Having a child who struggles with the learning disorder dyslexia can present challenges to parents.  Jodie Parham, an Instructional Coach who specializes in dyslexia, shared information about the learning disorder and specific interventions Shelby County Schools is implementing during the Donuts and Dyslexia workshop held October 19 at the Shelby County Instructional Services Center.

Parham said one in five students is impacted by dyslexia, with many of them requiring instructional interventions in order to help them be successful in school. Many students with dyslexia are extremely bright and learn coping mechanisms and strategies to help compensate for any deficiencies caused by the disorder.

Parham said dyslexia is a likely cause for adult illiteracy issues. However, it didn’t always keep individuals from being successful in the past due to plentiful industrial and agricultural jobs that didn’t necessarily require a higher education.

“I remember going to the little country store in my hometown where they would still allow you to purchase items and charge it to an account that you paid at the end of the month,” Parham said. “There were many older adults who could only sign an X for their name on their accounts. But, they were still successful individuals.”

The breakfast event was held in conjunction with October being Dyslexia Awareness Month. In addition to a general overview on dyslexia, Parham also shared excerpts

from the documentary, “The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia.”

Participants also participated in a dyslexia simulation intended to give them a better understanding of what it is like to struggle with the processing disorder.  The event was attended by students, parents, teachers, board members, and district leaders.