Three years ago, when RFB&D opened a local office in South Carolina, I learned that more than 55,000 public school students in grades K-12 were living with a print disability.

55,000 students = 920 bus loads of students

Today, I am proud to report that 75 bus loads of students now have equal access to the printed word. From 1,600 students served in 2005 to more than 4,000 students served today, we thank you for opening pages of books for these students. You are the reason these 75 bus loads of students are now reading on grade level. Students, like Stephanie and Stacey, in the photos you see here, are the curious ones who are thriving because of you. The data that is being collected on the impact RFB&D is making is incredible. However, the reality is that we still have 854 additional bus loads of students waiting to be reached.

What are our plans for the future? A business plan has been developed, and we are depending on your continued support, both physically and financially so more students will be reached! Knowing that one in five students are living with dyslexia, you are bound to know one student who could benefit! Perhaps you would like to host a Learning Through Listening Hour or be a table captain at our upcoming Learning Through Listening Luncheon on April 1. Would you like to Adopt-A-Text or Sponsor-A-Student? When you see Senator Courson, thank him for his unending support and his recommendation to the Budget and Control Board. Thanks to Senator Courson, RFB&D received a competitive grant in the amount of $59,880 to open 20 new Learning Through Listening sites, record 20 state adopted textbooks and to move our remaining analog members to the digital era. Please write a letter and also call your legislators; ask them to support RFB&D to ensure that these students are given equal access to the printed word.

As you see school buses rolling down the road, reflect on the words of Eugene S. Wilson. RFB&D is determined and poised to provide the tools for students to live their dream, and with your support, students will overcome obstacles to learning. Think of the students who are left sitting on those 854 buses who have yet to be served and imagine the day when all students in South Carolina are reading on grade level! With your help, we will be able to serve another bus load of students!

Recorder - Our Winter 2008 Regional Newsletter

Download PDF version of our newsletter and our South Carolina insert