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All you need to know about DYSLEXIA
Do we know that an entire day is dedicated to Dyslexia awareness? World Dyslexia Awareness Day is celebrated every year on 8th October. A day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of dyslexia. This day aims to promote inclusion and support to children and individuals with dyslexia.
It is a worldwide initiative to understand Dyslexia, a neurological condition that affects reading, writing, and spelling abilities. It does not affect individuals’ intelligence.
A day that reminds us to support those with dyslexia. It helps us to understand Dyslexia better and encourages us to be inclusive.
More About Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a known term in India since 1996 as The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, was passed by the Parliament of India on December 12, 1995 and notified on February 7, 1996. And, Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016, the law that officially recognized specific learning disabilities (SLDs), including dyslexia, for the first time in India. It guarantees equal opportunities for people with SLDs in education, employment, and family. And, National Education Policy of 2020, this policy reinforces the mandate of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 by emphasizing inclusive education for people with SLDs.
Unfortunately, in spite of our educational policies in place, we see and hear of so many families having children with Specific Learning Disabilities, running from pillar to post. Hunting for suitable schools. Schools which are inclusive and would accept and accommodate such students readily. So many students are asked to leave school as the schools do not wish to provide facilities or are concerned about their cent percent results. Its either acceptance of the student having a Specific Learning Disability is not there or there is no understanding of Specific Learning Disabilities.
Research in India suggests that 10-15% of children are dyslexic.
As World Dyslexia Awareness Day 2024 is soon approaching let’s pledge to understand Dyslexia better. Let’s create more awareness. Let’s show our support for individuals with Dyslexia.
How can we as individuals help?
- Participate in World Dyslexia Awareness Day. There are various organisations doing their bit. Get in touch with them and participate in their activities to create awareness.
- Try to understand what Dyslexia is, educate yourself about dyslexia.
- If you know of any individual having specific learning disabilities, try to understand what difficulties they face. Understand their coping skills. Be empathetic towards them. Show your support. Be inclusive in your approach.
- Use technology. Use social media and other platforms to share facts, articles, and personal stories related to dyslexia to raise awareness.
- Advocate for inclusive educational practices that accommodate the needs of students with dyslexia.
- Conduct events, workshops, or seminars in your community to educate others about dyslexia. Or attend such events to become aware of Dyslexia. Encourage and support individuals with dyslexia to pursue their goals and dreams.
- Many famous personalities have Dyslexia, find out who they are and how they managed or coped with it. Involve them or encourage them to support and promote Dyslexia awareness.
- On World Dyslexia Awareness Day, consider wearing red to show your support with individuals with Dyslexia.
- The theme for Dyslexia Awareness Week 2024 is “What’s Your Story?”
If you are an individual with Dyslexia share your story, or if you know of someone encourage them to share their stories.
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Kashmira Adil Kakalia is a Special Educator and a Mental Health Professional. She works with students, young adults, adults, senior citizens, individuals and families.