Center shines spotlight during Dyslexia Awareness Month

National Statistics show in each group of five people you know, chances are one of them has dyslexia.

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and the Pittsburg State University Center for READing is working to generate awareness for a learning disability that makes it difficult to read, write, and spell in spite of normal intelligence and adequate instruction.

In the U.S., about one third of students can’t read on grade level. In Kansas, only 34 percent of fourth graders are reading at or above a proficient level.

Services are available at the center on a continual basis. Grants, funding from the university, and sliding scale fees based on a family’s income and ability to pay eliminate barriers to service.

Throughout October, the center has plans for giveaways, as well as a fundraising and awareness drive, primarily taking place through social media. The center can be found on Facebook at @Center.for.READing.

The center will give away books and a full evaluation — including a hearing screening, an evaluation of reading skills, a writing assessment, a social/emotional assessment, a review of non-verbal intelligence, and a measurement of attention span.

To support the program financially, visit psufoundation.givingfuel.com/psu-give-to-page and make a gift in any amount.

To inquire about services, contact the center at 620-235-4593, at READING@pittstate.edu, or stop by 209 Whitesitt Hall between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.