October was Learning Disabilities Awareness Month. This time was meant not as much to highlight the disabilities of our young learners, but rather to build up their unique abilities and accomplishments despite their struggles.
Millions of parents struggle with the challenge of learning disabilities among their children everyday. Many live in a world of uncertainty, unsure of where to find help.
St. Stephen Catholic School in East Grand Rapids offers an international program known as the Arrowsmith Program, which is only available in two schools in the entire state of Michigan. It strengthens the brain where it’s needed most in children who have learning disabilities.
Recent news coverage from 13 on Your Side shows how the program promises to “strengthen learning capacity by enhancing neurons, stimulating the students’ brains and creating new neural pathways.” Read the full story here or listen to a thorough interview about the Arrowsmith Program from WGVU’s Shelley Irwin here (Shelley is pictured above with Arrowsmith teacher Kelli Walker). Additionally, Mrs. Walker was interviewed on WOOD Radio's "iHeartMedia West Michigan Weekend," which can be heard here.
Learn more about the Arrowsmith Program on the St. Stephen website.
This offering is just one example of our diocese’s commitment to educate the whole child and help them reach their full potential. Learn about more ways that Catholic schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids serve learners of wide-ranging abilities by watching this video featuring our Student Support Services Network.