What We Do
Through our one-to-one specialized learning support, LDS empowers unique learners to recognize their own strengths, gain confidence, and achieve lifelong confidence and success inside and outside the classroom.
Why LDS?
Since 1970, LDS has been delivering transformational support programs that span the full development cycle and target student-specific learning needs. Our expanding RISE programs are progress monitored and aligned with BC’s Core Competencies and research-based curricula. They are designed to be holistic, individualized, financially accessible, inclusive, technology-enabled, and classroom integrated. With the support of our education and technology partners, donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners, we can meet the unique needs of all learners including those with suspected or diagnosed learning disabilities (clinical term) like dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADHD, processing disorders, and learning challenges that may be related to ASD/autism.
Experienced, specialized instructors
Our highly qualified, passionate instructors include BC-Certified Teachers, Special Education Assistants, Orton-Gillingham certified instructors, Speech Language Pathologists, Inclusive Education Instructors, Occupational Therapists, Certified Early Childhood Educators and more!
Individualized, resource-intensive support
A customized learning plan is designed for each student by our specialized team. This includes our Lead Case Manager and a carefully matched instructor.
Technology-enhanced
We consistently integrate leading assistive technologies in innovative ways into our customized programs to improve and more deeply personalize the learning process for our students.
Proven results
Our multi-year studies conducted with UBC show that LDS RISE students are catching up to their general classroom peers on average by up to an astounding ½ grade level per year with significant increases in self-confidence and self-esteem.
Accessible and inclusive
We design our physical and virtual spaces and programs with inclusivity top-of-mind. Our sliding fee scale ensures that students of all ages and backgrounds can access our learning support.
Our Education Partners
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UBC Faculty of Education
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University of Waterloo Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Lab
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UBC Psychological Services and Counselling Training Centre
Visit their websiteDiscover Josh’s story.
Jennifer and Donna share their son’s story, and how working with LDS helped him realize his potential and discover his superpowers.
Program Overview
LDS delivers inclusive and financially accessible programs that follow its proven RISE methodology and target student-specific learning loss and educational needs.
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RISE One-to-One Instruction
Our comprehensive learning support is personalized to meet each student’s learning goals. Get support in foundational skills – literacy and/or math and school skills – executive function, self-regulation for learning, studying, homework and coursework.
- Ages
- 5 – 18
- Where
- East Vancouver & North Vancouver Learning Centres, online, on LDS Access, or at schools
- Dates/Times
- Monday to Friday 9 am – 7 pm, Saturdays 9 am – 4 pm
Open
Early RISErs
Early RISErs is an early childhood education and intervention program with parent/guardian participation that is focused on equipping families with knowledge about their young child and their learning and development to date.
- Ages
- 3 – 5
- Where
- East Vancouver Learning Centre
- Dates/Times
- Fall, winter, and spring on Fridays 10am – 12pm and Saturdays 10 am – 12 pm or 1 pm – 3pm
Open
Adult Learning
Adults with suspected or diagnosed learning differences get targeted and individualized support and intervention to help them achieve their specific learning, education, or employment goals.
- Ages
- 18+
- Where
- East Vancouver & North Vancouver Learning Centres
- Dates/Times
- Monday – Friday 9 am to 7 pm, Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
In the Press
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– Nearly 10% of BC’s population has a learning disorder, with many going undiagnosed until adulthood. Rachel Forbes, Executive Director at LDS, says many families face barriers to access diagnosis support.
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– BC Doesn’t Know How Kids with Dyslexia Are Doing in School. The province doesn’t track or specifically support students with the most common learning disability.
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– LDS’s Senior Manager, Communications, Sara Jane Walker, shares the importance of our low-barrier individualized support at our learning centres and on our mobile classroom, LDS Access, for Variety BC week.
Learn MoreNews + Resources
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Community Compass – September 2024
Welcome to our Community Compass blog series! Are you searching for exciting and enriching activities to fill your calendar in the Lower Mainland? Look no further! We’re thrilled to introduce our monthly blog post highlighting a curated selection of engaging events and activities in our community.
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4 Tips to Understanding a Psych-Ed
A Psych-Ed is crucial in identifying learning disabilities and other challenges that may impact a child’s academic performance. Get some tips to understand your child’s report and advocate for the best possible support.
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Kindergarten Readiness
Watch this workshop recording and get help navigating the exciting and potentially challenging transition to kindergarten.
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