As “the Fonz” in the TV comedy “Happy Days,” Henry Winkler was absolute coolness.
Growing up, however, Winkler felt no coolness as he struggled in school, and was called stupid, lazy. He later struggled mastering the “Happy Days” scripts. At 31, he realized he had dyslexia.
Now 69, Winkler frequently talks about the challenges that come with dyslexia and what parents and other adults can do to help children with learning disabilities thrive. Winkler will speak at a symposium organized by the International Dyslexia Association (Georgia Branch) at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 7 at Georgia State’s Rialto Center for the Arts. (Complete story and Q and A with Winkler will run next week on myajc.com)
The event will feature a panel of experts who will discuss navigating resources and strategies for dyslexic students and adults, including information about free and low-cost training programs to help teachers assist students with dyslexia.
“What I learned is that how you learn has nothing to do with how brilliant you are,” Winkler said in a recent phone interview. “A learning challenge does not have to stop you from realizing your dream.”
EVENT PREVIEW
“Dimensions of Dyslexia”
Actor and author Henry Winkler will speak at a symposium organized by the International Dyslexia Association-Georgia Branch (IDA-GA). This symposium is part of an annual "Dimensions of Dyslexia" educational event. 8:30 a.m. Feb. 7. $35 students; $40 members; $55 for general admissions. Georgia State's Rialto Center for the Arts, 80 Forsyth St. N.W., Atlanta. To purchase tickets, go to http://bit.ly/IDAGAWinkler.
FACTS ABOUT DYSLEXIA
- Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that is neurological in origin.
- Approximately 15 percent to 20 percent of the people around the world have a language-based learning disability.
- Of those who are students, 70 percent to 80 percent struggle with reading.
- Dyslexia is the most common cause of reading, writing and spelling difficulties.
- Dyslexia affects males and females equally, as well as people from different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
Source: The International Dyslexia Association-Georgia Branch
For more information, go to http://www.idaga.org.
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