Taking Steps To Help People With Dyslexia

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Stats show 20% of the country’s population suffers from a learning disability.

The most common one is dyslexia.

Our Rylie Livingston went to see how one Starkville clinic is taking steps to help people with dyslexia.

“I came to this event because my son has dyslexia,” says mother, Niya Smith.

That’s what brought many parents to the T.K. Martin Ignite Dyslexia Clinic Presentation in Starkville.

The event covered many topics in hopes of of helping people with dyslexia.

Coordinator for Ignite Dyslexia Clinic, Kathy Prater, says this is just one part of their program.

“The clinic itself is run year round and this presentation is just one piece that we are trying to get as advocacy, an advocacy component, of the dyslexia program.”

Smith found out about it after getting in touch with Prater about having her son tested.

“I really learned how to approach the school system with him having dyslexia and different things that I can do to help not only support him, but to support other parents who are dealing with children that have dyslexia, that may need to be tested for dyslexia, and what the difference between accommodations and modifications are, so our children can be successful.”

Saturday’s speaker, Cepia Buchanan, says this isn’t the only event planned.

“Today was the second part of three sessions that we basically talked about accommodations for dyslexia children.”

A big part of the program is being there to support people who have dyslexia.

“There are people out there that are willing to help you with your children, and whatever you can do to get that help, to make sure your kid is successful, not only in primary education and high school, but also to carry with them through college and the rest of their life.”

The clinic is sponsored by Families First of Mississippi, which allows the Ignite program to administer free evaluations until June.

The test for dyslexia can range from $300 to $1,800 dollars.

The clinic plans on having another presentation before the summer.