USA Africa Dialogue Series - Do we have "Dyslexia Awareness Week or Month" in Africa?

Dear All:

 

The message below my posting was on a British institution's website, which made me start wondering if there is anything like "Dyslexia Awareness Week or Month" in Africa, although the ailment seems to be very serious.

 

I still remember, with sorrow, when an African brother (who calls himself a scholar) -- in glee -- told a wheelchair-bound American cripple at University of Virginia that, back in many African countries, there are no facilities for any  handicapped or physically-challenged persons.

 

In fact, the handicapped guy (in his wheelchair) was telling both of us that leaders of the USA-based association of handicapped or physically-challenged persons (including himself in his wheelchair) travelled to the White House to deliver a protest letter to the U.S. President seeking additional facilities and opportunities (especially access doors, restrooms and paths) for handicapped persons. 

 

"In my country, the leaders don't care about even able-bodied persons, leave alone the handicapped people. If leaders of a handicapped association, in wheelchairs like you, go to the State House to protest, soldiers would be called to mow them all down alive," the African brother said to my dismay. I corrected the African brother that I knew that "some" African countries are doing their best to accommodate physically-challenged or handicapped persons. "Where? Name the countries," my African brother challenged me!

 

"Maybe, in your country in Africa, but not in my country. I tell you that our leaders will mow down any handicapped persons in wheelchairs, if they go to the State House to protest," he repeated.

 

Well, when I had a slip-and-fall accident, had a temporary injury (indeed, not a permanent injury), and I had to use clutches, my respect for handicapped or wheelchair-bound persons soared! In fact, when I found it hard to climb on our family's van for a while (because of a hip problem from the fall), I often had tears in my eyes, especially as I remembered some handicapped persons I knew! In my anguish, I often repeated to myself, "nna waa oo!"    

 

So, please, do we ever pause to remember the DYSLEXIC PEOPLE or CHILDREN anywhere in Africa, just like we have "Africa Freedom Day", etc.?

 

A.B. Assensoh, Eugene, Oregon.

 

 

 

Last week was "Dyslexia Awareness Week"...

 

So, we joined in to spread awareness of the difficulties that dyslexic people face, including poor short term memory and poor organisational skills, both of which can have a big impact on a child's ability to learn or study.

 

In our experience, home education provides an excellent opportunity for families to nurture dyslexic learners and encourage academic and emotional stability. The flexibility and support it offers can be ideal, especially if everyone involved has a good understanding of the student's particular needs.