A Family Affair: A Non-Profit Book Launch to Aid Children with Learning Disabilities September 11, 2011

September is National Literacy Awareness Month, a time when schools, libraries, and reading programs all over the country rally support for one of our most precious national resources: The ability to read.

It's a skill that A Family Affair founder, Sonya Bridges, has never taken for granted. While working through her Ph.D. program, she was diagnosed with dyslexia. Suddenly, all of her academic problems—which started in kindergarten, 30 some-odd years ago—started to make sense, and she was inspired to learn everything she could about dyslexia management and treatment. More importantly, it fueled her fire to help others, too.

In 2010, Bridges established A Family Affair, a non-profit organization that promotes literacy awareness and fosters a deeper understanding of dyslexia, recognizing that family support is crucial to success. In addition, the foundation awards scholarships to students who have been diagnosed with dyslexia who wish to attend college or vocational school and to individuals pursuing a degree in dyslexia therapy.

On September 11, in honor of National Literacy Awareness Month, Bridges is unveiling A Family Affair and her book A Snail’s Pace for the first time publicly at Lake Methodist Church. Bridges will introduce the foundation to the community, share her success story, and discuss dyslexia.

A Snail’s Pace is targeted toward children with learning disabilities or other problems that may interfere with their everyday life; however, all children, teens and adults can benefit from the message of perseverance. It serves as a teaching tool for parents, teachers, and educators to encourage others to set goals and reach them. Bridges says that family involvement and parental support, in conjunction with goal-setting, is tantamount to a dyslexic’s success.

“Sharing my story as a successful, dyslexic with ADHD who battled and won over bullying, self- esteem issues, and depression is important to me,” Bridges says. “I want parents and children to know that they are not alone with their learning disabilities and that someone understands how difficult it can be in the everyday school experience.”