Get Involved

LDS can empower children, youth, and adults with learning differences to recognize their unique strengths and develop the tools to achieve lifelong independence, confidence, and success because of our dedicated team of education professionals, parents, generous donors, board members and volunteers.

Donate

Your support and giving allow children with LDs to build confidence, learn how to learn with their difference, and increase their chances of succeeding in school and life.

Volunteer

Volunteering is about becoming involved in a meaningful way. It is about how we can do our parts to make sure all kids have equal opportunities.

Careers

We are seeking new skills, energy and talent to continue to grow our team and deepen our impact.

https://ldsociety.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GirlStudyingwithHeadphones.jpg

Contact Us

We believe that every individual should be empowered to achieve greatness their way.

Our Partners

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital PEARL

Visit their website

UBC Faculty of Education

Visit their website

UBC Psychological Services and Counselling Training Centre

Visit their website

University of Waterloo Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Lab

Visit their website

https://ldsociety.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/img-blob-5.svg

https://ldsociety.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Educators.jpg

Educators

LDS offers resources, workshops and consultation to educators and professionals who would like to enhance their understanding of how to best serve and support diverse learners.

Annual Reports

three learners, one teen, one child and one adult smiling confidently at camera

2024 Annual Report

In 2024, we experienced a remarkable year of continued growth in outreach, our professional team, and inspiring academic and personal achievements from our dedicated learners. Thank you to all our community of families, learners, partners, and supporters for contributing your time, talent, and treasure; it is an honour to serve you and our mission!

a girl and boy with boggles in a classroom

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!

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!

LDS 2021 Annual Report graphic

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!

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 graphic

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.

Stories

kid in forest with eyes closed and headphones on

Supporting Diverse Sensory Needs

Did you know that everyone has a unique sensory profile? Learn about the eight senses, how our team is using new sensory toolkits, and get a free handout to reflect on your own or your child’s sensory profile.

ADHD Brain

If you missed this live workshop, you can watch the full recording below and gain a deeper understanding of how ADHD affects attention, information processing, and daily functioning.

Supporting Learners Through Conflict or Peer Miscommunication

Children may struggle with expectations and often need support to express their needs, regulate themselves after conflict, and maintain emotional safety and autonomy. Explore strategies for guiding learners through peer conflict in neuroaffirming ways.

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.

woman in mask at a table cutting wood

Shaping the Future: How Skills for Trades Benefits Employers

Learn how Skills fro Trades benefits employers. Skills for Trades is a vocationally focused adult program tailored to skilled trades apprentices and workers to achieve their vocational, learning, and life goals.

DCD? What’s that?

Learn about DCD, a lifelong condition affecting 5–6% of people that makes everyday motor tasks challenging. This Awareness Week reminds us that understanding and support help those with DCD thrive.

boy with baseball glove sitting behind fence

Making Exclusion Visible – National Exclusion Tracker

Learn about the Exclusion Tracker, now available to families across Canada. Begun as a grassroots movement in BC, the tracker is a voice for families to be heard, ensuring that exclusion is not hidden but transformed into change.

child with doodled questions behind them on a blackboard

Empowering Learners Through Self-Regulated Learning

Learning is most impactful when students are empowered to take ownership of their growth. That’s why we’re investing in one of the most promising approaches in educational research today: self-regulated learning (SRL). Learn more about SRL and our partnership with UBC.

boy in classroom smiling at camera

4 Ways to Support Your Child’s Mental Health Now

If your child struggles with reading, writing, math, focus, or organization, and doubts their abilities, they need support that nurtures their confidence and mental wellness. Here are four ways you can support your child’s mental health now.

In the Press

December 10, 2025 – The holidays can be overwhelming for neurodivergent children. Learn. Develop. Succeed. Executive Director Rachel S. Forbes spoke with CityNews about strategies to make the season more sensory-friendly. A parent from the Learn. Develop. Succeed. community shared how small adjustments, like quiet spaces and predictable routines, help their child enjoy the holidays.

September 3, 2025 – We are proud to share that Learn. Develop. Succeed. was featured on CTV Vancouver News at Six, showcasing the launch of Ascend, our three-storey mural by acclaimed artist Carson Ting. The piece celebrates neurodiversity, resilience, and community pride, and marks the kickoff of our #ProudMinds campaign. This recognition highlights the importance of creating spaces where neurodiverse learners can grow, flourish, and be celebrated.

August 21, 2025 – We are proud to share that our Senior Manager of Youth and Adult Programs, Becky Bishop, was featured on CityNews Vancouver, highlighting our work with neurodiverse learners. As one of only 30 organizations across Canada to receive a 2025 Rogers Youth Grant, this recognition celebrates the impact of our programs and the dedication of our team, families, and community partners.

June 27, 2025 – BC Business featured LDS’s new Skills for Trades: RISE to Work program and spoke with Executive Director Rachel Forbes about the urgent need for inclusive training pathways in the skilled trades. The program supports neurodivergent adults with personalized, flexible learning to help them succeed in trades careers. With over 100,000 trades jobs opened in BC in the last decade and more on the way, programs like this are key to building a stronger, more diverse workforce.

June 16, 2025 – A compelling conversation on community support, systemic barriers to neurodivergent individuals, and success stories from LDS’ Becky Bishop, Senior Manager, Youth and Adult Programs. Becky made a special appearance on this episode of The Neurodiversity Podcast.

June 14, 2025 – Radio-Canada a présenté un reportage de Monia Blanchet sur les défis liés à la fin d’année scolaire pour les élèves neurodivergents. Rachel Forbes, directrice générale de la Learning Disabilities Society, et Trish Schachtel, mère d’un enfant neurodivergent, y soulignent l’importance d’un soutien spécialisé pour favoriser la réussite de ces élèves. Radio-Canada featured a story by Monia Blanchet on the challenges neurodivergent students face at the end of the school year. LDS Executive Director Rachel Forbes and parent Trish Schachtel highlighted the need for specialized support to help these learners succeed.

June 10, 2025 – Executive Director Rachel Forbes was interviewed on Mornings with Simi about the end of the school year and the ongoing need for support for neurodivergent students in BC schools. Rachel shared about the growing challenges for families, accessible assessments, and how with more specialized learning support we can see all students grow in confidence and rise to meet the challenges ahead.

June 9, 2025 – On the Coast host, Amy Bell, interviewed Executive Director Rachel Forbes and Trish Schachtel about the end of the school year and the ongoing need for support for neurodivergent students in BC schools. This challenging and inspiring interview highlighted the growing need across the province for specialized learning support so we can see all students grow in confidence and rise to meet the challenges ahead.

June 5, 2025 – CityNews interviewed Executive Director Rachel Forbes and Jocelyn Fernandez about the end of the school year and the ongoing need for support for neurodivergent students in BC schools. LDS is supporting hundreds of learners with complex needs across the province, and the need is growing. More support is needed so we can see all students grow in confidence and rise to meet the challenges ahead.