Shining Light on Hidden Disabilities
A Hidden Disability
I called Juliana yesterday – just to catch up. Juliana was the first student I met in 2016 when I joined Vancouver Urban Ministries (VUM). Juliana was, and is, a bright young girl who is impacted by a hidden disability – just like an estimated 1 in 5 of children in our communities.
Hidden disabilities are not immediately visible, but significantly impact the daily life, learning, and interactions of children. Learning disabilities like dyslexia, and neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD and autism are often misunderstood as laziness, slowness, or a lack of intelligence. In reality, children with learning disabilities often have average or above-average intelligence but face challenges with reading, writing, and mathematics. Early intervention is crucial to help them succeed academically and build healthy self-esteem.
Juliana was raised in the heart of the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver by her mom. She was used to confronting all the challenges of living among homelessness and substance abuse. She was referred to our program when she was in grade 4 because she was struggling in reading and writing, was more than two grades behind her peers, and was experiencing emotional problems. She was very engaged and consistent in our tutoring program and also participated in our music program. By grade 7, she had caught up to her grade level, and VUM was able to sponsor her through Christian school for most of her secondary education. Juliana has also volunteered as a leader in the Life Skills classes we run in East Vancouver.
Juliana recently commented that she so much appreciated the academic help that she needed but was particularly thankful that, “I was able to move closer in my relationship with God.” Today, Juliana is studying psychology at Simon Fraser University.
Juliana is one of hundreds of children we have helped to gain the literacy skills to thrive in their education and to encounter the good news of Jesus.
How can you be involved in this rewarding ministry?
A January 2025 report from BC’s Representative for Children and Youth highlights that “An alarming number of children with disabilities are not getting the help they need.”
Vancouver Urban Ministries is a Fellowship Pacific ministry partner which provides educational assistance to children with learning difficulties such as dyslexia and ADHD across 11 tutoring centres. We focus on children from low-income families and offer free, one-on-one therapeutic tutoring at a crucial stage in their development, equipping them with the necessary skills to succeed in education and thrive in life. The evidence-based, Orton-Gillingham approach forms the foundation of our free tutoring program. During 2024/2025, 85 children were referred to our program by their local schools.
VUM recognizes that there are families in many communities who are desperate for the help they cannot receive in the school system because of funding restrictions. Through our “Working Together” program we are expanding our reach by engaging with partner churches to bring our tutoring program to their own communities. If you would like to find out more about how you can partner with us, please contact me:
David Innes
778-319-2214
Or perhaps you have a heart to support us financially – you can give to the program at:
