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Courtesy Veronica Cantu,

(Laredo, Texas)-United ISD Dyslexia Program educators were recognized by City of Laredo Mayor Pro-Temp Juan Narvaez as the month of October is “National Dyslexia Awareness Month.”  Mayor Pro-Temp Narvaez presented United ISD’s Section 504 and Dyslexia Program Coordinator Brenda Benavides and United ISD Dyslexia Program teachers with a proclamation designating October 7 as “United ISD Dyslexia Awareness Day in Laredo.” 

“We are proud to raise awareness about Dyslexia and we want the community to know that anyone who has Dyslexia can be successful with given proper teaching techniques and instruction,” said Benavides.  

According to the International Dyslexia Association, 1 in 10 people experience symptoms of dyslexia, language-based learning disability. Warning signs of dyslexia may include some of the following: difficulty learning letters and their sounds, difficulty reading fluently, difficulty spelling accurately, and difficulty memorizing number facts and completing math operations. Recognizing symptoms such as these can be the first step towards gaining appropriate support for yourself or your child.

Benavides pointed out that many people have achieved success in life despite having dyslexia. Notable figures in history who have had Dyslexia were Albert Einstein, Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, and Leonardo Da Vinci to name a few.

Additionally, at the proclamation event, it was announced that on October 23, United ISD will host its annual Dyslexia Awareness Parent Festival at the Student Activity Complex, Rooms 1 & 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  The event will be free and will be open to all parents of United ISD students and community members interested in knowing more about dyslexia.

Information given at the event will be the following:

·        Characteristics of dyslexia and related disorders

·        Assessment and identification of dyslexia

·        Effective strategies to support students with dyslexia at home

·        Information on United ISD’s Scottish Rite Reading Program

·        Technology support/programs for students with dyslexia

Additionally, a “Dyslexia Simulation School” will be set up where participants will be able to experience what it feels like to be dyslexic and the movie “Dislecksia: The Movie” will be shown. A presentation on “What Every Parent Should Know About Dyslexia” by Region One Education Service Center will be given. All the information will be provided in English and in Spanish.

“This event will be very helpful to parents and guardians in the identification and instruction of a child with dyslexia. We highly encourage their attendance and participation” said United ISD Superintendent Roberto J. Santos. 

Benavides and the Dyslexia Program educators will be on-hand to answer any questions at the event.

For more information about the United ISD Dyslexia Awareness Parent Festival, contact Benavides at (956) 473-5246.