World Dyslexia Day
Sunday 8 October 2023
Ten percent of the population are believed to be dyslexic, but it is still often poorly understood. With the right support, the strengths and talents of dyslexic people can really shine.
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty which primarily affects reading and writing skills. However, it does not only affect these areas. Dyslexia is actually about information processing. Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which impacts on their learning. Dyslexia can also impact on other areas such as coordination, math, time keeping, organisational skills and memory.
It can affect children during education, adults in the workplace and in everyday life. As each person is unique, so is everyone's experience of dyslexia. It can range from mild to severe, and it can co-occur with other learning difficulties. It usually runs in families and is a life-long condition.
However many dyslexic people show strengths in areas such as reasoning and in visual and creative fields. It is important to remember that there are positives to ‘thinking differently’ so much so that LinkedIn now has a option to tick dyslexic thinking as a skill and it is recognised on the online dictionary
Each person with dyslexia will experience the condition in a way that is unique to them and as such, each will have their own set of positive abilities and difficulties. Read dyslexia stories from our community here
So why is it so important to celebrate Dyslexia Awareness Week?
1. Raise Awareness: It helps increase public understanding of dyslexia, a common learning difference that affects reading and language processing. This awareness can reduce stigma and misconceptions.
2. Empower Individuals: By acknowledging dyslexia, we empower individuals with dyslexia to embrace their strengths and seek support and accommodations to succeed in education and life.
3. Education: It provides an opportunity to educate teachers, parents, and the community about dyslexia, leading to better-informed approaches in schools and at home.
4. Advocacy: Dyslexia Awareness Week often involves advocacy efforts to push for improved services, resources, and policies that benefit individuals with dyslexia.
5. Support Networks: It encourages the formation of support networks and communities for individuals and families affected by dyslexia, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experiences.
Overall, celebrating Dyslexia Awareness Week is a way to promote inclusion, understanding, and support for those with dyslexia, ultimately helping them thrive in various aspects of life.