Canada’s first dyslexia centre gets a permanent home in Vancouver

Canada’s first centre dedicated to dyslexia support is getting a permanent home in Vancouver, with plans to help families and give educators more tools to support students with learning differences.

Neil Johnston, CEO of the Centre for Dyslexia, said the organization wants to address gaps that can leave children struggling in class without understanding why. “About 20 per cent of the population has dyslexia, 80 per cent go undiagnosed,” Johnston told Global News.

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About 20 per cent of the population has dyslexia, 80 per cent go undiagnosed.

Dyslexia affects how the brain processes information and can create challenges with reading, writing, executive functioning and math, Johnston said. Children who do not receive early support can experience distress at school. “These kids aren’t having a good school experience. They are in distress. They do need support. They don’t understand why the system isn’t helping them,” he said.

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These kids aren’t having a good school experience. They are in distress. They do need support. They don’t understand why the system isn’t helping them.

The Vancouver centre will offer direct programs and services to families and work with teachers and school districts. One priority is earlier identification. Families can seek a formal diagnosis, but Johnston said that process can involve delays and costs. Screening can provide a faster way to identify children struggling to read and determine the support they need.

“The science of reading tells us how kids learn to read best,” Johnston said. “From K to 3, kids learn to read. And from Grade 4 onwards, they’re reading to learn. So we’ve got to catch them early.” The centre already works with school districts and provides in-person and virtual programs across British Columbia. Its longer-term goal is to help schools build their own capacity to support dyslexic learners.

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The science of reading tells us how kids learn to read best. From K to 3, kids learn to read. And from Grade 4 onwards, they’re reading to learn. So we’ve got to catch them early.

Johnston said British Columbia has made progress, including greater government recognition of dyslexia, but more work remains. He urged parents not to ignore signs that a child is struggling: “That’s heartbreaking as a parent. We’re here to help. So come see us.”

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That’s heartbreaking as a parent. We’re here to help. So come see us.