Not getting it, continued

Last week, the column "Not Getting It" was a column about dyslexia. We think that a large number of kids fall through the cracks because they have dyslexia and it is not diagnosed,

According to the Mayo Clinic, "Dyslexia is impairment in your brain ability to translate written images received from your eyes into meaningful language. Also called specific reading disability, dyslexia is the most common learning disability in children."

Those with dyslexia are often not diagnosed until they are in college or when they become older. They often flip through school just good enough to get by. Too often they are accused of not trying hard enough and do not receive the support and help they need with their impairment.

Last week, I listed the symptoms that might indicate dyslexia. I had written more that was not published in that column, but when it comes to computers, I frequently do not understand what happens. I noticed that my column was shorter than usual, but did not give it much thought, thinking that perhaps the size of the type might have been smaller? It was not until the weekend, when I was looking at the column, that I realized it was not all there.

I got to checking to see if it just did not get saved or what might have happened. I had the complete column on my computer, but when I checked the attachment on the e-mail I sent to Lynn Wade, the editor, I could see that it was not all there. What happened? I do not get it. The only thing that I can figure is that it did not get saved in my computer, but when it was closing it down, it might have asked me if I wanted to save the changes? Yes. I often save a document and get that same question and I wonder why, when it has been saved. Computers are beyond me -- I do not get it.

I guess you could say here is the rest of the story -- this is what did not get sent to the paper that followed the listing of symptoms of dyslexia:

While having any of these symptoms may be an indication of dyslexia, there is a possibility that a child may have some of these symptoms and not have dyslexia. Remember, there is a great variation with dyslexia.

If a child has dyslexia, it is doing an injustice to that child to be labeled and treated as a slow learner; it is a type of handicap and needed to be treated as a handicap.

A special test may be given to a child to determine if they are dyslexic. To do the test correctly, it needs to be administered by someone who is certified to give a test for dyslexia. There are only a limited number of individuals qualified to give this test -- it is not cheap. If the test shows that a child is dyslexic, then a plan is developed on how to best help the child and the type of tutoring they are to receive.

I have known one person all of my life that is dyslexic. I am not sure that I was fully aware of it. Nevertheless, recently, he was laughing about graduating from high school ranking third in his class -- from the bottom. He had a great amount of difficulty in school. He gives credit to one or two teachers that gave him special help and support to enable him to graduate from high school. He can not take tests successfully, regardless of whether he was in the service or anywhere else. He has met with success in his career and is known internationally.

A child with dyslexia "doesn't get it," which is not their fault. Teachers and others working with that child may also "not get it," because they may not realize that the child is dyslexic. They generally lack the training needed to recognize it.

A good source for additional information is The International Dyslexia Association Website at http://www.interdys.org/ .

Now, that completes my column about dyslexia. Still, it is a major problem for some kids and it needs additional discussion.

With the election coming up next Tuesday, it had been my plans to have devoted this column to that subject.

I strongly feel that it is the responsibility of citizens to vote in each election. There have been many people who have laid down their lives that we might have the freedom to elect those to serve us.

Some people use the excuse that their one vote does not mean anything. We have witnessed situations where one vote does make a difference. Four years ago, in the primary, a decision was made by two votes. If one of those votes had gone the other way, there would have been a tie.

Another interesting vote was the results of the last election in Northeast Vernon County for a new school building. In order for it to pass it required a higher amount than majority. It ended in a tie between yes and no votes. In this election, it requires a majority. A tie vote will mean it does not pass. One yes over a tie vote, it passes.

One of the issues the city of Nevada voters will make is if to continue the 1/2 cent sales tax for street improvements, which has greatly benefited the community. The article in the weekend issue of Herald-Tribune written by Ralph Pokorny "Nevada voters to decide on transportation tax extension Aug. 3 explains the issue.

Make sure you vote Tuesday, it is your responsibility. It is the right thing to do.