October is Dyslexia Awareness Month

Posted Date: 10/10/2018

Section 504 (Dyslexia), directors, coordinators and teachers from UISD and LISD gathered in city hall chambers to hear Mayor Pete Saenz declare October as Dyslexia Awareness Month and October 9, 2018, as Dyslexia Awareness Day in Laredo. Dyslexia is defined as a type of learning disability that impairs a person’s ability to read. Sufferers typically read at levels lower than expected despite having a normal or superior intelligence. The disorder varies in severity from person to person and can be inherited in some families. Moreover, recent studies have identified genes that may predispose an individual to develop the learning disorder. 

Marissa Perez, UISD's Section 504 Director said that 1 in 5 individuals are affected by some degree of Dyslexia. "Early intervention is important. Fortunately, we have great tools and resources to diagnose and help students of all ages. We ask that UISD parents reach out to their student's teachers if they suspect that their children have difficulty understanding what they read", said Perez. This year's UISD Parent Fest will include informative sessions about Dyslexia and associated learning disorders. The free event is scheduled for Saturday, November 10, 2018, (8:00 a.m.-12 noon), at United High School. The campus is located at 2811 United Avenue.

Photo: Mayor Pete Saenz  (center), with UISD's Section 504 Director Marissa Perez and some of her staff.