The Dyslexia Project provides awareness, resources and support for the 1 in 5 with dyslexia in Santa Barbara and beyond. Founded in 2011, The Dyslexia Project has accomplished much in its short history with its outreach efforts, which include:
Establishing the Parent Resource Center for Santa Barbara
- Acquired books and videos, organized lending library
- Develop reference materials, college resources
- Promote PRC as a community hub of information and services
- Supervise staff to conduct community and social media outreach
- Hold open houses at PRC for parents and community members
- Meetings with parents to discuss needed services for their children
Promoting Dyslexia Awareness with Community Events
- Arrange screenings (and filmmaker public appearances) for major dyslexia-themed movies including “The Big Picture” and “Dislecksia: The Movie”
- Arrange speaking engagements and related public appearances for dyslexia notables, including John Rodrigues, author of High School Dropout to Harvard
- Conduct monthly “Dyslexia Dialogues,” featuring discussions with parents and educators, multimedia presentations, panel discussions with influential community members with dyslexia
Dyslexia Project Director Cheri Rae Talks and Seminars
- Presentations at “Disability Awareness Day” events in elementary and secondary schools, SBUSD Teacher Training days, and to school board members and administrators
- Presentations at Back-to-School Nights, PTAs, Family Health Fairs
- Talks to Educational Therapists Association, service clubs, philanthropic organizations
Media
- In Print: Feature articles and op-eds about dyslexia for Santa Barbara Independent, Santa Barbara News-Press, Santa Barbara Seasons magazine. Distribute free copies of book, DyslexiaLand: A Guide for Parents of Children with Dyslexia.
- On the Air: Discussions of dyslexia on numerous radio stations including K-LITE, KCLU and KZSB, as well as on KEYT-TV news.
- Online: Stories and interviews for Santa Barbara View, Noozhawk, Independent.com. Active on dyslexia-oriented social media.
- Video: Titles include “Father With Dyslexic Child Speak Out,” “One in Five: The Faces of Dyslexia,” “Little Free Libraries Project” (in production) “LIFE: Literacy is for Everyone (in production)