In the 608: How a Wisconsin group is raising awareness for dyslexia
COTTAGE GROVE, Wis. – Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability which results in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading.
That’s what has the International Dyslexia Association working to raise awareness. Their goal is to create a future for all individuals, who struggle with dyslexia and other related reading differences, so that they may have richer, more robust lives and access to tools and resources they need.
Priscilla Gresens is the president of the IDA Wisconsin Branch.
“Techniques for teaching kids with dyslexia help all kids, not just the struggling readers,” explained Gresens. “We are trying to bring awareness that there is a problem in the state of Wisconsin with dyslexia and struggling reading. It got worse through COVID, but the fact is, there is help. It’s called structured literacy. But as I see it, you can’t bring a solution to the table until you bring awareness to the problems.”
Gresens is an online tutor for kids with dyslexia. She also has a personal connection to the disability. Her 13-year-old brother, Nathan has dyslexia and has been dealing with it for years. Priscilla’s family has made it their mission to inspire change, and all it takes is giving kids with the disability the right resources.
“Nathan has thrived with a tutor,” Gresens added. “Nathan went into 3rd grade reading at a kindergarten level, went into 5th grade reading at a 6th grade level, and 7th grade at a high school level. At the end of the 5th grade, that was when COVID hit, so he thrived through COVID. That was a lot of parental and tutoring involvement.”
IDA of Wisconsin is hosting a ‘Dyslexia Awareness Party.’ It’s happening Saturday, October 1st from to 1 to 4 p.m. at Oakstone in Cottage Grove. There is free admission, a silent auction and music by Jackie Marie, along with kids activities, appetizers and desserts.
Click here to learn more about the efforts by IDA Wisconsin.
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