KUCHING: The Dyslexia Association of Sarawak is dedicated to advocating for children and individuals facing dyslexia and other learning disabilities.
Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said with a strong commitment to providing awareness and intervention programmes, the association is making a significant impact on their lives.
“Despite having average or above-average intelligence and access to educational opportunities, individuals with dyslexia encounter difficulties in reading and spelling,”said Fatimah during her site visit to the new Dyslexia Association of Sarawak’s building at Jalan Desa Wira here.
“This condition can lead to struggles in areas such as reading, writing, spelling, and numeracy when compared to their non-dyslexic peers. In some cases, dyslexia is associated with other conditions like ADHD and autism,”she added.
With a dedicated team of five teachers and one administrative assistant, the association supports 36 registered students, with 26 actively participating in their programmes.
“Over the years, the association has organised various initiatives to promote literacy and inclusion, such as the English Literacy Programme at SK Bario and the Literacy Enhancement Project at Henry Gurney School,”said Fatimah.
She also stressed that these efforts are aimed at improving language and literacy skills among children and inmates.
“The Dyslexia Association of Sarawak is on the cusp of a new chapter in its journey. They have embarked on the construction of a three-storey building to meet the increasing demand for classrooms and hostel facilities.
“This project, funded in part by a grant from the state government is 41.75 per cent complete, surpassing expectations, as the project is expected to be completed by the end of August next year,”she said.
The new building will feature a range of facilities, including classrooms, a spacious multi-purpose gallery, and staff housing, enhancing their capacity to support children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities.
The Dyslexia Association of Sarawak is committed to championing the inclusion of children with dyslexia in mainstream classrooms, ensuring that their talents and strengths can shine.
“Their dedication to creating a more inclusive and literate society is a testament to the power of advocacy and support,”she said.
