SPED-UEW Champions Inclusive Learning for Dyslexic Students
The Department of Special Education (SPED) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) in collaboration with the Africa Dyslexia Organisation (ADO), hosted a transformative Dyslexia Awareness Seminar to deepen public understanding of dyslexia and promote inclusive education for learners with reading challenges.
Held at the Central Campus of UEW, the seminar brought together academics, students, educators and community stakeholders to address the persistent misconceptions surrounding dyslexia and to offer evidence-based strategies for supporting affected learners. The event aligned with UEW’s mandate to lead educational innovation and inclusivity in Ghana and beyond.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Rhaleta C. Bernard, a Reading Specialist from the Centre for Learning Support and Educational Psychology (CLSEP), explained that dyslexia is not a reflection of a student’s intelligence or motivation but rather a neurological variation in how the brain processes language.
She highlighted the daily struggles dyslexic learners face and called for structured literacy programmes, multisensory teaching techniques and personalised support to help them thrive.
“Early identification and intervention can be life-changing. With the right strategies, dyslexic students are fully capable of academic success,” Dr. Rhaleta Bernard emphasised.
Ms. Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Nartey, Founder and Executive Director of ADO, reinforced the message by calling for widespread advocacy and systemic inclusion. She urged policymakers, educators and parents to dismantle stigmas and embrace educational practices that support all learning profiles. “Awareness is the first step. Inclusion must become the standard not the exception,” she said.
A representative from the Effutu Municipal Directorate of Education underscored the importance of community collaboration in supporting dyslexic learners and pledged the directorate’s commitment to awareness and policy support.
Prof. Frimpong Kaakyire Duku who represented the Vice-Chancellor affirmed UEW’s dedication to inclusive education, stressing that dyslexia should be understood as a unique learning style that deserves empathy and tailored pedagogy. “This seminar has strengthened our resolve to foster a learning environment where every student is supported to reach their full potential,” he said.
Chair of the event, Prof. Samuel K. Hayford, lauded the insightful presentations and emphasised the urgent need for a national conversation on dyslexia awareness. “Educators, parents and society must come to terms with the realities of learning differences. With informed interventions, we can unlock the potential of every learner,” he stated.
The interactive session that followed allowed participants to ask questions and explore real-world applications of the strategies discussed, reinforcing the seminar’s practical impact.
By hosting this timely event, UEW has once again affirmed its leadership role in championing equity, empathy and excellence in education.
