For our 20th anniversary, throughout 2017, Xeno Media is implementing Xeno Causes. Each staff member chooses a charity near and dear to them and Xeno Media:
- Makes a cash donation to the charity
- Publicizes the charity through our blog and social media
Our October Xeno Cause is Understood.org as selected by Diane Minton.
In her words:
“Dyslexia is not a disease to have and to be cured of, but a way of thinking and learning. Often it’s a gifted mind waiting to be found and taught.” –Girard Sagmiller, Dyslexia My Life
Dyslexia: What It Is and Isn't?
Dyslexia is a brain-based condition. It causes difficulty with reading, spelling, writing and sometimes speaking. In people with dyslexia, the brain has trouble recognizing or processing certain types of information.
Having a husband and son with dyslexia, I see the challenges they face each day. Dyslexia is often misunderstood. It is more than just seeing letters backwards. My personal goal is to help people understand what dyslexia is.
As a society, we need to remove the stigma of dyslexia and help others understand that many highly intelligent and successful people are dyslexic. We also need to continue to push for additional support and resources at the school level.
Interesting facts:
Over 40 million American adults are dyslexic - and only 2 million know it
Dyslexia is not tied to IQ - Einstein was dyslexic and had an estimated IQ of 160
20% of school-aged children in the US are dyslexic
Over 50% of NASA employees are dyslexic
Dyslexia runs in families; parents with dyslexia are very likely to have children with dyslexia
Dyslexia is surprisingly common at MIT
"Just because you learn differently, doesn't mean you can't be successful."
