October is Dyslexia Awareness Month and 10 October is World Dyslexia Awareness Day, when Malta Dyslexia Association (MDA) encourages all to “GO RED” to empower and celebrate persons who learn in unique ways. Many individuals with dyslexia face trouble learning and many have been troubled by a red pen across their written work, red was chosen as the symbol of power and awareness of persons with dyslexia. Carmen Azzopardi Vice Secretary of MDA informed The Malta Independent why people should “GO RED”.

MDA requests the help of public entities and the general public to shine a light on dyslexia in the Maltese community by lighting buildings in red in October. MDA wish to highlight the importance of dyslexia awareness amongst educators and employers. “Greater awareness of the abilities of individuals with dyslexia together with the support in education and employment may promote recognition of skills that are important in the workforce.”

Persons with dyslexia may present skills that may be in high demand in the workforce such as creativity, complex problem solving and programming. The Association highlight to understand dyslexia in terms of strengths and possibilities, rather than difficulties.

MDA also emphasize that a working environment should provide employees the opportunity to use their strengths, so that the economy does not lose out on the valid contribution that persons with dyslexia can provide at the workplace.

MDA faces a number of challenges such as lack of trained educators for intervention, not enough pedagogical knowledge in general education and literacy teaching, lack of awareness in employment and traditional views of access to reading/presentation of knowledge from professionals in key positions. In addition, MDA needs funding and premises to be able to provide services for the Maltese population with dyslexia.

Among the activities organised by MDA to celebrate Dyslexia Awareness Month, MDA will hold its first meeting for scholastic year 2019-2020 on 25 October at 18:30 at the Catholic Institute, St Paul’s Room, Floriana. It will be an open session focusing on access arrangements for students with dyslexia. For more information contact MDA on 99498841 or send an email to [email protected].