Natasha C. Gray is the owner of Spark Learning.
October 2024 – Throughout October, Dyslexia Awareness Month spotlights the importance of addressing dyslexia, a widespread language-based learning disability. Across the globe, parents, educators, and communities are uniting to raise awareness of this condition, which affects millions of children and adults, impacting their ability to excel academically and professionally.
Natasha Gray, Educational Diagnostician, Dyslexia Therapist, and founder of Spark Learning —with offices in Barbados and Jamaica—emphasizes that early identification is key to unlocking the potential of individuals with dyslexia. “Delaying intervention can lead to academic struggles, low self-esteem, and a negative attitude towards school,” Gray asserts. “Early identification can prevent potential learning issues and provide children with the support theyneed to thrive.”
Gray, a recipient of the Global Dyslexia Aware Award from Nessy Learning, shares how this recognition affirms her dedication to the cause.
“The Dyslexia Aware Global Award is given to educators who go above and beyond to raise awareness about dyslexia,” she explains.
“It was truly inspiring to be chosen from a pool of 60 global nominees. At Spark Learning, we’ve been advocating for dyslexia awareness and supporting students for over 20+ years, and this honour reinforces our commitment to the cause.”
Gray further stresses the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure that students with dyslexia receive the special education interventions and accommodations they need to succeed.
“It’s vital for both sectors to work together and invest in multi-sensory structured literacy approaches,” she notes. “This kind of intervention is currently lacking in many public schools across the Caribbean.
Through Spark Learning, Gray and her team offer specialized programs that focus on phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. However, even students who excel in early reading may struggle later with more complex language tasks like grammar and essay writing, making ongoing support essential.
This October, Spark Learning is marking Dyslexia Awareness Month with a virtual interactive workshop titled “The Dyslexia Experience” on October 26, designed for parents and educators. Participants will gain a firsthand understanding of the daily frustrations individuals with dyslexia face, which helps foster empathy and equips educators with strategies to support them effectively.
When asked about the importance of educational assessments, Gray encourages parents not to hesitate: “An educational assessment provides valuable insights into your child’s strengths andweaknesses, guiding schools to offer the right support. It can shape your child’s entire academic journey and ensure they have the tools to succeed.”
For more information on the workshop or to register, visit https://sparklearningedu.com/events
About Spark Learning
Spark Learning is a leader in providing innovative, multi-sensory literacy programs designed to support children and adults with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. With offices in Barbados and Jamaica, Spark Learning is dedicated to helping learners overcome their challenges and achieve academic and professional success.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Natasha Gray
Tel: (246) 825-8697
Email: sparkthelearning@gmail.com