October is not only for falling leaves and halloween, it is also Dyslexia Awareness Month.
Dyslexia is one of the most common disorders. Vicky Carnegie, Literacy Coordinator with the Portage Learning and Literacy Centre says one in five people are impacted by dyslexia.
"Dyslexia affects people in many different capacities. It can take their organization skills; their time management and it also impacts their ability to read."
Carnegie herself has dyslexia and says if she could talk to anyone out there who may be struggling, she would make sure to let them know that they are not alone.
"Sadly, there isn't a lot of support to reach out to and I discovered that on a personal level when I was trying to find that support for my daughter. I talk quite openly in my classroom about it and said that, 'You know what, if you don't get it the first time that’s okay, we'll learn together." She continues, "The biggest support that I have found and that I have referred to people to is KC Dyslexic Learning Centre based out of Winnipeg."
She says that one of the main things she makes sure to mention in her class room is that acceptance is key. Carnegie mentions that some people might feel as if they are broken or too different with dyslexia.
"We have to just accept that everybody learns differently and become more aware that maybe we just have to explain things different a little differently, or maybe they're just not going to be able to spell this word. Which is totally alright. Sometimes we just need to encourage each other and not get upset."
The coordinator concludes by saying that having this disorder doesn't mean that it defines you.
"Just because you have Dyslexia it doesn't mean that you don't go on to run a business and get university degrees and are very successful. They just need a different path. They just take a different path to learning and you just got to find the path that's right for you."
If you are dyslexic or want to learn more about it, visit the Dyslexic Champions of Manitoba website here.