Rachel S. Forbes

A Message of Support to the Tumbler Ridge Community

On behalf of everyone at our charity and our community, we extend our deepest care and heartfelt support to the victims, survivors, and the entire community of Tumbler Ridge.

Disability Funding Changes Are a Step Forward — But Equity Requires Broader Recognition of Need

We welcome the BC Government’s announcement introducing expanded publicly funded services and supports to a wider range of developmental and neurological differences. At the same time, the announcement raises important concerns about who remains outside this picture.

Skilled Trades Scholarships: Opening doors. Supporting the full journey. Building futures that last.

We are proud to share two new Skills Trades Scholarships to support youth with learning differences successfully navigate from high school planning to certification and meaningful employment.

Together, We Raised $587K for Bright Futures!

Thanks to your incredible support, I am thrilled to share we surpassed our fundraising goal of $300K for 300 Kids. Together, we raised $587,408!

Cause We Care Bursary for Single Mothers

We are excited to announce the establishment of the Cause We Care Bursary for Single Mothers. Cause We Care is a public foundation that invests in programs and services that support single mothers to achieve security and build positive futures for themselves and their children. 

New Mural Shines Light on Province’s Neurodivergent Students

We are tackling stigma head-on and celebrating the brilliance, resilience, and unique strengths of neurodivergent youth. Join us in celebrating #ProudMinds and uplift the contributions of neurodivergent students in our schools and communities.

Learn. Develop. SEED!

Learn. Develop. SEED! LDS celebrates learners with wildflower seeds to grow over summer. Join us in September for our Proudly Neurodivergent celebration.

2024 Annual Report

2024 was another year of growing programs and outstanding achievements from our amazing students. Thank you to our expanding community of families, students, partners and supporters for a wonderful year of learning!

Helping Young Minds Climb Higher

LDS – Learn. Develop. Succeed is raising awareness and funds in support of neurodivergent children and youth through its inaugural RISE to the Top event at Grouse Mountain on June 15—a community fundraiser to expand access to learning support through its Bright Futures Bursary Fund.

Support for the Filipino community

In the wake of the tragic events at the Lapu-Lapu Festival, we have compiled a list of credible support organizations for those impacted. If you or someone you know is grieving, recovering, or in need of care, these services are here to help. We encourage anyone affected to reach out — you are not alone, and support is available.

Cautious Celebration: New Resource to Improve Outcomes for Students with Diverse Abilities

The BCSTA’s new resource is a commendable step forward in ensuring inclusivity and equity in education. This resource signals a promising shift toward strengthening school board accountability and enhancing educational experiences for students who often face systemic barriers.

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. 

LDS supports RCY’s Report and Calls to Action

We support the RCY’s research and calls to action. At LDS, we are standing by to support learners and families who are left to navigate the complexities of finding trustworthy, consistent support.

Standing in the Gap for Excluded Learners

At LDS, we understand the challenges faced by students and families in the Surrey School District and across British Columbia. We are steadfastly standing by to support learners and families who are left to navigate the complexities of finding trustworthy, consistent support.

BC Ombudsperson Investigation and Survey on School Exclusions

The Ombudsperson has begun an investigation into the exclusion of students from classrooms and schools in BC’s K-12 public education system. Consider submitting your experience, confidentially, online.

Together, We Raised $378K for Bright Futures!

Thanks to your incredible support, I am thrilled to share we surpassed our fundraising goal of $300K for 300 Kids. Together, we raised $356,976!

Hon. Jodie Wickens: Advancing Equity for Children and Youth with Support Needs in BC

We at LDS hope that Wickens’ appointment reflects the government’s dedication and forthcoming action to address the diverse needs of children and youth in this province, ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive in educational settings and beyond.  

Introducing Embrace

LDS introduces a new podcast, Embrace: Journeys in Neurodiversity. This heartfelt podcast series shares the inspiring journey of Mason, a remarkable individual who navigates dyslexia and ADHD.

Celebrating the Expertise and Dedication of Our Instructors for World Teachers’ Day

At LDS – Learn. Develop. Succeed., we’re incredibly fortunate to have a team of instructors whose expertise and passion shine through in everything they do. Every day, they bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and an unwavering commitment to supporting the unique learning journeys of the learners and families we serve. It’s time we take a moment to recognize and celebrate the amazing individuals who make our programs so impactful. 

2023 Annual Report

2023 was another year of growing programs and outstanding achievements from our amazing students. Thank you to our expanding community of families, students, partners and supporters for a wonderful year of learning!

We support the Representative for Children and Youth’s report on calls for systemic change

We are grateful to the RCY for the comprehensive research and thoughtful approach demonstrated throughout the recently released “Don’t Look Away” report. This vital work illuminates the challenges faced by vulnerable children and youth and urges us all to take decisive action.  

Form and Function – Moving Toward A Flattened Org Structure

As we evolve and mature as an organization, it behooves us to ensure that not only the substance of our work but also its form aligns with our values.  We are announcing a new senior management team.

Shift Priorities: Invest in Our Kids

There have been many developments in BC related to investing in education and supporting unique learners. There have also been a significant number of stories about teacher and school resource shortages and budgetary cuts for non-core educational services.

2024 Update on our Fees

Learn about our 2024-25 fees. Our goal is for our fees to be fair, equitable, consistent and accessible; this post helps to explain how we achieve that.

Campaign Update – $200K for 200 Kids

Read the exciting update from our $200K for 200 Kids Transforming Lives campaign. Our generous donors and sponsors have helped us surpass our fundraising goal!

Light Up for Learning

Join us on November 20 at Canada Place as we Light Up for Learning. This season we are giving back with free assessments, family coaching and more! 

Support $200K for 200 Kids and Transform a Child’s Life

One in 10 Canadian children has a learning difference, like dyslexia. At LDS, we believe that every one of them should have access to the critical individualized education support they need to succeed in school and in life.

LDS affirms no space for hate

We affirm our unwavering support for inclusivity, diversity,  and the promotion of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) rights within our community.

2022 Annual Report

2022 was another year of growing programs and outstanding achievements from our amazing students. Thank you to our expanding community of families, students, partners and supporters for a wonderful year of learning!

2023 Update on how we build fairness and equity into our fee structure

Our goal is for our fees to be fair, equitable, consistent and accessible; this post helps to explain how we achieve that.

What’s new in 2023-24

Read about what’s new for LDS families and students in 2023-2024. We are excited to share with you information about a new platform, fees and income scale.

We did it! Thank you for helping us transform lives!

We are excited to share that through your kind generosity our LDS Transforming Lives $200K for 200 Kids Campaign raised an inspiring total of $237,624!!

2021 Annual Report

Thanks to our growing community of families, students, partners and supporters, the year 2021 was filled with new and growing programs, outstanding achievements f rom our amazing students, and a lot of wonderful learning!

How we build fairness and equity into our fee structure

Our goal is for our fees to be fair, equitable, consistent and accessible; this post helps to explain how we achieve that.

TELUS Talks | Supporting kids with learning differences: Rachel Forbes

2021: A year of growth and transformation

Join us as we reflect on the successes, learnings and achievements of 2021, all made possible by our families, students and supporters!

LDS Launches Early Intervention and Education Program

LDS announces their new, groundbreaking
Early RISErs early education and intervention program for children ages 3-5.

LDS Annual Report 2020

Please see our 2020 Annual Report for an overview of our specialized programs, our students’ achievements and our charity’s progress, including highlights from 2021.

LDS Annual Report 2019

Please see our 2019 Annual Report for an overview of our specialized programs, our students’ achievements and our charity’s progress, including highlights from 2020.

LDS 2018 Annual Report

2018 was a groundbreaking year for LDS, as we lay the framework for future growth and sustainability. We are proud to be Vancouver’s primary non-profit service provider for children with Learning Disabilities.