Press Release: LDS Announces Free Mental Health and Learning Differences Forum

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Charity Provides Support and Tools for Young Learners Disproportionately Impacted by Mental Health Challenges 

Vancouver, May 17, 2023 – In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, LDS (Learning Disabilities Society) is launching a free Mental Health and Learning Differences forum for parents, guardians, caregivers, educators and members of the public. Children and youth with learning disabilities experience significantly higher rates of mental health challenges than their peers.  This is why LDS is on a mission to raise awareness and to provide support, so that each person can reach their full potential.  

“As young people who experience both learning differences and mental health challenges develop, they need an expanding set of tools, support, and self-advocacy skills. Finding these supports can be difficult,” said Rachel Forbes, Executive Director of LDS. “By bringing together experts and those with lived experience in our Mental Health and Learning Differences forum, we can offer accessible resources that are no cost or low cost, including tools, skills, strategies and support to those who support youth with current or potential mental health challenges.”   

“Self-reported data from the Canadian census evidenced that youth with learning differences aged 15-21 years experience higher rates of mental health challenges than their peers, with 46% of male students and 65% of female students impacted. Mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, can be compounded by feelings of shame, stigma and low self-esteem, with students at a greater risk for bullying and social isolation,” said Dr. Jennifer Fane, Director of Education, LDS. “Supporting children and youth in navigating learning and mental health challenges empowers them to recognize their own strengths, gain confidence and achieve lifelong confidence and success inside and outside the classroom, and beyond.”  

The interactive Mental Health and Learning Differences forum will feature experts, advocates and individuals with lived experience and is free to attend. This event is available to the public online and has limited in-person seats. Participating organizations – LDS, Stigma-Free Society, the Foundry and the Boys Club Network – provide services throughout British Columbia.  

• Panellists:
  • Dr. Jennifer Fane, Director of Education, LDS 
  • Lee Laufer, Indigenous Youth Worker, POWER Alternative School  
  • Lyn Heinemann, MSc.OT, Clinical Coordinator, Rehabilitation Services, Foundry BC  
  • Willow MacDonald, Health Advocate and Reality TV Star  
  • Samara Liberman, Programs Manager, Stigma-Free Society  

• Panel host:
  • Walter Mustapich, President of Boys Club Network 

• Thursday, May 25, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm PST  

• Free to attend 

• Virtual, with a select number of in-person spaces available at LDS’s East Vancouver location at 3292 East Broadway. Registration available at https://ldsociety.ca/mental-health-forum/  

Media contact: 

Rachel S. Forbes
Executive Director, LDS
604.345.9129 mobile
604.873.8139 office
ED@ldsociety.ca

About Learning Disabilities Society (LDS):

Founded in 1970, LDS is a nonprofit charity that serves children with suspected or diagnosed learning disabilities by providing customized learning support. LDS’s Research-informed Individualized Student Education (RISE) program enables students to understand their unique strengths and find success in the classroom and beyond. LDS is committed to making high-quality, affordable learning support accessible to all families, regardless of circumstance. Visit https://ldsociety.ca/

References

Aro, T., Eklund, K., Eloranta, A. K., Närhi, V., Korhonen, E., & Ahonen, T. (2019). Associations between childhood learning disabilities and adult-age mental health problems, lack of education, and unemployment. Journal of Learning disabilities, 52(1), 71-83. 

Haft, S. L., Chen, T., LeBlanc, C., Tencza, F., & Hoeft, F. (2019). Impact of mentoring on socio‐emotional and mental health outcomes of youth with learning disabilities and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder. Child and adolescent mental health, 24(4), 318-328. 

Wilson, A. M., Deri Armstrong, C., Furrie, A., & Walcot, E. (2009). The mental health of Canadians with self-reported learning disabilities. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 42(1), 24-40. 

– Rachel S. Forbes, Executive Director

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