In the Press

Sharing about our programs, services, and initiatives is an opportunity to advocate for our learners and share our mission more broadly. Check out recent press releases and media spotlights below.

Press Releases

children with backpacks walking to school

Back-to-School Anxiety Can Be Hard to Spot: What Parents of Young Learners Should Know

Back-to-school anxiety can be easy to miss, especially for children with learning differences. Learn the signs parents can watch for and practical ways to help children feel more confident, understood, and supported as they return to school.

Learn. Develop. Succeed. Becomes Lightwell Learning on September 2, 2026

Our name has changed, but the people, expertise, programs, and commitment behind our work are not. Lightwell Learning reflects more than five decades of expertise and a growing commitment to making exceptional, personalized learning support accessible to more learners.

Girl and instructor reading a book together

Experts Warn of Summer Learning Loss—Tutoring Helps Neurodivergent Students Stay on Track

As families plan for summer, experts warn that students can lose up to 40% of their learning gains during the break. Summer Tutoring helps neurodivergent students stay on track—while rebuilding confidence and a positive relationship with learning.

Vancouver Event Highlights Growing Gap in Support for Neurodivergent Learners

“RISE to the Top” returns June 6, uniting families, educators, and advocates to expand access to inclusive education. Building on the success of its inaugural event, which drew hundreds of participants and raised significant funds for bursaries, this year’s event continues to grow in both scale and meaning.

youth in trades training

Helping Neurodivergent Learners Turn Trades Training into Careers

Learn about our new program and scholarships expanding support for neurodivergent learners in the skilled trades, helping them persist through training and achieve certification. By pairing individualized learning supports with financial assistance, these initiatives aim to turn training seats into certified, job-ready workers for B.C.’s growing workforce.

Ditching Perfection: Neuroaffirming Tools Offer a Kinder Start to 2026

Reframe New Year’s resolutions with a neuoaffirming alternative from Learn. Develop. Succeed. Get a downloadable tool to support engaging and playful goals in a supportive way.

child in red hat decorating a christmas tree

Bright Lights, Loud Holidays: How Neurodivergent Families Can Reduce Sensory Stress

The holiday season is often celebrated as the most joyful time of year—but for neurodivergent children, youth, and adults, it can also be overwhelming. Get practical tools to support you and your loved ones this holiday season.

New Mural Shines Light on Province’s Neurodivergent Students

We are tackling stigma head-on and celebrating the brilliance, resilience, and unique strengths of neurodivergent youth. Join us in celebrating #ProudMinds and uplift the contributions of neurodivergent students in our schools and communities.

Helping Young Minds Climb Higher

LDS – Learn. Develop. Succeed is raising awareness and funds in support of neurodivergent children and youth through its inaugural RISE to the Top event at Grouse Mountain on June 15—a community fundraiser to expand access to learning support through its Bright Futures Bursary Fund.

podcast artwork on black burst of light background

Introducing Embrace

LDS introduces a new podcast, Embrace: Journeys in Neurodiversity. This heartfelt podcast series shares the inspiring journey of Mason, a remarkable individual who navigates dyslexia and ADHD.

LDS Announces Free Mental Health and Learning Differences Forum

LDS announces a free mental health and learning differences forum. This interactive forum features experts, advocates and individuals with lived experience.

Two boys smiling and playing with blocks

LDS Launches Early Intervention and Education Program

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

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

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

Now serving students across BC: LDS’s RISE at Home program offers online 1:1 learning support for children with learning differences. Sliding scale fees.

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

The origin of RISE at Home: In March 2020, LDS launched online 1:1 instruction for students with learning differences. Featured on Global, CTV, CKNW.

In the Press

See how our team is sharing programs, services, and advocating for learners acorss BC in the media spotlights below.

July 19, 2026 – Learn. Develop. Succeed. was recently featured on Global News at 6 Calgary following the search for Parker, a young autistic boy from Calgary that has extended into British Columbia. Executive Director Rachel Forbes spoke about neurodiversity, the importance of understanding how autistic and neurodivergent individuals experience and communicate with the world, and how we can create environments where people feel safe, valued, and that they belong. Rachel highlighted the importance of looking beyond behaviour, understanding communication and needs, and approaching situations with empathy and care.

June 22, 2026 – Senior Manager, Communications, Sara Jane R. Walker shared how Learn. Develop. Succeed. supports children, youth, and adults with learning and brain-based differences through a neuroaffirming, individualized approach. The conversation explored our RISE model, including personalized learning plans, dedicated Case Managers, executive functioning and self-regulation coaching, and accessible programming through a sliding fee scale, helping learners build confidence, independence, and lifelong skills.

June 8, 2026 – RISE to the Top 2026 was recently featured on CBC Radio-Canada’s Le Téléjournal, showcasing the impact of the fundraiser and the importance of Learn. Develop. Succeed.’s mission. Ici Radio-Canada Télé reporter William Burr spoke with Executive Director Rachel Forbes, event participants, and Skills for Trades Stuart McCuaig Scholarship recipient Lexi Simms about their experiences with the event, their personal connections to neurodiversity, and what it means to support neurodivergent learners across BC through RISE to the Top.

June 8, 2026 – Our second annual RISE to the Top event was featured on Global News, highlighting the impact of the fundraiser and the importance of Learn. Develop. Succeed.’s mission. Global News reporter Safeeya Pirani spoke with Executive Director Rachel Forbes, event participants, and volunteers about what it means to be part of this inspiring event and how it supports neurodivergent learners across British Columbia.

January 22, 2026 – We were featured on CBC’s The Early Edition with Stephen Quinn, where the conversation spotlighted the urgent need for neuroaffirming supports in skilled trades training. The segment highlighted how we’re helping neurodivergent learners not only access apprenticeship and training seats, but successfully persist through to certification, with our Skills for Trades Program and multi-year scholarship funding, strengthening B.C.’s workforce and ensuring public investments translate into job-ready, highly skilled workers.

January 6, 2026 – Executive Director Rachel S. Forbes joined Jason D’Souza on All Points West to talk about setting New Year’s resolutions especially for neurodivergent individuals. She shared ways to set flexible, achievable goals, like using a bingo card, and emphasized that changing direction or making mistakes is part of learning. Rachel also encouraged building supportive accountability by sharing goals and exploring what truly interests you.

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