By Cheri Rae
A couple of weeks ago, my cover story about dyslexia, “When Reading Hurts,” appeared in the Santa Barbara Independent. In a “one mother’s story” approach, it detailed my own search for solutions for my son’s baffling difficulties in learning to read.
His dyslexia went undiagnosed, and he languished in ineffective special education classes, showing little improvement, for far too long. He finally learned to read in seventh grade only when he received the specific instruction dyslexics need—in his case through Lindamood-Bell.
Sadly, it’s not a unique story, and I’ve received responses on the article from across the street all the way to Istanbul. It’s clear that dyslexia and related learning issues affect a lot of lives in a lot of places; and a lot of people need more help navigating the system more effectively to access proper tools and teaching methods that will decode the mysteries of this learning difference.
Locally, there are two upcoming events on the subject:
Jonathan Mooney
The dyslexic author and dynamic public speaker didn’t learn to read until the age of 12, but he graduated with honors from Brown University. His inspiring appearance in Santa Barbara earlier this year was detailed in the Independent article. Mooney is returning for a special event: Saturday, November 13, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. “The Gift: LD (learning disabilities)/ADHD Reframed” day-long seminar for parents, teacher and administrators that details recent brain research that will change perceptions of dyslexia. Sponsored by FamilyFuel and funded by the Shelley & Donald Rubin Foundation, the events will be held at the Fiesta Room at Fess Parker’s Double Tree are free to the public.
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic Luncheon
Join supporters of this worthy organization that makes the printed word accessible in many high-tech ways at their annual free fundraising luncheon. Keynote address will be by dyslexic paleontologist Jack Horner, a MacArthur Foundation Fellow genius who flunked out of college—seven times. Since there is no free lunch, be prepared to make a (generous) donation. Scheduled for Tuesday, November 16, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event will also be held at Fess Parker’s Double Tree.
Please RSVP if you want to attend this luncheon on Nov. 16 to 805 681 0531 and leave a message – or e-mail to sb@rfbd.org.
we need to have a head count for the lunch. details details
Nice to see this follow up to the Independent story which was wonderful !