Student reading photo created by pressfoto
DYSLEXIA, CIVIL RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
A Discussion: Dyslexia, Civil Rights, and Social Justice
Dyslexia, according to the Mayo Clinic’s website, is a learning disability“that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words.” It is important to understand that one does not “grow out of or age out of having dyslexia. It is a life-long condition. MassGeneral Brigham’s webpage dedicated to dyslexia states the following, “Dyslexia is the most common learning disability. It affects 2 out of every 10 children.”
Those with undiagnosed dyslexia, as well as those with diagnosed dyslexia, face challenges in the education system, in work environments, and in daily life. It is key to diagnose children with dyslexia as early as possible and to provide the needed supports during their full educational journey in order for them to reach their full potential, their goals, and to realize their dreams. In many school districts across the U.S., parents are fighting for their dyslexic children’s civil rights and their right to an equal and free education. Due to the successful efforts of parents and advocates, Massachusetts has “a new set of state-wide guidelines aim to ensure that every K-2 student is screened for dyslexia and receives appropriate intervention.” (Quote from Bringing Equity to Dyslexia Screenings in Massachusetts). These guidelines can be found at this link: https://www.doe.mass.edu/sped/dyslexia-guidelines.pdf. The Massachusetts Department of Secondary Education (DESE) also has very informative webpage for dyslexia resources and information.
Wednesday 08/17/2022 7:00pm – Online Event
