News

News

Registration Now Open: Nov. 18, 2023! Student Workshop:

October 11, 2023

Maybe you Should Study for that Test - Adventures in Study Skills 

Help

Description

This one-day workshop (November 18, 2023) is geared for students in grades 6-12. Participants will learn practical tips and skills that they need to be active learners, and the skills learned will benefit students well into their post-secondary studies. The workshop is beneficial to all students who are looking for studying tips, but students challenged with dyslexia and/or ADHD will especially find the workshop helpful.

Register on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/workshop-maybe-you-should-study-for-that-test-adventures-in-study-skills-tickets-736714150857?aff=oddtdtcreator 

 Studying is more than just reading over notes. Most students are never given formal education on how to study. This workshop will give participants the tools they need to be active learners and the skills learned will benefit students well into their post-secondary studies. This workshop is beneficial to all students who are looking for studying tips, but students who are challenged with learning disabilities, ADHD and anxiety will particularly find this workshop beneficial. 

Registration Fees:

  • Students $80 (includes study skills workbook, lunch and snacks)
  • Parent fee $30 (includes lunch, coffee and snacks) NOTE: It is mandatory for an adult to register with a student(s) in order to help reinforce the learning at home.

 

Draft Agenda

9:00 AM Registration and refreshments
9:30 AM Introductions and workshop overview
9:45 AM

What is authentic studying and why it is important?

Procrastination is the enemy

How to take and use notes to study 

Memorizing vs. Understanding

The magic of daily review

Time management

The importance of sleep

The interference of technology

11:00 AM Break
11:20 AM

The benefit of technology

The role of videos and Youtube

The study card method

Post-it notes - summarizing and categorizing

Creating your own tests & exams

Writing using the 5Ws

12:30 PM Lunch Break
1:15 PM

How to approach writing tests & exams

Creating a plan

The “right” mindset

Approaching Multiple choice, matching and true/false questions

Writing full answer for short answer questions

Planning and writing essay questions

What to do after you get the test back

3:30  Closing Remarks and Feedback

Trainer Biography:

Lori Semchyshyn is an educator and a lifelong learner. She obtained her Creative Communications diploma from RRC, and her Bachelor of Arts, B.Ed., Post Bacc., and M.Ed from the University of Manitoba. She has worked as a student services teacher for over ten years in the Pembina Trails, Louis Riel and Catholic Schools. Four of her five children were diagnosed with developmental dyslexia, and she had to learn everything she could to support them on their educational journeys. She is proud to report that as of last February they have all graduated from University!

Don't miss out!

Oct. 17. Mark It Read Event - The Truth About Reading: Film Screening and Panel Discussion

September 16, 2023

Join us for a free filming of "The Truth About Reading" followed by a panel discussion and networking to celebrate Dyslexia Awareness MonthFilm Screening Event CHRM Oct. 17, 2023.

On October 17th, in celebration of dyslexia awareness month and the national Mark It Read campaign, Dyslexia Champion of Manitoba and Dyslexia Canada are inviting you to join us for a free screening of the documentary "The Truth About Reading" at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. Following the film, there will be a panel discussion about the positive changes happening from local to national levels. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and a cash bar while networking with advocates, educators, clinicians, and families!

Registration required. Limited seating is available. Get your tickets today.... space is limited. View the program and register at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/.../dyslexia-awareness-free...

Thank you to our partner Dyslexia Canada, and our sponsors Reach Winnipeg (https://www.reachlearningcentre.com/winnipeg), and the Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba. ???? .

We are stronger together!

 

Your Opportunity For Input - Manitoba Human Rights Commission Special Project on Learning Disabilities

April 27, 2023

Attention Parents, Students, Educators and Clinicians
As you may have heard, the Manitoba Human Rights Commission is undertaking a Special Project on the Human Rights Issues affecting Students with Reading Disabilities in Manitoba’s Education system. Here is your opportunity to provide input to the process! Let the Commission know how children with dyslexia can be better supported in Manitoba schools.
You can choose from:
- Survey for Students
- Survey for Parents, Guardians and Families
- Survey for Educators, Administrators and People with experience Teaching or Supporting Students with Reading Disabilities
Surveys will remain open until May 31, 2023.
Please share as it is important for the Commission to hear from as many people as possible.
See the link for more information and to fill in the survey: http://www.manitobahumanrights.ca/education/consultations/reading_disabilities.html 

Dyslexia: Parent Toolkit Workshop. Register today!

February 9, 2023

Parent Toolkit Workshop

Registration Today! Join us on Saturday, February 25, 2023, for an interactive in-person "Dyslexia Parent Toolkit Workshop".
Register at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/492724892417 

Space is limited. Please share this workshop announcement.

Workshop Details:
The Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba are excited to announce the launch of the Dyslexia: Parent Toolkit Workshop training. We can’t wait to share this resource with you to help you successfully advocate and support your child, and navigate the education system using this comprehensive parent toolkit.

Thank you to our workshop sponsors!

Gold Sponsors:

The Reading and Learning Clinic of Manitoba

The Reading and Learning Clinic of Manitoba

REACH OG Learning Centre, Winnipeg

Reach OG Learning Centre

 

Here is your sneak peek preview of the toolkit you will receive at the workshop: Parent Toolkit - Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba

Lori Semchyshyn will be leading the learning session. Lori is an educator and a mother of 4 adult children with dyslexia. Her professional and personal experience uniquely qualifies Lori to lead participants through this training (See full bio below). 

Other speakers include Tommy Semchyshyn. Tommy will speak about his journey from a student with dyslexia, to a teacher at St. Paul's High School.

Sharon Gurney (Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba; Dyslexia Canada) will speak to her experience as a mom with a son with dyslexia, their challenges and successes as they struggled to navigate the school system.

Workshop participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and share experiences at the workshop. Participants will not only use the toolkit at the workshop but the toolkit is designed to help organize, support and guide parents as their child progresses through school.

Check out the program here: Draft Parent Toolkit Workshop Agenda

Costs: $40 for the workshop, lunch and coffee breaks; $50 compulsory purchase of the 147-page Dyslexia Parent Toolkit Workbook at the event (cash or etransfer). Note: only 1 Parent Toolkit is required to be purchased per couple (if both parents attending).

Trainer Bio: Lori Semshyshyn

Lori Semchyshyn completed a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba (1996) and the Creative Communications program from Red River College (1991). Prior to entering the field of education, she was the marketing director of a shopping centre and a special event planner.

When four of her children were diagnosed with dyslexia, Lori embarked on a journey to learn everything she could to help her own children. This journey resulted in Lori returning to university where she obtained her Bachelor of Education (2008), Post Baccalaureate in Education (2009) and her Master of Education degree (2014). Lori worked ten years as a student services and literacy teacher in Louis Riel, Pembina Trails and the Catholic Schools Division in Winnipeg. In her capacity working in the schools, she screened over 300 students using the Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing (CTOPP) where individualized interventions were suggested to help students with their particular learning needs.

Have a Question? Email us at: dyslexia.champions@gmail.com 

Manitoba Minister of Education Proclaims Dyslexia Awareness Month - October 2022

October 19, 2022

Proclamation - Dyslexia Awareness Month 2022 Image

 

The Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba are pleased to announce that the Honourable Wayne Ewasko, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, has proclaimed October 2022 as Dyslexia Awareness Month. The Minister states that "Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning is committed to improving literacy and numeracy outcomes for all students in Manitoba. Dyslexia Awareness Month highlights the need for educators to continue to build upon their awareness and skills to respond to the diverse literacy learning needs of all students."

Proclamations and accompanied letters in English and French accessible below:

Dyslexia Awareness Proclamation 2022 - English

Dyslexia Awareness Proclamation Letter from Minister 2022 - English

Dyslexia Awareness Proclamation 2022 - French

Dyslexia Awareness Proclamation Letter from Minister 2022 - French

Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba Announce the completion of their Parent Toolkit resource

October 15, 2022

Parent Toolkit - Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba

The Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba are excited to announce the completion of our Parent Toolkit. See attached link below for an overview of the content of this comprehensive resource for parents.

We are in the process of organizing the first Parent Toolkit Workshop for early 2023. Stay tuned for registration details. We can’t wait to share this resource with you!

Here is your sneak peak preview: 

Parent Toolkit - Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba

 

 

 

 

 

.

Mark it Read Winnipeg Event - Friday, Oct. 21, 7:00 pm

October 14, 2022

 

Winnipeg Sign, Forks Please join us for our exciting Mark it Read 2022 event! Manitoba Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning, the Honourable Wayne Ewasko, will be speaking outdoors at 7:15 pm at the Manitoba Legislature. Let’s show the Minister our commitment to supporting those with Dyslexia. Come by the Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba table at the Legislative building grounds to pick up some treats for the kids and some Dyslexia Canada #MarkItRead swag and prizes. The event will end with the lighting of the Winnipeg sign at the Forks at 9:00 pm, where Karen Sharma (MB Human Rights Commission), will speak. Full event details are attached.

Thanks to Twila Richards for all her efforts in organizing this event! ????❤️ ????
 

Edit Event Duplicate Event Delete Page

Mark it Read 2022 - Celebrating Progress this October

April 23, 2022

Mark it Read Activities Across Manitoba and Across the Country

Stay tuned for upcoming details about this year's Mark it Read events in Manitoba. This year's theme is "Celebrating Progress". Join us by hosting your own event. Ideas include lighting up a building in Red, asking your local government representatives to 'Proclaim October as Dyslexia Awareness Month', give a presentation about dyslexia at your school, ask your local library to bring awareness about dyslexia this October. The Dyslexia Canada's Mark it Read website will host lots of resources for you to use this October! 

Email us at dyslexia.champions@gmail.com for more information or to share you plans! 

Mark it Read 2021 Events Oct 22-23, 2021

October 21, 2021

Mark it ReadCheck out these Mark it Read Events this weekend. Take a picture and enter the Dyslexia Canada Mark it Read Photo Contest!
Mark it Read Events in Manitoba this weekend! 
Why not take a picture at one of these events and enter the Dyslexia Canada Photo Mark it Read Contest!

- The Manitoba Legislature will be lit up Red on the evening of Friday, October 22.
- The City of Brandon is signing the Proclamation of Dyslexia Awareness month on Friday, October 22 at 9:00 am, at the City Hall (410-9th St).
- The Winnipeg Blue Bombers organization will be lighting up IG Field on Oct. 22 in support of Dyslexia Awareness Month. 
- The Snake Statue at Inwood, RM of Armstrong will be lit up Red on Friday, October 22.
- The City of Winnipeg will be lighting the Winnipeg sign Red at the Forks on the evening of October 23, 2021.
• The World’s Largest Wagon Wheel Monument in Fisher Branch is also lit Red in October.
• Several students are working with their teachers to Mark it Read in their schools this year to help spread awareness to both staff and students.

Mark it Read Manitoba Oct 2021

Media Release - Manitoba Marks it Red this October

October 10, 2021

Media Advisory:DCM LogoMark it Read Logo

Media Advisory PDF. Mark it Read. Oct. 2021

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month.
Manitoba joins Canada to Mark it Read as we work toward “Empowering Voices “
Imagine trying to manage everyday life with a disability that makes it difficult to read, write or spell. This is the reality that 10 - 20% of Canadians who live with dyslexia face: that’s two to four children in every classroom across our nation.

Dyslexia is a hereditary, lifelong condition that can be managed with proper identification and remediation. Sadly, many school divisions don’t screen for dyslexia, so most kids go undiagnosed and are not given appropriate support to become proficient readers and writers like their peers. Undiagnosed, this creates an environment where the teacher’s Red pen is a constant reminder of the lack of awareness and support needed for them to conquer literacy challenges.
Launched by Dyslexia Canada and sponsored by IG Wealth Management, the Mark it Read campaign’s goal this year is “Empowering Voices”. Our mission is to get the message out to parents and teachers to consider the possibility that if their child is struggling to read and write in school, they may have undiagnosed dyslexia.

Canada's literacy gap was an issue before the pandemic. However, the ongoing educational disruptions and instability have exacerbated the problem to a crisis point for those most vulnerable, including children with dyslexia. One of the most important keys to changing outcomes and the futures of young Canadians with dyslexia is screening/diagnosis, as early as possible, followed by appropriate reading interventions and the implementation of accommodations to level the playing field. Strong advocacy by students, parents, caregivers, and teachers is especially critical now to help children be successful in the classroom and life.

The Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba know that parents in the dyslexia community have felt lost, confused, frustrated and uncertain as to how to best support their children to reach their full academic potential. The Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba will be launching an extensive Parent Toolkit resource in October which will provide Information, tools and support for parents, caregivers and students to help them advocate and navigate the school system to facilitate success. Currently, parents and students with dyslexia may have to wait years for school assessments or, if they are able, pay tens of thousands of dollars for private assessments and to hire specialized tutors. Young Canadians with dyslexia, and their parents, can attest to how important it was for them to finally be diagnosed and supported. The Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba remain hopeful that the Province of Manitoba will implement the actions committed to in the Honourable Kevin Goertzen’s Proclamation of Dyslexia Awareness Month when stated that, “Manitoba Education and Training is committed to building the awareness and skills of educators in meeting the needs of students who struggle, including those with dyslexia.”

The public can find out more online about the Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba and Dyslexia Canada’s National Dyslexia Awareness Campaign Mark it Read. Resources to help the public get involved in Dyslexia Awareness Month can be found in our digital toolkit.

For more information or arrange interviews with students and parents in October, contact:

George Kolomaya
SamSon Journey Communications
george@samsonjourney.com
204-795-2293
or
Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba
Sharon Gurney, President 
Mobile: 204-801-9300 
sharon.gurney10@gmail.com
Website: www.dyslexiachampions.org
Like Dyslexia Champions on Facebook
Follow Dyslexia Champions on Twitter
Celebrating our 8th year of our Mission to work together to champion the gifts and support the needs of Manitobans with dyslexia.

MEDIA NOTES:
The Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba have young people and families who will gladly share their stories with media to raise awareness of dyslexia and help others to be accurately diagnosed and supported earlier in life. Please reach out to us for family contact information.
Background information and a listing of events suitable for photo opportunities can be found on the next page of this release. Event listings are regularly updated here on our website.

Upcoming Dyslexia Awareness/Photo Opportunity Events in Manitoba:
• The Manitoba Legislature will be lit up Red on the evening of Friday, October 22.
• The City of Brandon is signing the Proclamation of Dyslexia Awareness month on Friday, October 22 at 9:00 am, at the City Hall (410-9th St).
• The Snake Statue at Inwood, RM of Armstrong will be lit up Red on Friday, October 22.
• The City of Winnipeg will be lighting the Winnipeg sign Red at the Forks on the evening of October 23, 2021.
• The World’s Largest Wagon Wheel Monument in Fisher Branch is also lit Red in October.
• Several students are working with their teachers to Mark it Read in their schools this year to help spread awareness to both staff and students.

Did you know?
The dyslexia community has many brilliant and creative role models that have used their creativity and out-of-the-box thinking and complex, problem-solving skills to make our world a better place. This list includes Whoopi Goldberg, Hrithik Roshan, Agatha Christie, Richard Branson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Steven Spielberg, and Steve Jobs to name a few. Several amazing Canadians with dyslexia have joined us this year as Ambassadors for the month of October.

How do you “get” dyslexia?
Dyslexia is hereditary, it runs in the family. Rest assured that dyslexia is not something that was caused by bad parenting, lack of access to reading materials, or because a child is lazy or not trying. Dyslexia is not due to either lack of intelligence or desire to learn. The exact causes of dyslexia are still not completely clear, but anatomical and brain imagery studies show differences in the way the brain of a person with dyslexia develops and functions. This PDF from Headstrong Nation shows the difference in brain activity when reading of a dyslexic person vs. a non-dyslexic person. With proper identification, appropriate instruction work, and support, individuals who have dyslexia can learn to read accurately and fluently and lead a successful life. Find out the symptoms and signs of dyslexia here.

Who is Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba?
Established in 2013, we are a Manitoba Registered Corporation, governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of parents, educators and clinicians.

Manitoba Education and Training Proclaims Dyslexia Awareness Month

October 8, 2021

October 2021.

More Great News for Dyslexia Awareness Month!! Manitoba Education has proclaimed Dyslexia Awareness Month and the Department recommits "to building the awareness and skills of educators in meeting the needs of students who struggle, including those with dyslexia." The Manitoba Government, through the Department of Education recognizing Dyslexia, and the need to train and support educators so that they, in turn, can better support our dyslexic kids. 

Dyslexia has not been recognized by many educators, clinicians and administrators within the Manitoba school system. Congratulations to the Province of Manitoba / Minister Cliff Cullen for recognizing the need and importance of giving these students and educators the appropriate learning tools they need to be successful. Congratulations to the Province! See Proclamation and letter sent to all Manitoba Schools below. 

Please share with educators and parents. 

English Version:

October 2021 Proclamation of Dyslexia Awareness Month. English

French Version:

Oct. 2021. Proclamation of Dyslexia Awareness Month. English

Minister Cullen to Schools. MIR. Oct 2021

Minister Cullen to Schools. MIR. Oct. 21 Fr

***********************************************************************

Oct 2019.

Fantastic News!! Manitoba Education and Training has proclaimed Dyslexia Awareness Month and the Department "is committed to building the awareness and skills of educators in meeting the needs of students who struggle, including those with dyslexia." The Manitoba Government, through the Department of Education and Training is recognizing Dyslexia, and the need to train and support educators so that they, in turn, can better support our dyslexic kids. 

Dyslexia has not been recognized by many educators, clinicians and administrators within the Manitoba school system. Here is the evidence they need that the Province of Manitoba /  Brian Pallister recognizes the need and importance of giving these students and educators the appropriate learning tools they need to be successful. Congratulations to the Province!

Please share with educators and parents. 

Join the #MarkItRead celebration on Sat. Oct 26 , 7 PM at the ‘Winnipeg Sign’ at the Fork (which will be illuminated in RED)  by the City/ Mayor Brian Bowman to acknowledge Dyslexia awareness. #SayDyslexia

 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mark-it-read-for-dyslexia-winn…

#MarkItRead #friendsofdyslexia #ManitobaTeachers #Dyslexia #DyslexiaAwareness #DyslexiaCanada

Download Proclamation - English version of Letter and Proclamation Certificate 

Download Proclamation - French version of Letter and Proclamation Certificate

Province of Manitoba Proclamation Oct 2019 

 

 

Province of Manitoba Letter Oct 2019

Manitoba Minister of Education Proclaims Dyslexia Awareness Month - October 2021

October 8, 2021

The Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba are pleased to announce that the Honourable Minister Cliff Cullen, Minister of Education, has proclaimed October 2021 as Dyslexia Awareness Month, stating that "Manitoba Education is committed to building the awareness and skills of educators in meeting the needs of students who struggle, including those with dyslexia."

English:

Proclamation Dyslexia Awareness Month. Oct. 2021 English

French:

Proclamation Dyslexia Awareness Month. Oct. 2021. French

 

'Time for family-centred approach to literacy' (WFP. Jan. 6). By Dr. Cathy Moser

March 24, 2020

Dr. Cathy Moser, Clinical Psychologist, Winnipeg

In an article written by two learned individuals, it was noted that "two out of five Canadian adults can’t read well enough to perform everyday tasks." The article goes on to say that reading difficulties start early and that "we need a cultural shift among educators and schools that recognizes a family-centred approach is key to literacy."

The problem with that approach is that illiterate parents who have not properly learned to read cannot teach their children to read properly. Learning to read is a complex process. The real problem is that the education system has failed us by adopting an approach to reading that is ineffective for at least two out of every five children and was ineffective for two out of five of their parents back in the day.

I have been a clinical psychologist for more than 30 years — the first 10 of which were spent in schools. I mourned the passing of an adequate reading model the first year I started, when I was treating a Grade 5 student with extreme behavioural problems. It turned out he was reading at a Grade 1 level and spent his time avoiding having to face his inadequacies by finding more interesting activities to engage in.

When I asked if the resource teacher had tried an Orton-Gillingham (phonics-based) approach to teaching him to read, she looked at me like a deer staring in headlights. This was the gold standard for effectively teaching any child how to read prior to the 1980s.

Unfortunately, our education system had thrown out the phonics-based reading system in favour of the whole-word approach. The reasoning was that the phonics-based approach was repetitive and boring, while if students learned a few words by sight and guessed at others through context, they could read interesting material.

That was the beginning of the end of literacy for generations to come. And the start of the rise in behavioural problems — children who stare at words they cannot read all day will eventually resort to mischief. Some of those who fear having to read out loud when they cannot read would rather throw a chair than face their fear.

Although many special education departments in the U.S. recognized the error and brought back phonics-based reading programs, Manitoba continues down a dead-end path. Like other systems that have developed "cop-out" strategies for ineffective programming, the suggested approach is to put the onus on parents to teach what teachers cannot.

No wonder Manitoba students score the lowest on standardized tests (and, by the way, having teachers spend two months testing students at the beginning of every year instead of teaching them will not cure this systemic problem; nor will "teaching to raise test scores").

If anyone would like to know why Manitoba children are failing in math — enrol in a Grade 5 class and try to learn how to divide in the manner that it is taught. The answer will be clear, because the methods of teaching math are definitely not!

Dr. Cathy Moser

Clinical Psychologist

Winnipeg

 

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month - 'Mark it Red / Read For Dyslexia' Campaign

October 10, 2019

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month - Mark it Red / Read Campaign

The Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba are partnering with Dyslexia Canada in the 'Mark it Red for Dyslexia' Campaign  (October 2019) to Mark it Read and City of Wpg Signraise awareness about Dyslexia. 

A big thank you to the City of Winnipeg who will be lighting up the Winnipeg sign at the Forks at 7 pm on October 26 in support of this awareness campaign. Join the Friends of Dyslexia and the Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba in the celebration! Mark it Read - EventBrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mark-it-read-for-dyslexia-winnipeg-saturday-oct-26-2019-tickets-73469732949

Thanks to the City of Winnipeg/Mayor Brian Bowman for your support!

Stay tuned for details of other events scheduled for Manitoba, but in the meantime - why not plan your own campaign in your school, neighbourhood or workplace. Check out all the great ideas Dyslexia Canada has posted on their website!

Let us know what you have planned so we can help celebrate and support your efforts!

Email us at dyslexia.champions@gmail.com 

 

 

“Parent Toolkit Workshop”. Fall 2020

October 10, 2019

 “Parent Toolkit Workshop” Sponsored by the Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba 
Fall 2020
University of Manitoba

Do you have a child with Dyslexia or other related learning differences? Are you frustrated or feeling lost on how to support and advocate for your child? The event will feature an interactive workshop for parents that you won’t want to miss! This one-day workshop will highlight expert advice, guidance, and resources to support parents. Participants will go home with a ready-to-use toolkit that will be their ‘road map’ to advocacy including guidance on early identification, remediation, and accommodations at school.

Space is limited for this event. Stay tuned for more information and registration details.

 

Ontario Human Rights Commission launch ‘Right to Read’ public inquiry.

October 4, 2019

OHRC launches Right to Read public inquiry

TORONTO – Today (Oct 3), the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) launched Right to Read, a public inquiry into human rights issues that affect students with reading disabilities in Ontario’s public education system.

There are children in classrooms across Ontario who fail to learn to read. According to recent Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results, more than one-quarter of Grade 3 students, and 53% of Grade 3 students with special education needs, did not meet the provincial standard for reading.

Students who can’t read will struggle in all aspects of school, and are more vulnerable to mental health disabilities, behavioural issues, bullying and dropping out. Life-long consequences can include under-employment, homelessness, involvement with the criminal justice system, and even suicide.

Students with reading disabilities have the right to learn to read. Yet, the OHRC is concerned that students with reading disabilities are not getting the supports they need. This is all the more troubling because reading disabilities can be remediated with early intervention and support.

As part of its inquiry, the OHRC will hear from parents, students and educators across the province. It will also assess whether school boards use scientific evidence-based approaches to meet students’ right to read. The OHRC will assess school boards against five benchmarks that are part of an effective systematic approach to teaching all students to read:

  • Universal design for learning (UDL)
  • Mandatory early screening
  • Reading intervention programs
  • Effective accommodation
  • Psycho-educational assessments (if required).

 More details can be found at http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/news_centre/ohrc-launches-right-read-public-inquiry

 

 

Dyslexia Parent Support Group Meeting - May 26. Assiniboine Park Duck Pond

May 14, 2019

Dyslexia Parent Support Group – May 26                

First gathering to be held: Sunday, May 26th at 1:30 to 2:30, (Meet just outside the shelter at the Duck Pond in Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg).

The intent is to host a series of parent support gatherings for families that have children with dyslexia, to meet, share experiences, learn from one another, and acquire resources to help support and advocate for our children. This is an informal opportunity for parents to also connect with members of the Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba, and other resource professionals.

These events will be moderated by members and associates of the Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba. These members have experience as parents, teachers, Orton-Gillingham / structured literacy tutors, and reading clinicians. Their experiences and knowledge will help guide group discussions to inform, and to answer questions.

The format of this first meeting will be to meet, introduce ourselves, hear the topic question, and go for a walk whilst discussing the topic. Stops will be made during the walk to discuss the topic as a group. Our walk will end at 2:20 to allow time to share information and/or answer questions. The theme for this first meeting will be “Sharing Successes and Struggles”. Participants will have an opportunity to share an issue you currently struggle with in terms of supporting your child with dyslexia, and also share a strategy you have found helpful in supporting/advocating for your child.

Topic questions will be welcome for future gatherings.

The events at Assiniboine Park will be held outside, rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. Feel free to bring water or a hot beverage.

The event is free to attend, but please RSVP to dyslexia.champions@gmail.com by May 24, 2019. 

Share your views now! Manitoba Commission on Education Public Workshops

April 25, 2019

Manitoba Commission on Education Public Workshops Happing Now.

Here is your opportunity to share your views with the Manitoba Commission on Education on how to better support kids with dyslexia in our school system. Ten workshops are planned between April 24-May 15 around Manitoba. Register today

Education Commission workshops

Scholarships for Teachers and Students

January 27, 2019

The Reading and Learning Clinic of Manitoba is offering two scholarships for teachers and students. See out the details here: https://sites.google.com/view/thereadingandlearningclinicofm/scholarship?authuser=0 

Invitation for Adults with Dyslexia to Participate in Research Study

November 5, 2018

Invitation for Adults with Dyslexia to Participate in a Graduate Research Study at the University of Manitoba.

We are looking for adults with dyslexia, ages 21 and above, who will be willing to be interviewed & video recorded for a graduate research project.

PURPOSE OF STUDY

The purpose of this research is to find out the past and present experiences of adults with dyslexia, and present the information in a manner that adults with dyslexia can access and consume. Participants will be asked to answer questions about their current experience as an adult living with dyslexia, as well as their experiences growing up with dyslexia; which will include emotional, social, work, and educational experiences. The time commitment is expected to be about 1 hour.

This study will explore the personal experiences of adults with dyslexia and how they cope emotionally, at work and with higher education; and present findings in a video format which adults with dyslexia can access and engage with. This study will therefore provide answers to the following questions: 

  1. What are the emotional & social experiences of adults living with dyslexia in Winnipeg, Manitoba?
  2. What are the strategies adults with dyslexia utilize to navigate daily living in Manitoba, Canada?
  3. What resources are currently available for adults living with dyslexia in Manitoba, Canada past and/or present? 

If you are interested in participating in the study or have questions about the study, please contact:
Natalia Jackson at 204-688-5817 or email: umrich53@myumanitoba.ca

 This study has been through a rigorous ethics approval process through the Ethics Review Board at the University of Manitoba.

Research Study Poster Nov. 2018

Advocacy for Children with Dyslexia: A Symposium for Families

September 21, 2017

The Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba are hosting the symposium on October 21 in recognition of Dyslexia Awareness Month. The symposium is designed to provide families with advice and guidance on how to best support children with dyslexia. Hear from parents, teachers, reading clinicians, psychologists, successful entrepreneurs, disability advocates, Orton-Gillingham tutors, and most importantly - a panel of students living with Dyslexia. 

 The event is FREE.  However, we ask that you pre-register. Space is limited. Refreshments will be served.

Download the Promotional Poster here: Oct 21, 2017 Advocacy Symposium Poster

Professional Development Opportunity for Manitoba Teachers -October 20, 2017:

September 16, 2017

 
SOLD OUT.  Thanks to all who registered!
 
Please attend our two upcoming professional development sessions on October 20 at Victor H. L. Wyatt School in Winnipeg offered through Manitoba Multi-Age Educators (MAME).
 

Address:
485 Meadowood Drive
Winnipeg, Manitoba R2M 5C1

Please see link for details and registration.

http://multiagemanitoba.org/

Morning session:

MA- 111

Using Assessment to Target Effective Reading and Writing Instruction

As an advocacy group for parents and professionals, The Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba Inc. has as its goals:
• to raise awareness of dyslexia
• to promote and provide teacher training.

Using the response to intervention (RTI) model, presenters will outline an assessment approach to target instruction. Our goal is to help educators in all capacities - classroom teachers and specialists, to identify students who require specific Tier 2 or 3 intervention. A model for screening and progress monitoring for those who struggle with reading and writing will be provided. The presentation is based upon current practice in a Manitoba public school division.

Valdine Bjornson, Jeanne Remillard, Christine van de Vijsel

Afternoon session:

MA- 211

Appropriate Intervention Approaches for Developing and Poor Readers/Writers

As an advocacy group for parents and professionals, The Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba Inc. has as its goals:
• to raise awareness of dyslexia
• to promote and provide teacher training.

Each presenter has had Orton-Gillingham accredited training and intense, supervised practice. As such, we are advocates for Orton-Gillingham as it is based upon a multisensory, direct and diagnostic instructional approach. Orton Gillingham utilizes applied linguistics and systematic phonics which is diagnostic, sequential, incremental and cumulative. The instructional approach is intended to facilitate learning with persons who have difficulty with reading, spelling, and writing of the sort associated with dyslexia. The Orton-Gillingham Approach can be used effectively with the whole class, small group and/or as 1:1 intervention. It is properly understood and practiced as an approach, not a method, program, system or technique. In the hands of a well-trained and experienced instructor, it is a powerful tool of exceptional breadth, depth, and flexibility. Presenters will include information about practical resources and activities for classroom and special education teachers as well as literacy specialists.

Valdine Bjornson, Jeanne Remillard, Christine van de Vijsel

Globe and Mail Article - "Dyslexic Kids in Canada Deserve Better"

August 27, 2017

 

Keith Gray is the founder and director of Dyslexia Canada

https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/dyslexic-kids-in-canada-deserve-better/article36094188/?ref=https://www.theglobeandmail.com&

Dyslexia Canada Petition to legislate compulsory student early-assessment testing for dyslexia

March 9, 2017

Consider signing the Dyslexia Canada Petition to legislate compulsory student early-assessment testing for dyslexia in Canada.
https://www.change.org/p/leg
islate-compulsory-student-early-assessment-testing-for-dyslexia-in-canada?recruiter=609667235&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink …

 

Letters to Manitoba's Premier

May 4, 2016

Read letters from Dyslexia Champions of Manitoba to Manitoba’s Premier, Honourable Brian Pallister and Manitoba’s Education Minister the Honourable Ian Wishart. DCM has requested a meeting to discuss how we can work together with the new Provincial government to support children with dyslexia in Manitoba schools.

News Items

Play