For decades, dyslexia and other learning difficulties have been something that people "suffer from." Until dyslexic Ron Davis published his book The Gift of Dyslexia in 1995, people with learning difficulties were generally considered slow, dumb, lazy or downright stupid.

The purpose of the Dyslexia Correction Foundation (DCF) is to provide educational opportunities for children and adults who have learning differences, specifically dyslexia.

Dyslexia has always existed in our language-based world. However, over the years, various diagnoses have taken the place of this little-understood learning disability such as:

• Auditory Processing disorder
• Visual Processing disorder
• Language-based learning disability
• Phonemic Awareness disability

Dyslexia in its truest form still exists and is the core for many of today's learning disabilities. Across the nation it is estimated that 1 in every 5 people have dyslexia or 15-20%, this includes adults and children or 30 million Americans. Dyslexia directly affects a person's ability to read and comprehend, therefore it is important to correct the problem so that these individuals can become confident readers. Locally, West Michigan reports a 21% illiteracy rate.

DCF believes that all students, regardless of income, should have the opportunity to correct their dyslexic symptoms. To that end, it is our intent to help as many families as possible so that they may be able to provide for their dyslexic family member the Gift of reading and the tools necessary to succeed in life.

We have an all-volunteer board. Funds raised will go directly for scholarships that would provide the opportunity for a student to participate in the Davis® Dyslexia Correction Program. Minimal funds will be used for administrative expenses. The scholarships will be awarded on a 'financial-needs' basis and the student, or parents of the student would be required to report the success of the Davis® Programs directly back to the Board of Directors at 6 months Post Program.

The goals of DCF are

• to help students correct the debilitating effects of the dyslexic thinking style
• to provide for students an equal opportunity in our education system
• to provide students with the tools, firm foundations, control and responsibility for their own learning style
• to provide for students the opportunity to maintain their self-esteem, and self-worth, enabling them to fulfill their full learning potential

Famous Dyslexics

DCF believes that dyslexia is a natural gift and talent, and, when understood, can empower the individual to reach their full potential. It is our intent to educate and celebrate the dyslexic way of life. It is because of the creativity of these individuals that our world has been a better place.

For more information or to see how you can help, check out these links!

• New Chapter Learning - a provider of the Davis® Dyslexia Correction Program in Grandville, Michigan
• Davis Dyslexia Association International
• Donate to help dyslexic children!
• Attend a free informational seminar!

It has taken decades for education establishments and the general public to identify with Ron Davis' discoveries; that very often dyslexia and other learning difficulties go hand in hand with giftedness. Incidentally, the learning challenged often finds this very difficult to accept themselves.

Quote from http://www.gifteddyslexic.com/dyslexia-information/a-positive-view-of-dyslexia - used with permission.