As Dyslexia Awareness Month 2023 continues, Siena is excited to be participating in a series of events celebrating LD students’ strengths and highlighting the work of creator, artist, and dyslexia advocate Gil Gershoni.

Dear Dyslexia Postcard Project

Dear Dyslexia comes from Gil Gershoni, the Founder and Creative Director of Gershoni Creative. As they describe this global project showcasing the diversity of the dyslexic experience,

Dear Dyslexia: The Postcard Project invites dyslexics of all ages—from students to professionals—to depict their relationship with dyslexia on postcards using words and images. The goal is to activate a global community around the unique strengths and perspectives that dyslexia offers—what we call “hyper-abilities.”

Siena students have participated in Gershoni’s project, joining many other schools nationally and internationally in highlighting their strengths and creativity as dyslexics. Dear Dyslexia has partnered with more than 20 LD schools nationwide, as well as with a variety of notable Participating Ambassadors, including actress Alyssa Milano, children’s author and illustrator Dav Pilkey, and Olympian Greg Louganis.

Dyslexia on the Hill

On Tuesday, Students from both Siena campuses attended an event hosted by the House Dyslexia Caucus on Capitol Hill honoring the Dear Dyslexia project. A Siena student was invited to give short remarks about their experiences with dyslexia and about participating in Gershoni’s project:

When I was completing my postcard, I chose the word “complex.” I chose this word because there are so many variations of dyslexia and different ways it affects people. This project brings dyslexic people together all over the world and shines a light on this learning difference and how incredible it can be.

Representatives Julia Brownley of California and Lamar Smith of Texas co-chair the caucus, which seeks to raise awareness about dyslexia and students’ diverse learning needs. Representative Larry Bucshon of Indiana spoke about his daughter’s experiences with dyslexia and journey first to Cornell University and now to a job with Oracle.

Siena students shared that they got a lot out of the experience:

“I really enjoyed hearing people of different ages talk about the experiences that I’ve had as a dyslexic student. I was so inspired that I wanted to stand up and share my experiences.” —High School Student

“I felt inspired by people finding their strengths in their dyslexia rather than just their weakness. I felt part of a community today. It was nice to meet people from other schools.” —High School Student

“It was a great experience, especially how they got students’ perspectives on their journey through dyslexia. I liked that there were different speakers. They were all passionate about their own and their children’s experiences with dyslexia.” —High School Student

“It was inspiring to be part of a community that understands dyslexia and the importance of education. I used to feel alone at my old school but now I don’t.” —Middle School Student 

Welcoming and Honoring Gershoni

Continuing the week’s celebrations of the Dear Dyslexia project and dyslexics’ hyper-abilities more broadly, Siena will welcome Gershoni to its Silver Spring campus to meet with students from both Siena campuses to share about the project and take questions.

On Thursday evening, Siena will honor Gershoni with the Cypress Leadership Award at its 18th annual Siena Celebration. Siena also plans to host a pop-up exhibit of selected Dear Dyslexia postcards at Siena Celebration.