THE FREE PRESS PEOPLE DECEMBER 22, 1994 A17 Lifting burdens Dyslexia can be overcome Talk to members of the Dyslexia Society and they will tell you what a difference seven years can make. Back in 1987, a small group of concerned Prince George residents banded together to combat the perceptions surrounding the learning disorder; today the membership stands at over 100 members. “The society started out strictly as parents complaining about inequities in the school system,” says Larry Merritt, a founder and current board member of the group. “Its scope has had to keep changing. Now we have all kinds of different people as members, and we’re doing something about a perceived problem, not just bitching about it.” The problem they perceived was their children not having their needs met by the school system, and the low self-esteem that caused. “For awhile we were at loggerheads with the school board. We had lots of angry parents. The amazing thing is the need for the society in the first place; it should be handled by the school system itself.” Instead, the society has taken it upon itself to bring reluctant educators up to speed by hosting an annual summer school. Teachers and tutors of dyslexic students come for the two week training session to learn the latest instructional methods. The school is well attended and draws world-wide participation. “We had one person fly in from the Philippines this past summer; and two came up from California to focus on math techniques.” Local children with dyslexia also get the benefit of participating in the hands-on environment the society encourages. The summer project has also helped break the ice between the society and the school board. According to Mr. Merritt, “If you talk to us today we say they have a better attitude, and if you talk to them they say we have a better attitude. Dyslexia is still a term educators don’t like, but you can appreciate a child going through school, not doing well, and thinking he’s stupid. We show that no, you’re not stupid, and that lifts a burden from both child and educator.” The burden that persists, however, is misinformation about the disorder. Many believe dyslexia is merely reading letters backwards, but it also involves trouble with information retrieval, and sequencing problems such as writing 406 instead of 604. It isn’t an isolated few living with it either; an estimated 20 per cent of Canadians live with dyslexia or a related learning disadvantage. The society contends these barriers can be overcome through modified classroom practices, which would benefit all students. An example is the multi-sensory techniques of Project Read which encourages students to read, write, and speak what they are studying. Information is available on Project Read at the society resource AKTI(pES and Collectibles ■ " ’ PRINCE GEORGE Antiques & Collectibles Open 7 Days a Week • Over 3000 sq ft of furniture • Collectibles • Brie Brae • Full Restoration & Upholstery of Antiques “Antiques from Around the World" , 3803 Hart Highway • 962-5352 kittle tovel OMARS D 'tfjU and (^Antiques has a wide variety of Coins 7785 Parsnip Road All sizes of Antiaues from (by the airport) small to large. Open 10 to 6 Daily Open 7 days a week 963-9686 Phone 563-5532 Quality Giftware 1822 Queensway Antiques and Collectibles FREE PETTING ZOO %> DISTRIBUTORS For Low Cost and • old wax packs and earlier effective newspaper years In sports cards advertising, call FULL COLOR SCREEN PRINTING Phone: 562-7959 Fax: 562-7955 1074 Sixth Avenue (behind the Keg) Merritt; ‘We show that no, you’re not stupid, and that lifts a burden from both child and educator.’ Roe Biron/Free Press office. Reach them by calling 564- campaigns vigorously for funds and many members who, on a daily 8011 or visit them at 490 Quebec awareness. They also provide a basis, not only deal with people who Street. The society board meets comprehensive library, numerous have dyslexia, but often live with it monthly, circulates a newsletter, and videos, and the life experience of its as well. ‘Official Mark STARTING JANUARY ’95 Are You A RoadSttr If so, you’re eligible for some great Autoplan coverage at a Great Price. Ask us for details. Buchanan, Benson & Madill Insurance Brokers Ltd. 1276 Fourth Avenue, Prince George 563-8811 Recognizing Road Sense PI