One in ten people in Ireland and many famous names worldwide have dyslexia yet they successfully carve out very successful careers. This is the message that Shannon Chamber, in conjunction with EmployAbility Clare and Limerick, wants to project at a dyslexia-focused event taking place in Shannon next Thursday, 25 May.

The focus of the morning seminar, which runs from 8-9:30am in the Oakwood Hotel in Shannon, will be to show that dyslexia can and should be managed in both the classroom and the workplace so that those diagnosed with it are given the proper encouragement to believe in and develop their innate abilities.

Announcing details of the event, Shannon Chamber’s chief executive Helen Downes said; “When we mention Richard Branson, Brendan O’Carroll, Albert Einstein, Jamie Oliver or W.B. Yeats, we automatically think of their extensive achievements in life, yet, what many of us don’t’ know is they are or were dyslexic and it has not held them back. That’s the message we want to get across at our seminar: given the right encouragement in life, the world can be everyone’s oyster.

“We have a great line-up of speakers. Michelle Kinsella, support and development officer for adult services with the Dyslexia Association of Ireland will outline the types of supports available to the further education, training and employment sector to assist those who are dyslexic.

“Special education teacher Fíona de Buitléir has worked exclusively with bright students (aged 10-13 years) with severe dyslexia for the past 30 years and loves those students for their quirky brains, their unusual take on things and their courage in facing life in our education system with a significant learning difference.

“Connor Flanagan CEO with Atlantic Aviation Group in Shannon will share his own personal journey of moving through education, attaining both Primary and Masters Degrees to now leading a company with 220 employees. His presentation should inspire attendees to look beyond any disability they may have and know that they can achieve,” added Ms Downes.

This event, entitled ‘Managing and Facilitating Dyslexia’, will take place in the Oakwood Arms Hotel in Shannon next Thursday, 25 May from 8-9:30am. It is free of charge and is open to anyone with an interest in dyslexia from an education, work or general life perspective.

Bookings can be made via Shannon Chamber’s website: www.shannonchamber.ie/events/managing-and-facilitating-dyslexia