- ‘The Power of Dyslexic Thinking’ art and craft exhibition and festival to be held on 15 October
Nhance Director Nelum Wijayasekara and The Winning Underdogs Founder Shaakya Nathavitharana are Co-Chairs of the organising committee, and the exhibition and festival will be held on 15 October at Cinnamon Lakeside from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.
The deadline for the registration of participants is 2 October. Dyslexic thinkers between ages five and 19 can showcase their talents.
The organisers explained that dyslexia is a learning disability that may cause reading difficulties, which can in turn pose many learning challenges to children. “Often, these children fall behind their peers in school, especially in traditional textbook-based and examination-oriented education systems. Unless they are given proper guidance and intervention, the entire learning process of these children will be hindered.”
Children with dyslexia tend to be extremely creative and intelligent, and are out-of-the-box thinkers and game-changers. While LinkedIn recognises dyslexic thinking as a skill, notable figures like British entrepreneur Richard Branson are vocal advocates, and Branson has shared his personal journey with dyslexia.
Despite this, children with dyslexia get mislabelled due to their academic struggles, which can lead to behavioural problems. This also means that their true potential and skills often go undiscovered, which is worsened by the social stigma surrounding learning disabilities.
This is why “The Power of Dyslexic Thinking” exhibition and festival can provide a great opportunity for dyslexic thinkers, and the organisers shared that they want to encourage parents to let go of their fear and see that dyslexia is not a barrier to success if children are provided with acceptance, correct guidance and support.
“We hope to create a platform for these youngsters who are talented in their own unique way but don’t often get opportunities to explore their skills. We want to create a positive outlook in our society, and most importantly among parents and other children.”
The event will showcase their artistic and creative talent, but will also provide an opportunity to meet fellow dyslexic thinkers, and create an understanding that they are not alone with their struggles. Parents will also have an opportunity to meet and support each other.