When parent Michelle Ward of Winnipeg stepped forward to share her family’s journey living with dyslexia, she became a powerful voice for the many families that are struggling to get support in Manitoba. Her interview for the recent coverage by Global News shines a light on what happens when early signs of reading difficulty go unflagged and supports come too late.
In the story, Dyslexia Canada’s Executive Director Alicia Smith emphasizes that the new report from the Manitoba Human Rights Commission frames literacy as a human rights issue. Every child has the right to be taught to read with evidence based practices. For some time, Manitoba has trailed other provinces. Recent data show that fewer than half of Grade 3 students in Manitoba meet the expected level of English literacy, and the province has had some of the lowest literacy rates in Canada for more than a decade.
Michelle’s story reminds us that these are not just statistics. Behind each number is a child struggling to learn to read, a parent navigating the system, and a school community striving to do better. Her voice helps show the urgency of reform.
The report calls for changes in screening, instruction, and supports, especially for students with dyslexia and other causes of reading difficulties.
Thank you to Global News for featuring this important issue and to Michelle Ward for bravely sharing her family’s experience to help raise awareness and drive change.
Published on October 30, 2025 by Global News.