The Dyslexia Project

 The Dyslexia Project provides awareness, resources and support for the 1 in 5 with dyslexia in Santa Barbara and beyond. Founded in 2011, The Dyslexia Project has accomplished much in its short history with its outreach efforts, which include:

Establishing the Parent Resource Center for Santa Barbara

• Acquired books and videos, organized lending library
• Develop reference materials, college resources
• Promote PRC as a community hub of information and services
• Supervise staff to conduct community and social media outreach
• Hold open houses at PRC for parents and community members
• Meetings with parents to discuss needed services for their children

Promoting Dyslexia Awareness with Community Events

• Arrange screenings (and filmmaker public appearances) for major dyslexia-themed movies including “The Big Picture” and “Dislecksia: The Movie”

• Arrange speaking engagements and related public appearances for dyslexia notables, including John Rodrigues, author of High School Dropout to Harvard

• Conduct monthly “Dyslexia Dialogues,” featuring discussions with parents and educators, multimedia presentations, panel discussions with influential community members with dyslexia

Dyslexia Project Director Cheri Rae Talks and Seminars

• Presentations at “Disability Awareness Day” events in elementary and secondary schools, SBUSD Teacher Training days, and to school board members and administrators

• Presentations at Back-to-School Nights, PTAs, Family Health Fairs

• Talks to Educational Therapists Association, service clubs, philanthropic organizations

Media

• In Print: Feature articles and op-eds about dyslexia for Santa Barbara Independent, Santa Barbara News-Press, Santa Barbara Seasons magazine. Distribute free copies of book, DyslexiaLand: A Guide for Parents of Children with Dyslexia.

• On the Air: Discussions of dyslexia on numerous radio stations including K-LITE, KCLU and KZSB, as well as on KEYT-TV news.

• Online: Stories and  interviews for Santa Barbara View, Noozhawk, Independent.com. Active on dyslexia-oriented social media.
• Video: Titles include “Father With Dyslexic Child Speak Out,” “One in Five: The Faces of Dyslexia,” “Little Free Libraries Project” (in production) “LIFE: Literacy is for Everyone (in production)