Canada’s first dyslexia centre establishes permanent Vancouver home

Canada’s first centre dedicated to supporting people with dyslexia is establishing a permanent home in Vancouver. The Centre for Dyslexia will offer direct programs and services to families while helping teachers and school districts better support students with learning differences.

Chief executive Neil Johnston said about 20 per cent of the population has dyslexia and 80 per cent go undiagnosed. Dyslexia affects how the brain processes information and can affect reading, writing, executive functioning and math. Children who are not identified early can struggle at school without understanding why.

Johnston said screening can identify children having difficulty reading more quickly than a formal diagnosis, which can involve delays and costs. He said children learn to read from kindergarten through Grade 3, and read to learn from Grade 4 onward, making early identification important.

The centre already works with school districts and delivers in-person and virtual programs across British Columbia. Johnston said teachers are committed but may not receive sufficient training in dyslexia and other learning differences, and urged parents not to ignore signs that their child is struggling.