High School Student with Dyslexia Creates Tee-Shirt to Raise Awareness
“I want to make the topic of dyslexia just something that’s normal to talk about. The more we talk about dyslexia and realize so many others also are dyslexic, the more normal it will become.”
Following is an informational Q+A with Rhianna Lewis, a junior high school student and dyslexia advocate. Her recent advocacy efforts were featured in the article, CHS JUNIOR SPREADING DYSLEXIA AWARENESS. As a student with dyslexia, Rhianna wants to normalize the conversation around the language based learning disability. She asked her city commission to honor National Dyslexia Day, and they did! Additionally, Rhianna sold tee-shirts to raise awareness.
Q: What inspired your advocacy awareness efforts?
Tee shirt created by Rhianna Lewis to raised awareness of dyslexia.
A: What inspired my advocacy awareness efforts was seeing students around me struggle. I was very fortunate to be able to receive specialized tutoring, and I realized that was not realistic for all students. I wanted all struggling students to be able to receive the help that I did.
Q: Tell us about your tee-shirt campaign.
A: I tried to design a tee-shirt that would be fun, but also bring awareness to the number of people with dyslexia. I spoke to the school superintendent over the summer and told him about my idea. Then, I met with our City’s Mayor and asked if our city could pass a Resolution recognizing National Dyslexia Day. Everyone in our community so supportive. We were able to sell 220 shirts and get the message out. We are hopefully going to do a second order and will be glad to ship the shirts.
Q: How can other students play an active role in advocacy?
A: Students can talk about dyslexia like it’s normal. I want to make the topic of dyslexia just something that’s normal to talk about. The more we talk about dyslexia and realize so many others also are dyslexic, the more normal it will become.
Q: What key messages do you share when speaking to legislators and other nonprofit organizations?
A: The key messages I share are how many people actually have dyslexia. Most people don’t realize how prevalent dyslexia is, and it’s not just a small group of students. I also try to emphasize the importance of early intervention because the earlier a child is able to get help, they are more likely to succeed I also try to talk about the lack of resources to recognize and treat dyslexia in rural areas.
Q: What advice to you have for other students who have dyslexia?
A: While it is difficult right now, trying every day does make a difference. Learning about how you learn is the best way to succeed.
Q: Who has been your greatest advocate/supporter?
Rhianna with her mom.
A: My mother has been my greatest advocate/supporter. She noticed my struggle and my signs of dyslexia early and was able to find a special dyslexia tutor. She also drove me four hours to the tutor.
I’m also very thankful for Dr. Sally Shaywitz and the research has done. Her research has legitimized that dyslexia is real. Meeting her at the Georgia Capitol is one of my favorite memories.
To order a tee-shirt, please contact Rhianna at rhiannaelewis@gmail.com.