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Fall Dyslexia Conference hosted by Mississippi College


MC Dyslexia Center Director Jan Hankins

Nearly 200 educators and parents are coming to Mississippi College’s Fall Dyslexia Conference.

Experts arriving on the Clinton campus September 29 will discuss topics like multisensory math, occupational therapy, writing, error analysis and developmental dyslexia.

MC’s Dyslexia Education and Evaluation Center is again hosting the seminar attracting professionals from Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee and other nearby states.

Several speakers bring Mississippi College connections. They include Melissa McMahan, a Texas licensed dyslexia therapist. She received her master’s in dyslexia therapy at Mississippi College. Two of her three young adult children are diagnosed with dyslexia.

Others giving talks include MC graduate Twila Rawson, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

Speakers include Robin Lemonis, director of the Bureau of Student Intervention Services at the Mississippi Department of Education. Robin received her master’s in dyslexia therapy at MC. Psychology professor Timothy Odegard of Middle Tennessee State University is part of the lineup as well.

About 40 million Americans experience dyslexia, reports show. It is a language-based learning disability characterized by poor reading skills, and spelling difficulties. Up to 15 percent of the USA population suffers from dyslexia, but only 5 percent receive help.

Part of the MC School of Education, the MC Dyslexia Center works with 40 children from kindergarten through high school. Center staffers on the Clinton campus test three dozen students monthly.

Led by director Jan Hankins, the center is located at 500 West Madison Street near the university’s soccer fields.

School of Education Dean Cindy Melton will welcome conference guests. The program begins with a 7:30 a.m. registration and continental breakfast that Friday at Anderson Hall. The seminar costs $50, including lunch.

For more information, contact Jan Hankins or Shirley Tipton at 601-925-7766 or hankin00@mc.edu