Sara Jane R. Walker

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.

Spring Treasure Hunt

Get outside and explore your neighbourhood with this downloadable spring treasure hunt for your family.

Intersectional Neurodiversity Podcasts 

Suggested reading or podcasts from LDS’ Becky Bishop. This post features three amazing podcasts by intersectional, neurodiverse content creators.

Learning Disabilities and Learning Differently 

What 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.

How Common are Learning Disabilities? 

What 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.

Social Robotics Enhances Student Engagement

LDS 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.  

What are Executive Function skills and how can you improve them?  

Learn 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.  

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!!

Accessible Education in BC – Disability Forum

Have 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.

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.

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!

Assistive technology for dyslexia and ADHD

Dyslexia 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.

How to identify dyslexia in adults, and get tailored learning support to succeed!

Dyslexia 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.

What can assessments and the dyslexia index tell me about my child’s learning needs?

Dyslexia 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.

ADHD signs and support

Dyslexia 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.

Understanding dyslexia: What it is and how to recognize the signs

Dyslexia 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.

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month!

October 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.

Supporting School Transitions for Tweens and Teens, the Heart-Mind Way

Navigating 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.

BC Parent Magazine | Specialized Learning Support for Kids with Learning Differences Builds Confidence and Self-esteem at School and Beyond: Dr. Jennifer Fane

The 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.

Catching Up with Hallie, a RISE TEAM Graduate

It’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

ARISE Newsletter October 2022

There’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.

ARISE Newsletter August 2022

There’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.

Assistive Technology: Harkla

Learn more about Harkla, a calming weighted blanket, and how LDS families can access this assistive technology for free!

LDS presents recent research at the 14th International Development Coordination Disorder (DCD) Conference

We 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.

Assistive Technology: MindMeister

Learn more about MindMeister, a mindmapping platform and how LDS families can access this assistive technology for free!

Inclusive Language Toolkit from Stigma-Free Society

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

Assistive Technology: Live It Earth

Learn more about Live It Earth, an interactive online learning platform, and how LDS families can access this assistive technology for free!

Assistive Technology: FocusCalm

Learn 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!

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.

ARISE Newsletter April 2022

There’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.

TELUS Talks | Supporting kids with learning differences: Rachel Forbes

Assistive Technology: Oculus Quest

Learn more about Oculus Quest, a virtual reality headset used to engage students, and how LDS families can access this assistive technology for free!

Is my child ready for school? What else can I do to prepare them?

This 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.

Assistive Technology: BeeLine Reader

BeeLine Reader is an assistive software that helps readers get through large blocks of texts and reduces screen fatigue—important for students with learning differences!

LDS values inclusive education

February was Inclusive Education month; we’ve taken the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to making our programs and educational practices increasingly inclusive.

Assistive Technology: Muse 2

Learn more about Muse 2, a meditation app and device, and how LDS families can access this assistive technology for free!

ARISE Newsletter January 2022

There’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.

Top 5 reasons your child with learning differences needs LDS’s specialized online learning support – RISE at Home

RISE at Home provides expert, customized support to students with learning difference across Canada

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!

Press Release: LDS Launches Early Intervention and Education Program

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

Assistive Technology: Front Row Juno

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!

ARISE Newsletter December 2021

There’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.

RISE TEAM: LDS’ Pre-employment program success!

The 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.

Assistive Technology: Grammarly

Grammarly makes writing easier. Learn more about this amazing assistive technology!

ARISE Newsletter November 2021

There’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.

LDS’s research-informed approach provides customized remedial programming that effectively meets student needs

As 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.

Mission Makers: Antra and Rie—LDS Interns and a Whole Lot More

As 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.

2020 Annual Report

On 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.

Assistive Technology: C-Pen ReaderPen

C-Pen ReaderPen is a scanning tool that helps struggling readers. Learn more about this amazing assistive technology!

Mission Makers: Mike—helping families use assistive technology

There 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.”

Assistive Technology: Texthelp Read&Write

Texthelp’s Read&Write is a software toolbar that can help students with learning differences overcome learning challenges. Learn more about this amazing assistive technology!

Join Our Community!

As 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.

LDS Access: Our Very Own “Magic School Bus” Comes to LDS!

Have 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!

Mission Makers: Emma—giving back the support she received

“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.

Press Release: LDS Launches Mobile Classroom Service, Providing Learning Support Access to Kids Most in Need

LDS Launches Mobile Classroom Service, Providing Learning Support Access to Kids Most in Need

Assistive Technology: Lexilife’s Lexilight

Lexilight is a reading-aid desk lamp that can significantly reduce symptoms of dyslexia when reading printed texts. Learn more about this amazing assistive technology!

Mission Makers: Cynthia—making a difference through her work

Meet 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.”

Press Release: Vancouver Charity Expands Individualized Learning Support Services For Students Across B.C. with Learning Differences

Creating 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.

Mission Makers: Kaleigh—providing play-based and arts-informed teaching

Remedial 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.

LDS stands in recognition of the ongoing legacy of colonialism and Residential Schools in Canada

We 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.

ARISE Newsletter August 2021

There’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.

Assistive Technology: SMART Technologies’ SMART Board

The 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.

How RISE at Home offers the highest quality online instruction experience

Together, TutorCruncher and LessonSpace are user friendly, high-quality, secure and interactive—giving our kids, families and instructors the best experience possible.

RISE one-to-one instruction is now open for applications!

Learn the details of our RISE one-to-one instruction program and how to apply now!

Mission Makers: Sarah—creating community at LDS

“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.

Mission Maker: Stuti—practicum student experiences LDS

In 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.”

Our Assistive Technology Studio—a supportive space to enhance the learning experience for our students

Assistive 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.

ARISE Newsletter June 2021

There’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.

Mission Makers: Anotidaishe—finding the gem inside each student

The 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.”

Thank you, Change Makers!

Thanks to our Change Makers, we raised over $45,000 for our COVID Catch-up Fund!

ARISE Newsletter May 2021

There’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.

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.

Vancouver Charity Offers a Specially Designed Intensive Intervention Program to Support Students with Learning Differences in ‘Getting Ahead’ before the 2021-2022 School Year

Today, 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.

Mission Makers: Mel—a family struggle and a love for theatre spark an interest in Speech Sciences

May is Speech and Hearing Month, so we thought it was the perfect time to check in with Melissa “Mel” Henderson, our Learning Support Manager.

Spring Break Camp Review—Focusing on Mental Health with Stigma-Free Society

May 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.

ARISE Newsletter April 2021

There’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.

ARISE Newsletter March 2021

There’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.

Mission Makers: June—providing a transformative learning experience for students

“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

LDS Sends Love and Strength to North Vancouver

Our sincerest condolences to the North Vancouver and Lynn Valley communities affected by this past weekend’s tragedy.

Mission Makers: Claire—advocating for accessibility

“I don’t think any child should go without, especially because of money, so if we can help, that’s incredible.”—Claire, Program Manager

ARISE Newsletter February 2021

There’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.

Mission Makers: Rachel Y.—a holistic approach to remedial instruction

LDS 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.

Black History Month at LDS

February 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.

Welcome Catholic Educators!

Mission Makers: Alice—connecting with kids!

Each 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.

ARISE Newsletter January 2021

2020 RISE to the Challenge—your contributions will transform over 180 lives!

Through your kind generosity, our 2020 RISE to the Challenge raised an amazing $181,461 from 214 donors!

ARISE Newsletter December 2020

Online Learning Tools and Resources for At-Home Study *updated Dec 2020

Need help finding useful educational resources for at-home online learning? Here are our favourites!

Mission Makers: Sierra—propelled by her experience as a parent

Each 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.

Will You RISE to the Challenge with Us?

We cannot afford to have these kids fall through the cracks. Now is the time to make sure they know that they are superheroes!

The Learning Disabilities Society Partners with the University of Waterloo to Study the Benefits of Social Robot Interaction with Children with Learning Disabilities

Today, 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.

Local Charity Provides Children with Learning Disabilities Access to Leading Edge Assistive Technologies to Help Them Excel in School and Life

Today, 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.

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.

PEERS Registration Now Open!

Registration for PEERS, a world-renowned social skills program for young teens, is now open for our 2021 group!

2019 Annual Report

The 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.

Info Night on November 10th: Discover our New Program to Help Kids Make and Keep Friends

LDS is pleased to announce our new programming to address the need for social skills intervention!

Walk a Mile in My Shoes Workshop on November 16th

Do you know someone with a learning difference? Would you like to understand how they experience the world?

ARISE Newsletter October 2020

UBC and LDS collaboration brings affordable, accessible psychoeducational assessments to students

LDS is thrilled to announce that we are now able to offer referrals for psychoeducational and neuropsychological evaluations to some of our families!

Story Adventure Club – register for our 6 week SLP-led program

Story 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!

RDSP: What You Need to Know about Registered Disability Savings Plans

Learn how a Registered Disabilities Savings Plan can help you prepare for your child’s future.

Go Red for Dyslexia

This October, the Learning Disabilities Society invites you to join us as we #GoRedForDyslexia.

Summer Camp Reflections: That’s a Wrap!

Camp Co-Directors Mel and Sarah reflect on their first year of LDS Summer Camps

Summer Camp Reflections: Freaking Out About Science!

Summer Camp Reflections: A Day in the Life of an LDS Summer Camp Amateur Author

Erin 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.

ARISE Newsletter Summer 2020

World’s only evidence-based social skills program for teens to launch at LDS this winter

LDS is now certified to offer PEERS®—the only evidence-based teen social skills program in the world!

How SAP’s Social Sabbatical Project Team Helped Us Solve our Data Dilemma

RISE Summer Camps Series: Reflections on the emotional investment of our camp counsellors

For 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.

Our commitment to standing up against racism and injustice.

We stand in solidarity with #BlackOutTuesday. Here’s why.

ARISE Newsletter May 2020

Information about our summer camps, summer programming, new adult programming, RISE swag, and more.

ARISE Newsletter April 2020

Press Release: Children With Learning Disabilities Can Learn At Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic Thanks to a New Online Platform 

Creating 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.

Make Home Learning a Success in 5 Simple Steps

Creating 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.

ARISE Newsletter March 2020

COVID-19: LDS’s proactive measures and updates

LDS Welcomes New Associate Director of Learning Support, Melissa Sager

LDS welcomes Melissa Sager to the team as our new Associate Director of Learning Support.

Meet Our New Executive Director, Rachel Forbes

LDS is excited to announce that Interim Executive Director Rachel Forbes is staying on as LDS’ permanent Executive Director.

New LDS Trust Fund Established

Inspired 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.

100K for 100 Kids Raises $129,705

We’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!

How to Help Your Child Set Goals in 2020

10 Ways to Help Your Kids With Their Homework

All 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.

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.