President of the Rotary Club of Barbados West, Kevin Watson, making the presentation to Director and co-founder of the Caribbean Dyslexia Centre, Yvonne Spencer. Looking on are Morton Holder, Director of the Rotary Club of Barbados West and Past President of District 7030, Milton Inniss.
Increase in dyslexia awareness
More individuals are seeking knowledge about dyslexia and how to address the disorder.
This was disclosed by Director and co-founder of the Caribbean Dyslexia Centre, Yvonne Spencer, who said that in the past, children with the reading disorder were viewed negatively.
“When dyslexic children can’t access the information, the way they are learning, you think that they are stupid and they are trying to disrupt the class, and that has happened over the years, but now more and more people are learning what it is and how to start addressing the problem, but it is a problem that is here because of the hereditary nature of it. This goes throughout the region.”
The Director said “intervention is the key for any child that is dyslexic”. Presently, there are 80 registered students who attend classes at the Centre. Teachers during the summer holiday are also trained there in how to teach pupils who have dyslexia.
Her comments came during a presentation at the Centre’s Haggatt Hall, St. Michael location. Yesterday, the Rotary Club of Barbados West made a donation of three computers to the organisation.
Spencer said the electronic equipment will be used to test young students and for teaching.
“The Caribbean Dyslexia Centre is appreciative of all the hard work that comes from Rotary and finances that they have offered us over time. We have been around for 22 years, and dyslexia is going to stay with us for more than 22 years because of its hereditary nature. Computers are an integral part of our programmes because children are very adapted at using computers, and it gives them not only the visuals, but they can also hear and they can see. The Centre looks at hearing, seeing, feeling, touching, doing and computers are one of the railroads into learning disabilities for dyslexia,” she stated.
In his remarks, President of the Rotary Club of Barbados West, Kevin Watson, said the charity was delighted to provide the Centre with the needed equipment to use in their programme.
“Over the years, we have worked with them and we find them to be extremely effective, and they assist a lot of people with what is quite a common problem,” he added. (MG)