Associate Professor Dr. Julia Lee from the Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development, UNIMAS, was recently invited to speak on dyslexia at an empowerment program for parents, educators, and children with dyslexia as the KidsWeb Program held at the Faculty of Education at i-CATS University College on July 20th, 2024.
Recognizing the importance of addressing the needs of children and those who support them, the KidsWeb organizers invited Dr. Julia Lee to share her experience and expertise in providing practical strategies for helping children with dyslexia overcome their reading difficulties.
The program, jointly organized with the Dyslexia Association of Sarawak (DASwk), was an impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) program. Titled “KidsWeb: Uplifting Reading Skills for Children, Parents, and Teachers,” this inspiring initiative emphasized the empowerment of parents and teachers with the knowledge and tools needed to support children with dyslexia effectively. The success and impact of the KidsWeb program, as evidenced by the positive feedback and the transformation of the participating children, is a beacon of hope for the community.
Dr. Julia Lee’s expertise was a crucial element of the empowerment program. Her profound knowledge of dyslexia and impactful strategies for overcoming reading difficulties were pivotal to the program’s success. Her sharing inspired a room full of educators and parents, instilling a sense of confidence and reassurance in the audience.
With her deep understanding of dyslexia and a passion for inclusive education, Dr. Julia Lee provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of reading difficulties in her talk “Empowering Dyslexic Learners: Strategies and Success at Home and in the Classroom.” Dr Julia Lee debunked common myths and replaced them with accurate information and practical strategies. Dr. Lee also emphasized the critical need for early identification, parental advocacy, tailoring teaching methods to individual learning styles, providing multisensory reading intervention, and fostering supportive environments. She emphasized that this was a call to action for all.
Dr. Lee’s session left educators and parents feeling empowered, armed with new knowledge and practical tools to apply in their classrooms and homes. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants was a powerful reminder of the positive ripple effect when experts generously share their expert knowledge and passion to benefit the community. By equipping educators and parents with a deeper understanding of dyslexia and practical strategies to support learners, Dr. Lee played a vital role in paving the way for a brighter future for children with dyslexia in Sarawak.
Beyond Dr. Lee’s impactful session, the KidsWeb program encompassed a range of engaging activities for the 23 participating children, designed to foster their literacy skills, boost confidence, and encourage a love for learning. The program’s success was a testament to the power of collaboration between academic institutions and community organizations like DASwk.
Driven by the positive outcomes of this initiative, iCATS University College and DASwk are committed to expanding KidsWeb’s reach, ensuring that more children with dyslexia in Sarawak can reach their full potential. By combining engaging activities with expert guidance from individuals like Dr. Julia Lee, the event showed how regional institutions could collaborate to create a brighter future for learners with dyslexia.
For a glimpse into the energy and impact of the KidsWeb program, please visit https://www.facebook.com/share/v/2RbxJKs6K6rnpyS7/?mibextid=ox5AEW.