York Mom with Dyslexia Advocates for Children with Learning Disabilities

Yesterday's Seacoast Online included the article, "New group aims to lift learning disability stigma." The article focuses on Anne Donnell's role as an advocate and activist who seeks to make public education more welcoming, supportive, and accessible to students with learning disabilities.

Donnell was a student in the York school system herself and was diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult. When she saw her child struggling in familiar ways, she sought out diagnosis and support for her daughter.

From the article:

Donnell is on a mission to reach out to children and adults who struggle with dyslexia or other learning challenges to reduce the stigma, through in-class support and presentations, and monthly forums at the York Public Library.
"It's difficult to change the system itself," Donnell said. "But we can change the environment we learn in. Learning institutions shape our confidence as we grow up. We have the option to make kids walk into school every day and not feel ashamed."
By promoting conversations with students and parents, Donnell said she hopes to create a system where students advocate for one another, and parents aren't ashamed to admit their own struggles.
"Giving parents, students and schools a platform to speak from empowers them," Donnell said.

The article ends with this information: "Donnell will host her next meeting at York Public Library, 15 Long Sands Road, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12. For information, e-mail Donnell at wadonnell74@gmail.com."

To read about other learning disability resources in Maine, see our post on Project DEBUNK.