
I wouldn’t be who I am today without LDS
Edward shares his story as a recent graduate of RISE TEAM. He previously received one-to-one specialized support and just completed a paid work experience to help prepare him for his future.
Learn MoreBachelor of Arts in English, Master of Christian Studies in Theology
Sara Jane (she/her) is an experienced communications manager and consultant who has led a consulting organization over the past 10 years. Sara Jane graduated with distinction with her Bachelor of Arts in English from McMaster University. She went on to complete a Master of Christian Studies with a major in Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, BC.
Over the past 20 years, Sara Jane has honed her creative, strategic, and problem-solving skills. She brought a passion and focus on communications to all her work. She was an integral part of a team that designed consultative processes and curricula for many churches and denominational systems across North America.
Sara Jane is also a parent of young people with learning differences. She has a wealth of experience navigating the education system and finding the best learning assistance for her children. She is energized by helping equip others with unique learning needs with the tools they need to thrive.
While raising her family, Sara Jane has been actively involved in her community. She volunteers with her local school, sings and is a local fitness leader. Sara Jane has also traveled around the world competing with her local Dragonboat team.
Edward shares his story as a recent graduate of RISE TEAM. He previously received one-to-one specialized support and just completed a paid work experience to help prepare him for his future.
Learn MoreGet outside and explore your neighbourhood with this downloadable spring treasure hunt for your family.
Learn MoreSuggested reading or podcasts from LDS’ Becky Bishop. This post features three amazing podcasts by intersectional, neurodiverse content creators.
Learn MoreWhat are learning disabilities, and how are they diagnosed? Learn about learning disabilities and other developmental disabilities. LDS uses a strengths-based approach so, with the proper support, individuals with learning differences can thrive.
Learn MoreWhat can we learn from recent data about how common learning disabilities are in Canada? This article helps make sense of the data and exposes how important it is to promote early assessment and intervention of learning disabilities.
Learn MoreLDS works with leading researchers in social robotics. We research and apply the best ways to support students with learning disabilities. Learn about new research on Social Robotics and student engagement.
Learn MoreLearn more in this short article about EF skills and how LDS works with our learners and their families to support the ongoing development of EF skills.
Learn MoreWe 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!!
Learn MoreHave you experienced a challenge or frustration in navigating the education system as a person with or parent of a person with a disability in BC? If so, you are not alone.
Learn MoreOne 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.
Learn MoreThanks 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!
Learn MoreDyslexia is a learning difference that is neurobiological in nature, makes reading difficult, and may also interfere with recognizing, spelling, writing, and decoding words. Learn to spot the signs that your child may have dyslexia.
Learn MoreDyslexia is a learning difference that is neurobiological in nature, makes reading difficult, and may also interfere with recognizing, spelling, writing, and decoding words. Learn to spot the signs that your child may have dyslexia.
Learn MoreDyslexia is a learning difference that is neurobiological in nature, makes reading difficult, and may also interfere with recognizing, spelling, writing, and decoding words. Learn to spot the signs that your child may have dyslexia.
Learn MoreDyslexia is a learning difference that is neurobiological in nature, makes reading difficult, and may also interfere with recognizing, spelling, writing, and decoding words. Learn to spot the signs that your child may have dyslexia.
Learn MoreDyslexia is a learning difference that is neurobiological in nature, makes reading difficult, and may also interfere with recognizing, spelling, writing, and decoding words. Learn to spot the signs that your child may have dyslexia.
Learn MoreOctober is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to advocate for support for individuals with dyslexia, which is the most common of all neuro-cognitive disorders, affects 20% of the population, and represents 80–90% of all those with learning differences.
Learn MoreNavigating big transitions, such as starting highschool or a new school year, brings added challenges for young people who are neurodiverse, have ADHD, or experience learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. For these groups of young people, executive functioning skills often require extra support to develop in a resilient way.
Learn MoreThe Fall 2022 Education Edition of BC Parent magazine is out, and it features a highly informative and inspiring article by Dr. Jennifer Fane, Director of Education at LDS. In it, Jennifer helps parents/guardians better understand learning disabilities and learning differences, guiding them on how to follow their hunch if they suspect that their child might have a learning difference. She offers a snapshot of what a student with a learning difference might experience in the BC school system, advises readers on how to work collaboratively with their child’s school, and shares information on where to access additional learning support.
Learn MoreIt’s been three months since Hallie, a 16-year-old high-school student from Fawkes Academy in Burnaby, was last at our East Vancouver Learning Centre, and a lot has happened since then. She is one of two RISE TEAM participants who, after having volunteered as junior leaders, were offered employment as Learning Centre Assistants last Fall. Hallie additionally had the opportunity to be part of the Early RISErs team as a Program Assistant. Working between 5-15 hours a week, she not only honed her professional skills but also worked on her interpersonal and social media skills and built confidence
Learn MoreThere’s always something new happening here at LDS. We are launching two new programs this spring—RISE TEAM and Spring Break Camps—and celebrating Black History Month, Staff Appreciation Week, and Pink Shirt Day.
Learn MoreThere’s always something new happening here at LDS. We are launching two new programs this spring—RISE TEAM and Spring Break Camps—and celebrating Black History Month, Staff Appreciation Week, and Pink Shirt Day.
Learn MoreLearn more about Harkla, a calming weighted blanket, and how LDS families can access this assistive technology for free!
Learn MoreWe are pleased to be attending and presenting our recent research at the 14th International DCD Conference, hosted by University of British Columbia’s Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy from July 6-9, 2022. Our Director of Education, Dr. Jenn Fane, will share with attendees the aim, details, and successes of our interdisciplinary early intervention program, Early RISErs, for children aged 3-5.
Learn MoreLearn more about MindMeister, a mindmapping platform and how LDS families can access this assistive technology for free!
Learn MoreOur goal is for our fees to be fair, equitable, consistent and accessible; this post helps to explain how we achieve that.
Learn MoreLearn more about Live It Earth, an interactive online learning platform, and how LDS families can access this assistive technology for free!
Learn MoreLearn more about FocusCalm, an EEG headband and app that helps you control your mindset, and how LDS families can access this assistive technology for free!
Learn MoreOur goal is for our fees to be fair, equitable, consistent and accessible; this post helps to explain how we achieve that.
Learn MoreThere’s always something new happening here at LDS. We are launching two new programs this spring—RISE TEAM and Spring Break Camps—and celebrating Black History Month, Staff Appreciation Week, and Pink Shirt Day.
Learn MoreLearn more about Oculus Quest, a virtual reality headset used to engage students, and how LDS families can access this assistive technology for free!
Learn MoreThis post is dedicated to the most common questions and concerns we see and hear from families with young children, and the ways in which families are able to receive support for these challenges in our Early RISErs program.
Learn MoreBeeLine Reader is an assistive software that helps readers get through large blocks of texts and reduces screen fatigue—important for students with learning differences!
Learn MoreFebruary was Inclusive Education month; we’ve taken the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to making our programs and educational practices increasingly inclusive.
Learn MoreLearn more about Muse 2, a meditation app and device, and how LDS families can access this assistive technology for free!
Learn MoreThere’s always something new happening here at LDS. We are launching two new programs this spring—RISE TEAM and Spring Break Camps—and celebrating Black History Month, Staff Appreciation Week, and Pink Shirt Day.
Learn MoreRISE at Home provides expert, customized support to students with learning difference across Canada
Learn MoreJoin us as we reflect on the successes, learnings and achievements of 2021, all made possible by our families, students and supporters!
Learn MoreLDS announces their new, groundbreaking
Early RISErs early education and intervention program for children ages 3-5.
No matter where you are in the classroom, Front Row Juno lets you hear the teacher loud and clear. Learn more about this amazing assistive technology!
Learn MoreThere’s always something new happening here at LDS. We are launching two new programs this spring—RISE TEAM and Spring Break Camps—and celebrating Black History Month, Staff Appreciation Week, and Pink Shirt Day.
Learn MoreThe LDS mission is to empower all children with learning differences to recognize their unique strengths and develop the tools to achieve lifelong confidence and success. One way we do this is by helping teens with learning differences increase their graduation rates, skills, and work opportunities through our RISE TEAM program.
Learn MoreGrammarly makes writing easier. Learn more about this amazing assistive technology!
Learn MoreThere’s always something new happening here at LDS. We are launching two new programs this spring—RISE TEAM and Spring Break Camps—and celebrating Black History Month, Staff Appreciation Week, and Pink Shirt Day.
Learn MoreAs learning and teaching theories evolve over time, LDS conducts ongoing research to stay current on the most effective, research- and evidence-based methodologies and programs.
Learn MoreAs interns and now as staff, LDS brought Antra and Rie together and provided a space for them to learn, grow, and do meaningful work. Learn about their experiences in our latest Mission Maker blog.
Learn MoreOn a world stage, it’s a given that 2020’s defining feature was the COVID-19 pandemic. I am
exceedingly proud that, despite the pervasive impact of the pandemic, we did not let it define
LDS.
C-Pen ReaderPen is a scanning tool that helps struggling readers. Learn more about this amazing assistive technology!
Learn MoreThere are many assistive technologies available, and investigating the quality and effectiveness of these educational tools is part of Mike’s job at LDS. “I like to think that my role is to help our instructors and families access well-researched assistive technologies.”
Learn MoreTexthelp’s Read&Write is a software toolbar that can help students with learning differences overcome learning challenges. Learn more about this amazing assistive technology!
Learn MoreAs LDS celebrates our 50th year of transforming lives through learning, we are focusing on doing our part to make the world a better place. We believe this can be accomplished by building community.
Learn MoreHave you ever wanted to take a ride with Ms. Frizzle on the Magic School Bus? Well, LDS is thrilled to announce the next best thing: LDS Access, a clean-energy mini-bus! LDS Access is Canada’s first electric mobile classroom service!
Learn More“Growing up, I knew I wanted to work with children and youth in a supportive capacity so they can receive the support I had too,” says Emma, a Remedial Instructor at LDS and this month’s Mission Maker.
Learn MoreLDS Launches Mobile Classroom Service, Providing Learning Support Access to Kids Most in Need
Learn MoreLexilight is a reading-aid desk lamp that can significantly reduce symptoms of dyslexia when reading printed texts. Learn more about this amazing assistive technology!
Learn MoreMeet this month’s #MissionMaker, Remedial Instructor Cynthia. Before joining the LDS team, she had worked with students with autism and remembered the feeling of making a difference through her work. “It’s fun, always changing, allows me to be creative, and is challenging.”
Learn MoreCreating structured at-home learning for your child while schools are closed can be a real challenge. Here are 5 simple steps you can use to make home learning a success.
Learn MoreRemedial Instructor Kaleigh has a background in the arts, a teaching degree, and is pursuing an acting career. Her many pursuits add value to her work at LDS because they help her relate to our students.
Learn MoreWe are angered and profoundly saddened at the discovery of the undocumented loss of the lives of 215 Indigenous children at the site of the former Kamloops Residential School and on the territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation. While the stories of trauma, abuse, and terror Residential Schooling inflicted on Indigenous children, their families, and community continue to come to light, these discoveries are acutely painful reminders of the complex ongoing and intergenerational consequences of colonialism. Much truth remains to be told before we can move towards meaningful reconciliation.
Learn MoreThere’s always something new happening here at LDS. We are launching two new programs this spring—RISE TEAM and Spring Break Camps—and celebrating Black History Month, Staff Appreciation Week, and Pink Shirt Day.
Learn MoreThe centrepiece of our AT Studio, SMART Technologies’ SMART Board is an industry-leading interactive display whiteboard that offers tools for LDS instructors to take their teaching to the next level.
Learn MoreTogether, TutorCruncher and LessonSpace are user friendly, high-quality, secure and interactive—giving our kids, families and instructors the best experience possible.
Learn MoreLearn the details of our RISE one-to-one instruction program and how to apply now!
Learn More“I didn’t know I wanted to work for a nonprofit organization,” says Sarah. She just knew she wanted work that aligned with her desire to create systems change.
Learn MoreIn May 2021, Stuti, an education assistant (EA) student, joined LDS for her practicum. “I had ideas of what the common challenges of autism were, but I didn’t know in-depth,” says Stuti. “I am more excited now for being an EA.”
Learn MoreAssistive technologies are software and hardware tools designed to maintain or improve the functional capabilities of a person with a disability, including a learning difference. Our Assistive Technology Studio is a space for our students to use these tools to enhance their learning.
Learn MoreThere’s always something new happening here at LDS. We are launching two new programs this spring—RISE TEAM and Spring Break Camps—and celebrating Black History Month, Staff Appreciation Week, and Pink Shirt Day.
Learn MoreThe greatest accomplishment is when Anotidaishe sees her students grow their self-confidence and overcome the challenges they face. Anotidaishe tells her students, “Who you are is not what society says you are, but really the gem that is what’s inside of you.”
Learn MoreThanks to our Change Makers, we raised over $45,000 for our COVID Catch-up Fund!
Learn MoreThere’s always something new happening here at LDS. We are launching two new programs this spring—RISE TEAM and Spring Break Camps—and celebrating Black History Month, Staff Appreciation Week, and Pink Shirt Day.
Learn MorePlease see our 2020 Annual Report for an overview of our specialized programs, our students’ achievements and our charity’s progress, including highlights from 2021.
Learn MoreToday, the Learning Disabilities Society (LDS) announced a partnership with the University of Waterloo’s Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Laboratory (SIRRL) to study the potential for assistive robot technology incorporation in remedial programs for children with special needs including learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental challenges such as ADHD, and speech language impairments.
Learn MoreMay is Speech and Hearing Month, so we thought it was the perfect time to check in with Melissa “Mel” Henderson, our Learning Support Manager.
Learn MoreMay 7th is National Child and Youth Mental Health Day across Canada. This year, LDS has taken strides to include mental health wellness and advocacy into our day camp programming.
Learn MoreThere’s always something new happening here at LDS. We are launching two new programs this spring—RISE TEAM and Spring Break Camps—and celebrating Black History Month, Staff Appreciation Week, and Pink Shirt Day.
Learn MoreThere’s always something new happening here at LDS. We are launching two new programs this spring—RISE TEAM and Spring Break Camps—and celebrating Black History Month, Staff Appreciation Week, and Pink Shirt Day.
Learn More“I hope I can give them a transformative learning experience, and they can use the tools and strategies I teach them in their lives outside of LDS, and that can make a difference in their confidence and self-autonomy.” — June, Remedial Instructor
Learn MoreOur sincerest condolences to the North Vancouver and Lynn Valley communities affected by this past weekend’s tragedy.
Learn More“I don’t think any child should go without, especially because of money, so if we can help, that’s incredible.”—Claire, Program Manager
Learn MoreThere’s always something new happening here at LDS. We are launching two new programs this spring—RISE TEAM and Spring Break Camps—and celebrating Black History Month, Staff Appreciation Week, and Pink Shirt Day.
Learn MoreLDS is lucky to have so many excellent and unique instructors to match with our students. One of these instructors, Rachel Y., is not only calm, patient, and kindhearted, she also brings a holistic outlook to her approach to remedial instruction.
Learn MoreFebruary marks Black History Month (BHM), but historical injustices, like systemic racism and oppression, are ongoing issues. As a charity that exists to serve all children and youth with learning differences, we are continually doing what we can to dismantle the internal and external systems that pose barriers to students.
Learn MoreEach month, our blog series “Mission Makers” features the story of a staff member. This month, Alice tells us that her favourite part of working at LDS is interacting with the kids.
Learn MoreThrough your kind generosity, our 2020 RISE to the Challenge raised an amazing $181,461 from 214 donors!
Learn MoreNeed help finding useful educational resources for at-home online learning? Here are our favourites!
Learn MoreEach month, our new blog series “Mission Makers” will feature the story of a staff member. This month, Sierra explains how her experience as a parent of a child with a learning difference led her to LDS.
Learn MoreWe cannot afford to have these kids fall through the cracks. Now is the time to make sure they know that they are superheroes!
Learn MoreToday, the Learning Disabilities Society (LDS) announced a partnership with the University of Waterloo’s Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Laboratory (SIRRL) to study the potential for assistive robot technology incorporation in remedial programs for children with special needs including learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental challenges such as ADHD, and speech language impairments.
Learn MoreToday, the Learning Disabilities Society (LDS) announced the launch of its RISE Assistive Technology Program (RISE-AT) which incorporates an impressive collection of leading-edge assistive technology hardware and software tools to assist children and youth with learning disabilities and social-emotional challenges.
Learn MorePlease see our 2019 Annual Report for an overview of our specialized programs, our students’ achievements and our charity’s progress, including highlights from 2020.
Learn MoreRegistration for PEERS, a world-renowned social skills program for young teens, is now open for our 2021 group!
Learn MoreThe year 2019 marked an important time for Learning Disabilities Society. Drawing from the latest research and our own gathered data, we enhanced our educational programming to better meet the needs of each individual student.
Learn MoreLDS is pleased to announce our new programming to address the need for social skills intervention!
Learn MoreDo you know someone with a learning difference? Would you like to understand how they experience the world?
Learn MoreLDS is thrilled to announce that we are now able to offer referrals for psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations to some of our families!
Learn MoreStory Adventure Club is a new program that helps children ages 7-9 connect and build relationships by working on social communication skills. Starting November 2020!
Learn MoreLearn how a Registered Disabilities Savings Plan can help you prepare for your child’s future.
Learn MoreThis October, the Learning Disabilities Society invites you to join us as we #GoRedForDyslexia.
Learn MoreCamp Co-Directors Mel and Sarah reflect on their first year of LDS Summer Camps
Learn MoreErin Roberts, Summer Camps Lead Instructor, is responsible for creating and delivering the curriculum for RISE and Tell and she sits down with me virtually to fill me in on her experience.
Learn MoreLDS is now certified to offer PEERS®—the only evidence-based teen social skills program in the world!
Learn MoreFor the first time, LDS offered RISE Summer Camps specially designed for kids with learning differences. We chatted with Matt Tikkanen to find out what the Summer Camp experience has been like from an instructor perspective.
Learn MoreWe stand in solidarity with #BlackOutTuesday. Here’s why.
Learn MoreInformation about our summer camps, summer programming, new adult programming, RISE swag, and more.
Learn MoreCreating structured at-home learning for your child while schools are closed can be a real challenge. Here are 5 simple steps you can use to make home learning a success.
Learn MoreCreating structured at-home learning for your child while schools are closed can be a real challenge. Here are 5 simple steps you can use to make home learning a success.
Learn MoreLDS welcomes Melissa Sager to the team as our new Associate Director of Learning Support.
Learn MoreLDS is excited to announce that Interim Executive Director Rachel Forbes is staying on as LDS’ permanent Executive Director.
Learn MoreInspired by the message and goals—and success!—of our #100Kfor100Kids Winter Fundraising Campaign, one generous LDS donor has established a new $50,000 Nitikman/Chan Trust Fund for LDS.
Learn MoreWe’re excited to announce that our $100K for 100 Kids Winter Fundraising Campaign was a tremendous success. With your generous support, we were able to raise an incredible $129,705!
Learn MoreAll parents home school. And, in fact, even if parents send their children off to school to learn, they are almost singlehandedly the only factor that matters in their kids’ educational success.
Learn More2018 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.
Learn More