SLU’s Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources Presents: Dyslexia Simulation
On November 8, 2022, Saint Louis University’s Center for Accessibility and Disability Resources held an event in hopes to increase students’ and faculty’s understanding of the intricacies of dyslexia. CADR brought in a local school, Churchill Center and School, to conduct the simulation for all participants. Churchill is the leading school in grades K-8 for students with dyslexia and other learning abilities. The event took place for about 2 hours and included a variety of different tasks and activities for the participants. CADR employee Alex Rogers weighed on the event and on what they hope participants take away while SLU student Nancy Entenmann reflected on the impact this event can have for students with dyslexia like herself.
The November 8th simulation is not the first time this simulation was presented but was first brought to the university in 2019. Since then, there have been improvements in faculty and students who have taken the simulation. Along with the professor, who gave their student notes before class, Entenmann detailed that other professors have provided their notes to all students, which according to Entenmann, was extremely helpful. In addition to notes before class, audio textbooks have been essential to Entenmann’s education as it allows her to take notes on the readings more efficiently and at her own pace. A variety of accommodations and simulations like these are necessary as, according to the International Dyslexia Associated, 15%-20% of students have dyslexia, and they all do not experience dyslexia the same, and universities need to be prepared to support current and prospective students with dyslexia. Continuing to hold and promote this dyslexia simulation can help SLU become a more accessible place as it will allow professors and students to have more empathy and to be able to create different accommodations for those students with disabilities.
