Issue 25: January 2025 Dystinct Magazine
Dystinct Magazine's 25th issue: January 2025 covers inspirational stories from children and adults with learning disabilities (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia) and evidence based articles from leading specialists from the field of learning disabilities.
Table of Contents
Literacy Is a Civil Right
This issue, a thought from Amanda Harrison, co-founder of Literacy Moms NC, stuck with me: “Literacy is a civil right that should be accessible to ANYONE. Imagine what could be accomplished if schools fostered a proactive approach and worked in true partnership with families.” It’s such a simple truth, yet so many families are forced to fight for what should already be a given—the right for their child to learn to read. Too often, parents find themselves navigating a system that feels more like an obstacle course than a support network. It’s exhausting, it’s unfair, and it’s unnecessary.
But the stories we share remind us that change is possible. When schools embrace evidence-based practices and truly partner with families, the difference is life-changing. Every child deserves to feel capable, valued, and confident in their abilities.
We owe it to the next generation to keep pushing for better. Better practices, better support, and better outcomes. Because every child deserves the right to read—and to walk through life with their self-esteem intact.
As we step into a new year, let’s carry this resolve with us—to keep fighting for change and to continue building a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
I hope you enjoy reading this issue, and I wish you and your loved ones a Happy New Year filled with hope and possibility.
If you have feedback, ideas, or stories to share, please reach out—I’d love to hear from you!
Get in touch with me at Zahra@Dystinct.org
Thanks
Zahra Nawaz Shafeeq
How To Access Dystinct Magazine
How To Access Dystinct Magazine
👉 Read further below to access all the content of the magazine on the website layout. Check links to each article in Topics covered.
The magazine can be accessed on your mobile and tablet devices.
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👉 Google Play Store - Android devices
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On The Cover
On The Cover
On the cover is Jay Harrison.
Amanda Harrison shares her son Jay’s journey from struggling with undiagnosed dyslexia and school anxiety to finding confidence and success through intensive remediation, private education, and a passion for golf, while highlighting the challenges and triumphs of advocating for his right to read.
Topics Covered
Topics Covered
The January 2025 issue of Dystinct Magazine brings to you:
Dr Eric H. Chudler | Research Neuroscientist & Executive Director/Education Director at the Center for Neurotechnology
Dr Eric H. Chudler highlights experiments and activities from the Neuroscience for Neurodiverse Learners (NNL) program, designed to teach neurodiverse high school students about the brain while sharing these resources to help others replicate the engaging and educational experiences.
Zahra Nawaz
The article highlights Twila Richardson’s relentless fight for justice, alongside the efforts of fellow advocates, and calls for action to advance Marin’s Principle—a bold push for systemic change to guarantee literacy, inclusion, and dignity for all neurodivergent Manitobans.
Arti Shah | Speech Pathologist, Language and Literacy Advocate & Founder of Human Chapters
Arti Shah explores the transformative power of conversations around children's picture stories to enhance language, literacy, and deeper connections in educational settings.
Leah Remillet | Speaker, Coach & Podcaster
Leah Remillet, entrepreneur and host of the Balancing Busy Podcast, shares how she turned the challenges of ADHD and dyslexia into strengths, encouraging parents to embrace challenges as opportunities for their children to build confidence and resilience.
Dr. Erin Pzinski | Educator, Trainer & Founder
Dr. Erin Pzinski explains the critical role of rapid naming in reading development, highlighting its connection to dyslexia, its use as an early indicator of reading challenges, and the importance of targeted, evidence-based interventions to help children overcome difficulties and achieve reading success.
Nicola Lott | Educator, Trainer and Founder
Nicola Lott highlights the critical role of screening assessments in identifying children at risk of reading difficulties, empowering parents and educators to work together in providing targeted support, monitoring progress, and ensuring every child can thrive in their literacy journey.
Elaine Taylor-Klaus | Master Certified Coach, Thought Leader in Neurodiversity, and Parenting Mentor & Co-founder
Elaine Taylor-Klaus highlights the transformative power of parent training and coaching as a core strategy for supporting neurodiverse children, emphasizing an approach that equips parents with skills to understand and support their children effectively, fostering improved relationships, confidence, and positive outcomes for the entire family.
Amanda Harrison | Mother of Jay Harrison
Amanda Harrison shares her son Jay’s journey from struggling with undiagnosed dyslexia and school anxiety to finding confidence and success through intensive remediation, private education, and a passion for golf, while highlighting the challenges and triumphs of advocating for his right to read.
Amanda Harrison & Ginny Sharpless | Dyslexia Advocates & Founders of Literacy Moms NC
Amanda Harrison and Ginny Sharpless, two determined mothers from North Carolina, founded Literacy Moms NC after battling systemic resistance to their children’s dyslexia needs, sparking a movement to empower parents and demand equitable access to literacy for all.
Extracts from the Magazine
Extracts from the Magazine
