At Your Fingertips: Assistive Technology and Dyslexia

Students with dyslexia can benefit greatly from the use of assistive technology. November’s Dyslexia Dialogue, hosted by the Santa Barbara Public Library and Dyslexia Santa Barbara, will focus on creative uses of technology to help struggling readers. The workshop meets Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m., in the Faulkner Gallery at the Central Library, 40 E. Anapamu St. in Santa Barbara, and is open to the public. Please note that there is a date change from Nov. 1.

Learn from our featured guest, Jennifer Williams. Williams is an assistive technology trainer and consultant for individuals with dyslexia or dysgraphia.  As a parent of an eleven year old dyslexic son, her mission to gain access to the general education curriculum has led her to embrace the world of technology.  A member of the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators as well at the International Dyslexia Association, Williams was taught by noted national AT expert Jamie Martin, and will share her knowledge in how to apply the best in technology and innovative approaches to help dyslexic students.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about apps for note-taking, spelling, digitizing worksheets, and providing assistance in reading, writing and math using computers, tablets and mobile devices.

Dyslexia affects up to 1 in 5, and is often the reason students unexpectedly struggle in the classroom, but it is widely misunderstood. This workshop can help tutors, parents and community members to learn more about how to support their students with dyslexia with Assistive Technology.

The event is supported by Team Read, a joint project of the Santa Barbara Public Library’s Adult Literacy Program, the community group Dyslexia Santa Barbara (dyslexiasb@gmail.com), and an Adult Education Block Grant administered by Santa Barbara City College. For more information, call 805-564-5619 or contactLiteracy@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.

COMING NEXT MONTH in the Dyslexia Dialogue series: Special parenting discussion featuring Joe Newman, author of Raising Lions. Newman will focus on the particular challenges and anxiety that come with parenting a strong-willed child who may be experiencing difficulties in school. For more information about Newman, see www.raisinglions.com. This special presentation will take place on Wednesday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m.

Information about Santa Barbara Public Library System locations, hours, events, and programs is available at SBPLibrary.org. All Library programs are free and open to the public.