Group to host symposium on dealing with dyslexia
Star-Bulletin staff
The Hawaii Branch of the International Association of Dyslexia will sponsor a symposium from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the East-West Center to examine various approaches to dyslexia and learning disabilities as part of dyslexia awareness month.
Nancy Hennessey, president of the International Dyslexia Association and founder of the Consulting Network, a professional development group, will be one of the speakers.
Other experts will be Sandra Soper, coordinator and program specialist for Specific Learning Disabilities Programs for the School Board of Sarasota County, Fla., and Paul Ban, Hawaii's director of special education, licensed speech pathologist and nationally certified school psychologist.
The Dyslexia Association estimates that 10 percent to 15 percent of the population is affected by dyslexia. It says 120,000 students are found to have learning disabilities each year, "a diagnosis now shared by 2.4 million U.S. school children."
Yet, the association adds, many are never properly diagnosed or treated or they fall through the cracks because they are not deemed eligible for services.
Sue Voit, president of the Hawaii Branch, said: "Dyslexia and learning disabilities are statewide issues. Raising the awareness level among parents and teachers is critical to early diagnosis and supporting children and students through their early years."
Other events planned this month include an open house hosted by the Hawaii International Dyslexia Association from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 22 at its office, 1802 Keeaumoku St.
Also on Oct. 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Hennessey and Soper, along with Valerie Takata, superintendent of the Hilo/Laupahoehoe/Waiakea complex area, will present information at a symposium at UH-Hilo.
TheBus will feature bus cards throughout October informing riders of some signs to detect possible dyslexia and let them know help is available.
More information may be obtained by calling 538-7007 or visiting www.dyslexia-hawaii.org.