Film project: “Embracing Dyslexia”

UPDATE: The Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds needed to finish the film is now up and running:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/755097346/embracing-dyslexia-documentary

In March 2011, at the age of 8, my son, Alejandro, was officially diagnosed as being dyslexic. This was a life changing moment for our family because we now knew why he was struggling so badly with his reading, writing, and spelling and we could begin getting him the help he needs to become a successful reader. If it wasn’t for Ale’s grandmother who knew enough about dyslexia to suggest to us that we should have him tested, our struggles today would most likely be far worse.

I believe that a majority of people do not know what dyslexia really is. The most common belief is that it is when someone reverses their b’s and d’s or they see words backwards and therefore can’t read. Nothing could be further from the truth. Misinformation is the biggest reason why most people who struggle with reading, writing, and spelling never find out they’re dyslexic or find out later in life after they’ve suffered horribly in school.

Embracing Dyslexia focuses on why it is important for educators and parents to know what dyslexia is and what it isn’t. We will learn what the tell-tale signs are and why screening for dyslexia early in a struggling reader’s life and being diagnosed is so important. We will hear from dyslexic children and their parents about the struggles they faced and the successes they’ve had after being diagnosed. Experts in the field of dyslexia will share the reasons why being diagnosed is only half the battle. We’ll see how some schools have taken the initiative and created classroom environments where dyslexic children can flourish. And we will visit with adults who have embraced their dyslexia and become quite successful.

Once the film is finished, people will be able to go to the film’s website and view the entire film for free. Everyone who helps fund the film will be getting a digital copy to watch offline and share with their family and friends. Visitors to the website will also find the complete interviews of people featured in the film. I also plan on continuing to conduct further interviews with dyslexic children and adults, parents, and experts. These interviews will also be posted to the website and available for viewing at no cost.

Luis Macias
[email protected]
www.embracingdyslexia.com

Category: Dyslexia, News, Videos