In the Press

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.

June 1, 2025 – Neighbours of Edgemont, Dundarave, and Lynn Valley highlighted LDS in their June issue, showcasing our accessible programs and learner-centred approach. As Rachel S. Forbes shares, “We provide safe spaces where it’s okay to be different.” The feature also spotlights our inaugural RISE to the Top event on Grouse Mountain.

February 4, 2025 – BC Parents highlights the available services and resources in British Columbia to support neurodivergent children. LDS is spotlighted as one of several services available for parents, guardians, and educators who want to provide the best environment for neurodivergent children.

November 19, 2024 – Carla Ward interviews Marlo Humiski, Senior Manager, Early Years Programs. The discussion highlights the Early Risers Program, which provides early intervention in a preschool-like setting, engaging families through community partnerships and workshops. With a focus on literacy, numeracy, and fine motor skills, the program includes professional support from specialists and features QT the Robot to aid emotional awareness.

September 5, 2024 – Rachel Forbes, Executive Director at LDS, is interviewed by CBC Daybreak about how kids with learning differences can be supported as they return to school. Rachel shares some of the barriers families face and encourages them to find support as they advocate for the best possible learning for their kids.

January 24, 2024 – Nearly 10% of BC’s population has a learning disorder, with many going undiagnosed until adulthood. Rachel Forbes, Executive Director at LDS, says many families face barriers to access diagnosis support.

December 21, 2023 – BC Doesn’t Know How Kids with Dyslexia Are Doing in School. The province doesn’t track or specifically support students with the most common learning disability.