High Cost of Dyslexia
On April 25th, Noon Rotary welcomed Katrina Miller. An educator, advocate, and parent of a dyslexic child.
Katrina shared that, too often, kids in special education programs for learning disabilities, are suffering from dyslexia. 80% of those kids, in fact! Furthermore, 20% of students in the U.S. have dyslexia.
Kids who suffer from dyslexia or other learning disabilities are far more likely to end up in prison.
Data bears out, that the cost of incarcerating prisoners is more than $35,000 per year, but she and other advocates argue that directing a little more funding to help those with dyslexia, when they are young, could change the child's outcome and ultimately reduce the number of prisoners our nation must financially support.
She is calling for more public education, early identification, increased school funding, and asking employers to give dyslexic workers an opportunity. Very often, dyslexic individuals bring incredible creativity and new perspectives to your workforce. She says, give them a chance!
(Pictured with Katrina are Rotarian Audrey Stansbury and Noon Rotary President Elect, Melissa Dewitt)