The International Dyslexia Association Georgia (IDA-GA) branch hosted its 17th annual Dyslexia Dash (a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier), attracting more than 2,123 runners and walkers on hand for the fun. The 5K Run/Walk in person took place on Saturday, October 21 at Perimeter Mall and has become a fall tradition during October as part of Dyslexia Awareness Month. Participants received a coveted Dash t-shirt, race bag and swag, and enjoyed music by a DJ and a phenomenal Kids Zone.
The approximately $63,000 in proceeds from the event are used to fund dyslexia education, scholarships and grants for teacher training and awareness programs in Georgia.One program is the H.A.R.T. (Helping Assist Reading Tutors) initiative, geared toward providing teacher training and raising awareness in minority communities. Additionally, with funds from this event, the organization’s annual conference and individual donations, IDA-GA has provided more than $99,000 back to the community since 2018 for free and low-cost Structured Literacy® teacher training and free community outreach events. The Dyslexia Dash is an ideal event for anyone interested in supporting educational options for struggling readers.
For more information about the Dyslexia Dash, visit ga.dyslexiaida.org/2023-dyslexia-dash/.
Research has shown that a child who completes second grade without gaining the skill of reading has only a one-in-four chance of reading at grade level by the end of elementary school. However, with proper reading instruction, many people with dyslexia can learn to read and write well. Early identification and instruction using a multisensory, structured language approach is the key to helping individuals with dyslexia achieve in school and in life.
About IDA-Georgia
International Dyslexia Association Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed to increase public awareness of dyslexia and to promote effective teaching approaches and related clinical educational intervention strategies for struggling readers. The organization is a resource and support system for parents, educators and people who are dyslexic. Many of its members are actively involved in the diagnosis and remediation of dyslexia. Members include educators, psychologists, physicians, individuals with dyslexia, and parents who have dealt with learning disability issues within local public and private schools. We facilitate the exploration of the causes and early identification of dyslexia and are committed to the responsible and wide dissemination of research-based knowledge. IDA-GA provides an information and referral hotline, community outreach activities, yearly conferences, teacher training scholarships and grants, and e-newsletters.
For more information, please visit DyslexiaIDA.org, http://ga.DyslexiaIDA.org/ or call (404) 256-1232.
Facts About Dyslexia
· Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that is neurological in origin.
· Approximately 15%-20% of the population has a language-based learning disability.
· Of those who are students, 70%-80% struggle with reading.
· Dyslexia is the most common cause of reading, writing, and spelling difficulties.
· Dyslexia affects males and females equally, as well as people from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
· Without appropriate intervention, 74% of children who are poor readers in third grade remain poor readers in the ninth grade and into adulthood.
