During a recent government meeting, Mary Anne Hill, a parent of three children with dyslexia, addressed the assembly to express gratitude for the proclamation of October as Dyslexia Awareness Month in Prince William County. Hill, who serves as the chair of Decoding Dyslexia, a national grassroots movement, emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting individuals with dyslexia, a condition she described as often unseen and misunderstood.
Hill highlighted the establishment of a local chapter of Decoding Dyslexia in Prince William County, inspired by similar groups in neighboring Fairfax and Loudoun counties. She called for collaboration among various community stakeholders—including school boards, teachers, libraries, and businesses—to foster an environment of care, listening, and learning for those affected by dyslexia.
The newly formed group aims to raise awareness, create support networks, and empower individuals living with dyslexia. Hill noted that they are already partnering with the Virginia branch of the International Dyslexia Association, local school systems, and the Prince William Chamber Foundation to further their mission. As the group embarks on its initiatives, Hill expressed optimism about the potential for meaningful change in the community's approach to dyslexia.