inquiring reporter Stephen Barrington WV SCHOOL BOARD Computers sought for reading disabled THE WEST Vancouver School District is applying to the Funds for Excellence provincial program to obtain a com- puter lab of five Icon computers and software specially designed for children with reading disabilities. District computer coordinator Peter Minshull said the Icon com- puter was developed in Ontario and was recently used at a profes- sional ‘day for West Vancouver teachers with, specialized educa- tional software: an individualized diagnostic and remedial program to teach reading. The program was developed at the Ottawa ; Children’s Hospital and was demonstrated to West Van’s learning assistance teachers. Enough teachers were interested, said Minshull, to warrant applica- tion for funding. If funding is ap- proved, the district will set up a 12 - Sunday, March 15, 1987 - North Shore News THE PROVINCIAL throne speech March 9 outlined a lengthy shopping list of economic and social reforms, in- cluding reducing the abortion rate and increasing welfare spending. Bill Vander Zalm's government promised to help single mothers, introduce clectoral boundary reforms and study key issues such as privatization and science und research. Opposition MILAs latched onto what is likely to be the most controversial item in. the Your views on Antoinette Destree North Vancouver Keyvan Hennati North Vancouver ret eS PS OPE Rose Vecsey North Vancouver package -—- labor law changes. The governme:t has pledged ‘to restore democratic rights’’ in the workplace. Bul fabor groups are prepared for a fight on the issue. B.C. Federation of Labor president Ken Georgetti said organized labor will not back away from any confronta- tion. This week, Inquiring Reporter asks what people think of the speech from the throne. throne speech? Mark Winter North Vancouver Larry Kunz Bay Tree, Alta, | didn't read or hear { think he means well. I don't really know — I'll I'm not really familiar I've heard a bit about it, about it, so | don’t know Next week when we have wait until the budget with it as I'm from but not too much, , much about it. the budget, that's when comes out, Alberta. we'll see what happens. By OLGA RUSKIN Contributing Writer pilot project using Icon and the Ottawa program. Over 300 West Van elementary and secondary school teachers at- tended the professional day led by SFU professor Dr. Carolyn Mam- chur. : The purpose, of the various workshops was to enhance teacher awareness of the different ways that different students can learn. During the workshop sessions, teachers found that they, too, have individual learning styles. SEAGULLS TAKE flight above the waters of Lynn Creek in North Vancouver. NEWS photo Terry Paters