converted to SmartSheet to increase consistency and efficiency. We successfully piloted Skype to broadcast presentations from our parent education groups and speaker series to reach a broader audience. 2013 Goal: We look forward to engaging our audience and working cooperatively with community partners in 2013 to raise awareness about dyslexia. Social Media 7771 Views 232 Members 323 Followers Information & Referral Line 30 Members 44 Followers Eleanor Collins 1854 Helpline contacts Eleanor Collins, ONBIDA’s Information and Referral Line officer, responds to inquiries via e-mail and phone. Eleanor, along with the board of directors, works to respond to an ever -growing number of inquiries concerning a variety of topics related to issues with dyslexia. 2013 Goals: Comprehensive and consistent responses focusing on topics asked about most frequently will be developed and shared with the public. ONBIDA is also working to revise application forms related to tutor/assessment listings. Page 8 14535 Visits 35062 Views Annual Report 2012 Newsletter Liisa Freure The Newsletter Committee published four professional newsletters in 2012. The Right to Read Newsletter content included reviews of ONBIDA’s events and IDA’s initiatives, interviews with individuals with dyslexia, alerted our readers to hot topics such as the revisions for the DSM-5 and ONBIDA’s role in the Supreme Court of Canada Case – Moore v. B.C. Ministry of Education. In addition, advertising in the newsletter generated income. The newsletter was also used as a vehicle to advertise positions and opportunities, as well as to acknowledge and thank those who helped support our mission through membership, sponsorship, volunteering or donations. All newsletters are archived and are available for download on our website. 2013 Goals: In order to make the best use of our resources, 3 issues of the newsletter will be published in the upcoming year. Chair: Liisa Freure Members: Adam O’Neil, Barb MacLean, Our Task: The responsibility of this committee is to provide parents with support and education so they can make informed decisions with regards to the education and well being of their dyslexic child. Oliver Martin Memorial Trust Fund In 2010 we were pleased to begin a partnership with Alan Dudeck and Susan Martin to honour the life of Oliver Martin. In Oliver’s memory, and to provide inspiration and support to others, Oliver Martin’s family established the Oliver Martin Memorial Trust Fund. In recognition of Oliver’s lifelong challenge with dyslexia, the Trust Fund has linked with ONBIDA to promote awareness of dyslexia, improve identification and assessment of children with dyslexia and to train teachers to effectively work with students with dyslexia. The Oliver Martin Memorial Trust Fund Assessment Scholarship will be launched in 2013! Oliver cared for others, maintained life-long friendships and family connections, and had enthusiastic energy for his developing career. He was determined to make the most of what life could offer with effort, whether at work, socially, or on the sports field. Oliver faced the challenges of dyslexia straight on, developing keen discipline and the determination required to overcome and succeed. Page 9 Annual Report 2012 THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS ONBIDA would not be here without you! Rita Adamo, Negin Alavie, Rachel Aultman, Shanique Bailey, Howard Balter, Sue Barr, Krislyn Bodyk, Karen Brayshaw-Marshal, Chris Brawn, Sarah Brawn, Ted Bravakis, Kate Buchan, Anna Bundssei, Kevin Burgess, Diana Carrington, Stefanie Cassidy, Naomi Chernos, Rebecca Christie, Erin Cechetto, Eleanor Collins, Susan Condlln, Leslie Coulson, Hannah Curtis, Carolyne Cybulski, Stephanie Draff, Dawn Fell, Ruthie Fish, Valerie Fish, Liisa Freure, Shari Fronda Like Ripples in a Pond By Laurie Eytel Sally Gfellar Monica Giraldo Chica Jane Gorman Jen Goudey John Goudey Elva Gough Meghan Gould Barbara Graham Lesley Green Melissa Green Diane Gropp Michelle Halsey Michelle Harrick Catherine Harper-Deml Meagan Hartman Roby Hochman Emma Jodoin Sioban Karman Sean Keane Teresa Kennedy Laura Kesicki Jordanna Krofchick Arlene Lap Hannah Laird Laurie Leason We thank you for all the great things you do. Large and small, they all have meaning to the families you help and to us. One act can make all the difference. Like ripples in a pond kindness spreads outward, reaching and touching others and can change a life forever. The smiling faces we see say it all… Thank you…you are our stars! Evan Lee Samantha Leggett Jana Leggett Amanda Leung Colleen Lipinski Kelly Mac Sadia MacDonaldStrand Barb MacLean Jan MacLean Robyn MacLellan Riina Makk Cathy Martin Tom Masney Barbara Mendes Amanda Miller Joanne Mills Daniel Minghella Claire Mollison Janet-Lee Nadas Urvashi Naraine Nina Ngo Emilie Nichol Adam O’Neil Natalie Panchak Stephanie Pharoah, Sherry Raffalovitch, Lark Reid-Masney, Amanda Reynolds, Jillian Rothwell, Carol Ruskin, Mahjabeen Sadik, Jennifer Schlossberg, Natalie Schmitt, Sally Shearman, Ruthie Sloan, Sara Stirling, Andy Strub, Lisa Strub, Catherine Styles, Chloe Taylor, Gabby Turcott, Kathy Vanderzwaag, Cici Vasoff, Moses Velasco, Cindy Woo, Tory Woollcott, Amanda Wu, Alex Wu, Philip Young, Robert Zandona Page 10 2012 Annual Report THANK YOU SUPPORTERS ONBIDA is very grateful for your generous contributions! Annual Conference Right to Read Night SPONSORS CORPORATE EVENT PARTNERS Platinum Silver Finesse First Capital Realty Ltd. Hard Rock Café The Larry and Cookie Rossy Family Foundation RioCan Toronto Amsterdam Brewery Toron Investment Management Bronze Hillsdale Investments Staples Business Depot Friend Borden Ladner Gervais LLP Microcomputer Science Davies LLP In Kind Ruthie Fish Google Canada Amanda Miller Fred Oesen Fraser Reeves EXHIBITORS CNIB Library, Chrysalis Centre, The Claremont School, The Gow School, J’s Learning Tools, LearnStyle, Marathon Learning Materials Ltd, Microcomputer Science Centre Inc, Northern Speech Services, YMCA Academy ADVERTISERS Gow School, Microcomputer Science Centre Inc, Montcrest School, YMCA Academy, Northern Speech Services, Quality Classrooms, CNIB Library, Flyleaf Publishing RAFFLE ITEMS ABB Creations Ltd., Brookes Publishing, High Noon Books, J’s Learning Tools MathUSee, Microcomputer Science Centre Inc, Northern Speech Services, Super Duper Publications Advisors & Consultants to ONBIDA Mark Foerster , Michele Minor-Corriveau William Harper Norton Rose Canada LPP Dr. Pearl Levey Parent Education Group SPONSORS Second Cup Toronto—Laird Dr Starbucks Richmond Hill—Richmond Heights Plaza Tara Natural Foods Kingston PRESENTERS Sue Barr Dr. Pat Bucci Dr. Linda Colgan Compass Occupational Therapy Services Heide Cramm Laurie Hambly Norton Rose Canada LLP ADOPT-A-WORD Eleanor Collins Freure-Brawn Family The Reading Clinic Bronze RBC IN KIND DONORS Halpern Wine Enterprises Sheri Kidd Graphics The Printing House James Dean Band SPEAKER Ben Peterson EMCEE Natalie Weed SILENT AUCTION DONORS Clublink Academy Glen Abbey, Tarragon Theatre, Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Academy at Piper’s Heath, Stihl, McGregor Socks, Angus Glen Golf Course, LEARNStyle, Lisa & Chris Hunter, Dave McCann, 3M, Microsoft Canada, Steam Whistle Brewing, Creemore Springs Brewery Limited, SirCorp, Factory Theatre, Art Interiors, Rock Oasis, Silpada, Pamela Lauz Jewellery, Sunquest Vacations, Maripose Cruises, Scholastic Canada Ltd, Dixie Curling Club, Home Depot, Random House, Bijoux Village, David Brown, Expedia, Big Bird Ballroom Dance Studio, Mississauga Family Fitness, Husqvarna, Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate, Pet Value, Joey Don Mills, Fiorio Avenue Road, Jodi Paul, John Stirling, Nicholas Gavey, Stuff on a Stick, Booty Camp Fitness, Sir Jackie Stewart, Jeff Pappone, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, The School of Toronto Dance Theatre, Downward Dog Yoga Centres, Sarah Stirling, Micky European Aesthetics, Peter Kent, Danier Leather, Stefanie’s, Suzi Roher Accessories, Hibiscus Handcrafted Jewellery, Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto, Vicky’s Jewellery, Vistek, Canadian Standards Association, Boston Pizza, John & Jennifer Goudey, Crumpler Canada, Shaw Festival, Kevin Burgess, Munich Re Canada (Life), Fern Westernoff, VIA Rail, Gone Sailing Adventures, Justin Wilson, The Duke Pub, Overfeld Snowcap Page 11 Annual Report 2012 THANK YOU SUPPORTERS ONBIDA greatly appreciates your generosity! Individual Donors Individual Donors Negin Alavie Kelly Allen Ryan Balgopal Howard Balter Sue Barr David Bloom Kevin Burgess Chris Brawn Marie Cassidy Jason Cloth Eleanor Collins Arthur Condliffe Luke Corneily Brian Dewitte James Darling Dan & Karine Daviau Valerie & Joel Fish Ann Fong Liisa Freure Cathi & Andrew Fynn Frank Galiano Sally Gfeller Jennifer Goudey Patricia Griffin Doug Guzman Michelle Halsey John & Pat Harris Jim Hensley Bari & Roby Hochman Leslie-Ann Holbrow Russel Jacobson Lisa Jeremic Linda Kaminsky Karine Krieger Dung Lam Scott Lancaster Jana Leggett Peter Loftus Jan MacLean Susan Macneil Dana McPhail Mary-Ann Metric Risa Mintz Catherine Paisley Johanne Papillon Jamie Ruben Sherry Raffalovitch The Reading Clinic Dave & Sue Scandiffio Sally Shearman Carita Sheehy Tim Shia Milai Sousa Jill Strapp Andy Strub Martin Togman Bob & Mary Walker Linda Walsh Casas Nancy Weir Sharon Woynarski Di Kai Wu Philip Young 46 Degrees North Come join our team! [email protected] Page 12