BCCL To Launch Dyslexia Awareness Campaign
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and the Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning [BCCL] is using this opportunity to raise public awareness about language-based learning differences and provide professional development to Bermuda educators to support students’ development of literacy skills.
A spokesperson said, “On September 27th and 28th, BCCL, in partnership with Mindset Bermuda and The Reading Clinic, is hosting a sold-out forum ‘Unlocking Potential: A Dyslexia Awareness and Education.’ The forum aims to provide 70 Government and Private school educators with the latest research and practical strategies for supporting students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.”
“BCCL’s vision is a Bermuda where every child’s learning needs are supported and that they have the opportunity to thrive. This forum is an incredible opportunity for educators across the island to enhance their professional skills and better support students with dyslexia,” said Cindy Corday, Head of School for BCCL. “We are grateful to Jim and Debbie Butterfield for their generous sponsorship, which allows us to offer this event at no cost to participants, in addition to Waterfront Group for the catering.”
Students and Teacher Natalie Grant.
The spokesperson said, “Teachers will gain knowledge about language-based learning differences from leading experts in the field, participate in workshops on assessments and the signs and characteristics of dyslexia, and learn about the latest evidence-based strategies to support students’ learning.
“Guest speakers include: Vivian Gonsalves, PhD, Assistant Professor at the University of Florida Literacy Institute on The Science of Dyslexia and Reading; Dr. Samantha Scott-O’Bannon, Psy.D., Clinical Neuropsychologist at Mindset Bermuda on The Neuropsychology of Reading; and Amy Da Costa, M.Ed, Core Reading Program Director of The Reading Clinic on Using the Psycho-Educational Report to Understand and Support Learners.”
“The Reading Clinic is pleased to partner with BCCL and Mindset Bermuda to provide professional development for educators in Bermuda,” said Tina Harris, Executive Director of The Reading Clinic. “With increased awareness and a variety of tools to support Bermuda’s neuro-diverse learners, educators can play an important part in ensuring all children have the opportunity to thrive in school and beyond.”
The spokesperson said, “Learning and attention issues are more common than many people think. One in five children in the U.S. has learning and attention issues, but only a small subset of these children are formally recognized and receive specialized instruction or accommodations. To compare these statistics with Bermuda, in 2023, about 8,470 students were enrolled in preschool through secondary school. If 20% of that number had learning disabilities, that would equal roughly 1,694 children with learning and attention deficits island-wide. BCCL and local specialists believe that the actual numbers may be higher in Bermuda.”
Vivian Gonsalves, PhD, Assistant Professor at the University of Florida Literacy Institute.
“I am thrilled to collaborate with BCCL and The Reading Clinic for the ‘Unlocking Potential: A Dyslexia Awareness & Educational Forum.’ This partnership represents a significant step forward in increasing awareness and providing essential support for our children with diverse learning needs. By equipping educators with the latest research and practical strategies, we can ensure that every child in Bermuda has the opportunity to thrive academically and beyond. Together, we are committed to fostering an inclusive educational environment where all students can unlock their full potential,” said Clinical Neuropsychologist and founder of Mindset Bermuda, Dr. Samantha Scott-O’Bannon.
The spokesperson said, “Dyslexia is a common language-based learning disorder that affects the ability to read, spell, write, and sometimes speak. BCCL is the only school in Bermuda to exclusively enroll students who learn differently, focusing on dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD], or other language-based learning differences.
“In addition to teacher training and a public awareness campaign running throughout the month of October, BCCL families will be holding its #UntilEveryoneCanReadBDA tag day on October 10th & 11th in partnership with the City of Hamilton. The City of Hamilton selected BCCL as the City’s Charity of the Year in spring 2024. All proceeds collected by the tag day will support the BCCLF Bursary Program.”
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