This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Three years ago, over a cup of coffee, a grassroots organization began from a shared interest to support every student. They opened communication with the St. Vrain Valley School District to form a parent support group. This organization is now known as the SVVSD- Parents of Students with Dyslexia.
The goals of the dylsexia support group is in-line with the YES! Ambassadors out of Denver. They want to have an in-house mentor program to ensure that students have the resources and support that they need to be successful.
This mentoring program is still in its infancy and currently does not have a name of its own. According to Barbara Zink, spokesperson for SVVSD- Parents of Students with Dyslexia, the formal name will be decided by the students.
Not only will the program focus on mentoring younger students, it will also focus on teaching self-advocacy. "Self-Advocacy helps children become more resilient and less likely to give up or think poorly of themselves for their struggles. Watching other kids model self-advocacy, it makes it easier to do. Self-Advocacy, not only educates the teacher on dyslexia but shows the teacher that you care and want to give your best. It is important for these kids to know that they are not alone, they have a supportive community. In this group we will help kids realize their strengths. Looking ahead, while their path might be more difficult but it still will lead them to where ever they want to go."
When asked why have a support group for dyslexia, Ms. Zink replied, "Children with learning issues can feel stigmatized and alone. This mentor program shows younger students that there are many like them. This program helps older students advocate, know themselves and feel comfortable with telling their story, whilst becoming a shining example for the younger students.
This is helpful to students by, "re-framing the label or diagnosis to be something that is OK, perhaps even something that has its positive aspects. It also gives families a support system they can discuss issues with, get ideas from one another and experience opportunities of success. Our students have much to offer the world and we want to see them shine in it!"
If your student has dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, or general reading struggles, this support group can help. No formal diagnosis is needed to join, the only requirement is that your student needs to be a student within the St. Vrain Valley School District.
Signing up is easy and there is no fee to join. You can attend a meeting, the next few being:
- November 7, 5-6 p.m. at Eagle Crest Elementary Library, located at 4444 Clover Basin Drive
- January 17, 5-6 p.m. at Altona Middle School Library, located at 4600 Clover Basin Drive
You can also email [email protected] to sign-up. Meetings will change locations but be held in St. Vrain Valley School District schools.
"We meet regularly to connect with others, support each other, build community and learn new skills related to self-advocacy. At our meetings we share resources and ideas. We also learn how to articulate our needs to a variety of audiences. We learn about each other and from each other by working on group projects. Most recently we completed an art project that highlighted our strengths as learners. We also heard guest speakers who are experts at self-advocacy." said Ms. Zink when referring to what can be expected at support group meetings.
If you are a member of the community and want to help, the group is asking that you spread awareness of the group and upcoming events as well as partnering with them to host events. In order to offer your help and support you can contact SVVSD- Parents of Students with Dyslexia by email at [email protected].
