Have more programmes meant to realise dyslexia-friendly society goal, S’wak association told

KUCHING (Aug 18): The Dyslexia Association of Sarawak (DAS) should double the number of their programmes aimed at pushing the message of accessibility and inclusion right into the heart of the community.

In making this call, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap said such move could reinforce public awareness of dyslexia.

“Our people, especially the children, should not see dyslexia as a barrier between them and success.

“We should strive to create a world where everyone with dyslexia can flourish,” he said in his speech for the opening ceremony of DAS seminar on ‘How to Know if My Child Has Learning Difficulties, and What Can I Do, here yesterday.

The assemblyman later presented DAS with a government grant of RM10,000.

He added: “Over the years, your association has also been successful in promoting a general awareness and an understanding of the problems and needs of children and others with specific learning disabilities.

“This seminar is again, another one of your numerous efforts towads achieving your goal of a dyslexia-friendly society through awareness-raising and challenging the common misconceptions.

“Dyslexia affects everyone differently, and as each person is unique, so is everyone’s experience of dyslexia.

“Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, affecting around 10 per cent of the population.”

Yap acknowledged that without the right support, dyslexia could make school and work very difficult.

“But it does not have to be that way. Dyslexia can be a strength or struggle, depending on the situation.

“A person with dyslexia processes languages differently, often resulting in difficulties with spelling, reading and writing, but it should not be assumed that having dyslexia is a challenge.

“Dyslexia can actually have many advantages as it encourages a different way of thinking and that people with dyslexia are often more creative.”

Yap stressed that the beginning of any story was important, in that it would set the scene for everything after that.

“But we have heard too many stories where support was not available early enough. We know the right support at the right time can make a dramatic difference,” he added.

Also present were DAS patron, Datin Azerina Mohd Arip.