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

February 10, 2026: B.C. Government Press Release – Supporting children, youth with disabilities with new programs, more funding

We welcome the Government of British Columbia’s announcement introducing BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit, which expands publicly funded services and supports to a wider range of developmental and neurological differences. This shift reflects years of tireless advocacy by interest groups, families and communities who have pushed for a system that is more flexible, equitable, and responsive to real needs.

Broadening access to funding is an important step forward. Families know firsthand that timely, meaningful educational, therapeutic, and community-based supports can significantly influence a child or youth’s confidence, well-being, and long-term outcomes. We recognize the persistence and leadership that made this policy change possible.

At the same time, the announcement raises important concerns about who and how much remains outside this picture.

In the government’s own framing, children and youth with learning disabilities are described as having “milder needs” and are explicitly excluded from estimates of those requiring supports. This language is deeply problematic. Learning disabilities are lifelong neurodevelopmental differences that can profoundly affect academic access, mental health, self-esteem, and a young person’s sense of belonging, particularly in school systems that have not been designed with neurodiversity in mind.

When funding and policy continue to rely on tiered models and ‘severity’ labels, children and youth who can compensate or have developed masking techniques are often overlooked. These learners may not meet eligibility thresholds for intensive supports, yet they expend extraordinary effort simply to keep pace. Over time, this often comes at a high cost: anxiety, burnout, disengagement, diminished confidence, and potentially a history of negative learning experiences.

Equity cannot be achieved if support is reserved only for those who are most visibly struggling or who fit within narrow diagnostic categories. A system that waits for failure before offering help is neither responsive nor sustainable; it is reactive. Children and youth with learning disabilities, and other less visible neurodevelopmental differences, need early, proactive supports that recognize nuanced and not-yet-diagnosed needs, not just labels.

At Learn. Develop. Succeed., we see daily how transformative the right supports can be when they are accessible early and designed around real learning needs. We urge policymakers to continue to address the persistent gaps faced by children and youth with learning and brain-based differences like dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD and more – learners who continue to be functionally invisible in funding and specialized support models within the public education system, despite their very real needs.

Expanding funding through the BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit is progress. Ensuring that all neurodivergent learners are seen, valued, and supported must remain the goal.

What Does This Mean for Learners Using Autism Funding?

We know that transitions in funding programs can feel uncertain, especially for those in our community who rely on them to access essential supports.

Our team is closely monitoring the AFU changes and will continue to stay up to date as more information becomes available. We are committed to understanding what this transition means for families who are directly impacted and to sharing clear updates as we receive them.

At this time, nothing has changed regarding how Learn. Develop. Succeed. bills AFU. Services will continue as usual. If and when any changes affect our AFU families, we will communicate directly and promptly.

Regardless of AFU availability, we offer services on a sliding scale based on household income with our Bright Futures Bursary Fund. Families can access our bursary support when funding from AFU or the BC Children and Youth Disability Benefit has been used up. Our goal is to ensure continuity of support wherever possible.

Children & Youth with Support Needs: Guide for Current Service Recipients

– Rachel S. Forbes, Executive Director

LDS is a community of dedicated professionals who write collaboratively. We recognize the contribution of unnamed team members for their wisdom and input.