Local Latino Filmmaker Releases Embracing Dyslexia Documentary to Raise Dyslexia Awareness

Latino film director Luis Macias of Elgin, Illinois learned in 2011 that his eight year old son Alejandro was dyslexic. Even though Alejandro was diagnosed relatively early, it came after he was held back in first grade due to his poor reading skills and after countless homework battles, self-esteem issues and continuously being told that he was not trying hard enough.

After this heartbreaking experience Macias decided that it was important for the world to learn more about this most common but misunderstood learning disability so he created and directed the documentary Embracing Dyslexia in English and a new Spanish version of the film to reach Hispanics in their native language.

“These films are my chance to make things right. I can’t take back the decision to hold my son back a year, something that will always be a terrible memory for him. I can’t take back the many times I accused him of being lazy and not trying hard enough,” explained Macias, director and producer of Embracing Dyslexia. “This is my way of trying to prevent other children and their families from having to go through what we did. Schools need to acknowledge that dyslexia is real; they need to understand what it is and not be afraid of the word; and they need to know what can be done to help these children. With this information they can work with parents and together make a tremendous impact on a dyslexic child’s life.”

A special screening of the Spanish version of the Embracing Dyslexia documentary, followed by a question and answer session with Macias, will be held at the St. Augustine College Charlie Chaplin Auditorium, 1345 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL on Thursday, August 13, 2015 from 7p-830p. For more information please visit embracingdyslexia.com/resources.

The film will also be available worldwide for free after the special screening in both English and Spanish at www.embracingdyslexia.com. In addition, if you would like to purchase a DVD copy of this film to share at a church, school, community or other type of group function please visit embracingdyslexia.com/buy-the-dvd.

About Dyslexia

It is estimated that 15 to 20 percent of the world’s population is dyslexic, but most people are never identified or diagnosed. For those who are identified, most are not given the appropriate remediation. According to the National Institutes of Health, dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. Individuals with dyslexia struggle with reading, writing, spelling and often with math despite having at least an average intelligence. Children that have this learning disability are very bright but are often thought of as lazy and noncompliant which often leads to frustration for the child because no one understands that they have dyslexia or even think of it as a possibility. For those who are diagnosed it often happens after years of struggling in school, after self-esteem has begun to tumble and after the words ‘I’m stupid’ or ‘I’m dumb’ become more than just words. For being the most common learning disability, dyslexia is grossly misunderstood in the one environment where it can least afford to be – our schools.

About Luis Macias and the Embracing Dyslexia Documentary

Macias wants the world to learn about dyslexia. He doesn’t want anyone to suffer or to be misunderstood because of this most common but least recognized learning disability. He understands the power of storytelling through film and has created a forum for dyslexics to share their story in order to educate and help others.

The Embracing Dyslexia documentary is a thoughtful and moving exploration of dyslexia from an insider’s perspective, weaving together interviews with parents, adult dyslexics, researchers, educators and experts to provide an accurate portrayal of a learning difference that affects between 15-20% of the population.

Embracing Dyslexia was made possible due to the many volunteers and donors that are passionate about helping the world better understand this learning difference.

About St. Augustine College

Thank you to St. Augustine College for hosting this special screening. Founded in 1980, St. Augustine College is an independent college, with four educational centers in the Chicago area and one in Aurora. It is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It offers academic programs that include a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a wide range of Associate Degrees that prepare students for successful employment or the ability to transfer to a four year university to complete a Bachelor’s Degree. You can learn more about St. Augustine College at 773-878-8756 or staugustine.edu.

For Media Interviews & Supporting Materials:

Luis Macias, Creator, Director of Embracing Dyslexia

or Marissa Yelenosky, Publicist

phone: 847-612-9748

email: info@embracingdyslexiamovie.com

website: www.embracingdyslexia.com/resources