ROCHESTER, NY, March 26, 2008 – Parents, teachers and physicians in the Rochester area have a new resource to help them address the needs of children who struggle in school. With the help of private donations and a Xerox Social Service Leave volunteer, LDA Life and Learning Services has created a new website designed to connect parents, educators and health care providers with information and services focused on learning disabilities and other learning challenges. The site -- found at www.LDARochester.org – is organized by age range enabling parents to easily find the information that pertains to their child and their immediate concern. The site also includes sections specifically for educators and health care providers.
The website is a key element of the agency’s Project Connect community-building efforts. The website resource lists developmental milestones, support services, answers to frequently asked questions, and links to other sites, as well as information about the steps involved in accessing special education services through the child’s school district. The site, implemented by interactive marketing firm Corporate Communications, Inc., also includes a calendar of local workshops, conferences and support groups.
According to Kim Segal, LDA’s director of educational services, development of the website was made possible by Xerox Corporation’s Social Service Leave program along with financial donations from individuals and businesses in the community.
Xerox granted a 6-month sabbatical to employee Carolyn Steinkirchner – a Rochester resident and project manager in Xerox’s Global Services organization in Webster – so that she could coordinate development of the site for LDA. Steinkirchner is one of six Xerox employees in the U.S. selected to participate in the 2007 program.
LDA Life and Learning Services is a not-for-profit agency that helps people with learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, and other developmental disabilities seek success in school, work, relationships, and independent living. Steinkirchner wanted to give back to the agency that has helped her with her two sons. She also wanted to live her passion for advocating for children with learning disabilities. Even after her Xerox Social Service Leave ended in September, Steinkirchner continued to spend her personal time finishing up the project.
“Years ago, when my two boys were young, LDA helped me as a single mom find the right educational support and as a result I have been a LDA volunteer for eight years,” said Steinkirchner. “Having the opportunity to work at LDA full-time for six months was extremely satisfying. I believe this site will really make a difference for parents, kids and our community as a valuable resource in addressing the challenges of learning disabilities.”
About Xerox Social Service Leave
Xerox began its Social Service Leave program in 1971 to foster employee involvement and provide special volunteer assistance in communities where Xerox does business. Since then, 475 leaves have been granted. Employees who have been with the company at least five years are eligible to apply for fully paid leaves of up to one year.
XEROX® is a trademark of XEROX CORPORATION.
