Neuroaffirming Learning Support
Our Research-informed Individualized Student Education (RISE) meets the unique needs of each individual learner with learning or brain-based differences, aged 3 to adult.
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. In “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.

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, 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, processing disorders, and learning challenges that may be related to ADHD or 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
See AllUBC Faculty of Education
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Program Overview
LDS delivers inclusive and financially accessible programs that follow its proven RISE methodology and target student-specific learning loss and educational needs.
See AllFeatured Programs
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
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 cohorts. Fall cohort on either Fridays 10 am – 12 pm or Saturdays 10 am – 12 pm
Academic Assessment (KTEA-3)
The Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement, third edition (KTEA-3) is a Level-B academic assessment. It provides detailed information on a student’s reading, written expression, and mathematics performance.
- Ages
- 4 – 25
- Where
- Learning Centres
- Dates/Times
- Varying
- Application
- Open
News + Resources
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Honouring Chase
Our team extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community of Chase. His tragic passing is an immense loss, and we stand in solidarity with all those mourning and seeking answers in the wake of this heartbreaking event.
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Empowered at Work: Disclosure and Assistive Technology
Are you neurodivergent and unsure about whether or not to disclose this at work? This workshop helps you thoughtfully consider this decision and provides advocacy tools and assistive technology to help you thrive
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CSFA Program and Psychoeducational Assessments
LDS has been invited to consult on the Canadian Student Financial Assistance Program’s policy on using psychoeducational assessments to verify learning disabilities. We want to hear from you!
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