A Case Study of the "Who is NOBODY?" Project: A Character Development Program for Children with Learning Disabilities

This research study explored a support system for children with learning disabilities. The Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region (LDANR) recently expanded its Better Emotional and Social Times (B.E.S.T.) program to incorporate an innovative, character education initiative called the “Who is NOBODY?” program. The objective of this qualitative case study was two-fold. First, the study aimed to support the LDANR in assessing the efficacy of the “Who is NOBODY?” program, providing the LDANR with empirical support for their programs. Second, the study enabled a more in-depth understanding of how to best support children with LD in regards to their social and emotional well-being. The study explored the “Who is NOBODY?” program through three lenses: design, implementation, and experiences of participating children. Three primary themes emerged from these three data lenses: positive character traits, prosocial behaviour, and strong self-efficacy – leading to the promotion of strong character development and self-esteem. Taken together, the “Who is NOBODY?” program was shown to be a successful remediation program for supporting vulnerable children with LD.

Investigation into the Motivation Strategies of the Elite ITU Triathlon Coaches

The purpose of this study was to identify elite triathlon coaches’ beliefs and practices as they pertain to motivating world-class triathletes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four elite triathlon coaches operating out of three different training groups. Furthermore, the athletes within these groups completed questionnaires assessing their motivational profiles, basic psychological needs, and perceived autonomy support. The interviews were analyzed deductively according to the Motivational Model of the Coach-Athlete Relationship (Mageau & Vallerland, 2003). The data revealed that coaches predominantly used an autonomy-supportive coaching style while also providing structure and involvement. The coaches emphasized an individualized approach for each athlete to best meet their needs. Athletes’ responses to the questionnaires provide support for the coaches’ philosophies and perceived behaviours. The findings of this study provide valuable direction for elite and developing coaches looking to enhance their communication skills in order to optimize athlete needs and motivation.

The Autism Acceptance Project fonds, 2006-2008

The Autism Acceptance Project was established in 2006 by Estee Klar, an art curator, writer and mother to a child labeled autistic. The Project “is dedicated to promoting acceptance of and accommodations for autistic people in society.” TAAP has an autistic advisory board, and is funded by private donations. In 2006, TAAP organized an exhibition, The Joy of Autism: Redefining Ability and Quality of Life. The event displayed the work of a dozen autistic artists, as well as video and other installations which illustrated the burgeoning autistic rights movement and forwarded the concept of Neurodiversity.

Ontario Hydro map of the St. Lawrence Power Project General Plan

Ontario Hydro map of the St. Lawrence Power Project General Plan, n.d.