Accepting a label — and choosing to identify oneself with a “learning disability or difference” — can be the first step to empowerment. How can self-esteem, self-advocacy, and a supportive community make a key difference in the lives of youth with learning differences?
Project Eye to Eye is dedicated to answering this question. Their mentoring model of pairing college students with middle schoolers, both with learning differences, is sweeping the country. In addition to mentoring, they run camps, train student leaders, and work to create a culture of acceptance and understanding for learning differences everywhere. When students who have been diagnosed with a learning difference are able to learn and celebrate who they are, then they can achieve their highest potential and develop the tools they need on this journey.
We are excited and proud that Marcus Soutra, the president of Project Eye to Eye, will be speaking at this year’s 33rd Annual Learning Differences Conference. Come and hear his inspiring message!
- Michael Greschler, M.Ed., SMARTS Director