Center seeks tutors to meet high demand of students with dyslexia

The broad term defining a learning disability that impairs a person's fluency or comprehension accuracy in being able to read is often mistaken for just rearranging letters of a word. Dyslexia, rather, is defined as any of various reading disorders associated with impairment of the ability to interpret spatial relationships or to integrate auditory and visual information. The way someone processes information in their brain and the diagnosis is non-discriminatory -- it can affect anyone. In fact, 1 in 5 children have dyslexia.  Fortunately, the Specialized Learning Development Center is there to help those who are being left behind or overlooked in the school systems.
 

The Center uses a multi-sensory approach to learning to read, write and spell that uses many different parts of the brain in the process.  Their one-on-one approach caters to the specific needs of each child as dyslexia manifests itself in many different ways.
 

“In kindergarten through third grade, children are learning to read,” explains Executive Director Maura Race. “Once you enter fourth grade, you are reading to learn.” Hence, the organization concentrates on first and second grade children who are identified by teachers or principals. Race continues, “Schools just don’t have the resources to teach to everyone’s needs.”
 

Although there is no known cure, there are tools to intervene. However, the Center is urgently seeking additional volunteers to meet the increased demand for their services. They are currently helping 55 children in the Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids Public School Systems.  And there are even more children on the waiting list wanting to learn how to read, write and/or spell.  
 

Believe it or not, 74% of these children will not catch up if they are behind in the fourth grade -- staggering statistics. They need your help.
 

Are you able to help? You can be a do-gooder by getting involved with the organization. Here’s how:

• “Like” on facebook

• Learn more about the organization

• Attend an upcoming event

• Become a tutor

• Donate
 

Source: Maura Race, Specialized Learning Development Center

Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor