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Charleston Business

Dyslexia Day 2018 Set For March 1

Feb 05, 2018 09:58AM ● By Kathleen Maris

Parents from around the state of South Carolina will converge on the Statehouse grounds March 1 to show their support for children with dyslexia and to advocate for a bill before the General Assembly that would assist the one in five children who struggle to read.

Dyslexia Day 2018 is organized by Decoding Dyslexia South Carolina, a movement focused on connecting South Carolina families to resources, support, and educational interventions for dyslexia. The organization – part of a nationwide network – aims to raise dyslexia awareness, empower families to support their children, and inform policymakers on best practices to identify, remediate, and support students with dyslexia. 

Decoding Dyslexia South Carolina is supporting a bill introduced during this legislative session by Rep. Gary Clary, a Republican from Pickens County. Approved at the end of January by the S.C. House Education K-12 Subcommittee, H. 4434 would screen kindergarten to second-grade students for characteristics of dyslexia and provide evidence-based instruction and intervention to address the needs of the students.

On March 1, Decoding Dyslexia South Carolina will meet with Clary at 9 a.m. to discuss the bill and then at 10 a.m., members of the organization will be seated in the balcony at the Statehouse and introduced by Jay Lucas, S.C. Speaker of the House. Parents are then invited to meet with their individual state representative to advocate in support of the legislation.

“This bill offers incredible hope to parents who watch their children struggle to read, which in turn impacts their entire school career,” said Karen Smith, one of the state leaders for Decoding Dyslexia South Carolina. “We are grateful to Rep. Clary and urge our state representatives to follow his lead in supporting bills that will identify dyslexia through early screening and provide the appropriate instruction with evidence-based interventions that teachers can use to help children who are struggling.”

At noon on March 1, the public is invited to a Dyslexia Awareness Rally on the statehouse grounds. Parents and advocates are encouraged to share their stories and build community. Look for the red umbrellas, a symbol of dyslexia awareness.

Learn more about Dyslexia Day 2018 at www.decodingdyslexiasc.com.