Mahalo for your interest in HIDA – the Hawai‘i Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. Hawaiian petroglyphs – ancient carvings of human spirits, symbols in lava rock – can be found throughout the islands of Hawai‘i. Anthropologists believe that petroglyphs were used by Hawaiians as a form of written communication before missionaries introduced a formal written language. Like anthropologists who are making headway in uncovering the meanings of petroglyphs, individuals with dyslexia can learn to interpret and process language with appropriate instruction and support. We appreciate your interest in learning more about dyslexia and the resources and strategies available to create a richer, more robust future for Hawai‘i’s children and adults who struggle with dyslexia and other related reading difficulties.
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By being a member of IDA, you will be equipped with the latest information to best position you to advocate for your child or yourself, teach students with reading difficulties, and support the people in your life with dyslexia. Your membership includes exclusive access to our extraordinary community of researchers, teachers, professionals, and parents, and will support the Structured Literacy teacher preparation and training which will help thousands of children in the years to come. |
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When strengths and interests are recognized, learners engage differently and confidence grows.
Beyond the Deficit Lens is a workshop focused on understanding dyslexia through a strength-based perspective — one that acknowledges challenges while also recognizing ability, talent, and potential. We will explore what happens when we make this shift, and how it can influence learning, self-understanding, and the way we support students. March 11, 2026 Online | 6:30–8:00 PM HST About the Speaker Jennifer Leoiki-Drino is a strength-based dyslexia and twice-exceptionality (2e) coach and advocate. As a neurodivergent individual and parent of a child with dyslexia, she brings lived experience and professional insight to her work. She is a graduate student in Cognitive Diversity at Elmbridge Graduate School, where her work focuses on strength-based approaches that support confidence and engagement, and long-term development in neurodivergent learners. Jennifer works with families to move beyond deficit narratives and better understand their child’s abilities and learning profile. Email: Jleoikidrino.c4o@gmail.com |
The mission of the Hawai’i Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (HIDA) is to increase awareness of dyslexia in our community; provide support for people with dyslexia, their families and educators; promote teacher training; and, improve literacy for struggling readers.
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