Issue 16: July 2023 Dystinct Magazine

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On The Cover

On the cover is Krishangi Shroff, a remarkable 13-year-old with Usher Syndrome and dyslexia, who has overcome many challenges to advocate for inclusive education, defying low expectations and reshaping perceptions of disability.

Topics Covered

The July 2023 issue of Dystinct Magazine brings to you:

Issue 16: Dystinct Report – Flynn Eldridge’s Interview with Elizabeth C. Hamblet

Ten-year-old journalist Flynn Eldridge has a chat with learning disabilities consultant Elizabeth C. Hamblet, a recognized author and speaker. She offers advice and makes presentations based on her professional experiences drawn from her 20+ years as a college-level learning disabilities specialist.

DYSTINCTFlynn Eldridge

Issue 16: Unlocking the Potential of Dyslexic Learners: One Mother’s Approach to Bat Mitzvah Preparation | Stacey Shubitz

Stacey Shubitz highlights the importance of individualised education in her homeschooling journey, where she utilised customised strategies to enhance her daughter’s Hebrew reading and comprehension skills for her Bat Mitzvah preparation.

DYSTINCTStacey Shubitz

Issue 16: The Dystinct Journey of Michael Muriniti

We journey through the life of Michael Muriniti, a dyslexic poet who overcame challenges, discovered his unique voice, and now spreads a message of self-acceptance and empowerment through his heartfelt poetry.

DYSTINCTZahra Nawaz

Issue 16: Meta-cognition and Comprehension Strategies for Dyslexic/Struggling Readers | Lynn Givens

Lynn Givens emphasises the crucial role of meta-cognition in enhancing reading comprehension for dyslexic and struggling students and provides practical strategies that focus on teaching students how to think critically while reading, empowering them to become thoughtful thinkers & skilled readers.

DYSTINCTLynn Givens

Issue 16: The Dystinct Journey of Krishangi Shroff

The inspiring journey of Krishangi Shroff, a remarkable 13-year-old with Usher Syndrome and dyslexia, who has overcome many challenges to advocate for inclusive education, defying low expectations and reshaping perceptions of disability.

DYSTINCTZahra Nawaz

Issue 16: Dyslexia and Anxiety - Our Family Journey | Heather Down

Heather Down delves into the interconnections between dyslexia, anxiety, stress, and unresolved trauma in her family, emphasising the impact on learning and well-being while providing valuable insights and support tips for parents of dyslexic children.

DYSTINCTHeather Down

Issue 16: From Outrage to Recognition: Educators Confront the Reality of Parental Trauma in Education | Simon da Roza

Simon da Roza highlights the existence and impact of educational trauma on both children and parents and calls for recognition, support, and changes within educational institutions to create a more inclusive and compassionate environment.

DYSTINCTSimon da Roza

Issue 16: The Dystinct Journey of Amanda Benavidez

Amanda Benavidez shares her journey of turning challenges posed by ADHD and dyslexia into superpowers, propelling her success in various artistic pursuits.

DYSTINCTAmanda Benavidez

Issue 16: A Cautionary Tale of Three Testing Issues | Dr Paul Beljan

Dr Paul Beljan discusses problematic issues with the WISC-V intelligence test and its impact on assessing gifted children, specifically focusing on processing speed, working memory, and verbal comprehension measures.

DYSTINCTDr Paul Beljan

Issue 16: The Dystinct Journey of Smart Hopewell

Smart Hopewell shares a poignant personal narrative in this article, delving into his personal experience with dyslexia while emphasising the vital role of support, effective coping mechanisms, and embracing one’s unique strengths and passions in navigating and thriving with a learning difference.

DYSTINCTSmart Hopewell

Editor's Note

If you know what people are doing is wrong, don't be scared to stand up for yourself.

These words from 13-year-old Krishangi Shroff, featured on the cover, hold immense power and should make the adults responsible for policies and systems governing children like her feel ashamed. All the opinions that she expressed in my chat with her carry significant weight and highlight the need for adults in positions of power to reflect on their roles and responsibilities in creating a better environment for every individual affected by their decisions.

Reflecting on her words, I realise how important it is to encourage our children to actively participate in decisions that affect their lives. When we teach children to self-advocate, we are helping them become better equipped to navigate various situations, make informed choices, and take control of their own lives.  Parents often experience the frustration of ensuring suitable accommodations, only to find that schools neglect them in the classroom when they're not present. It is crucial to closely monitor capacity building, ensuring that children can assert their rights and demand inclusive practices.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue and all the specialist content covered.

Please get in touch with me if you have any feedback, ideas, or stories to share to change the narrative surrounding learning disabilities.

Thanks

Zahra Nawaz Shafeeq

Extracts from the Magazine

Featured Illustrations