Alan Alda Set for DISCUSSIONS ON DYSLEXIA Today at The Kildonan School

"I've interviewed hundreds of scientists on television but, as a grandfather of dyslexic children, I don't think I've ever had a conversation strike home as much as this one will," said actor Alan Alda, on being asked about his hosting of, "Alan Alda Talks with the Experts: Discussions on Dyslexia," presented by Eye to Eye and the Kildonan School today, April 21.

Alda had a special interest in this event, when the opportunity was presented to him. He is widely recognized for his accomplishments in various acting, entertainment and educational roles (www.alanalda.com). His passion for science took him on a decade-long journey to present PBS' "Scientific American Frontiers" (www.pbs.org/saf/) and to co-found the Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University (www.centerforcommunicatingscience.org/).

Distinguished leaders in scientific research from across the country will join Alda and guests to discuss current information and research during the evening:

- Brock L. Eide, Md., M.A., and Fernette F. Eide, Md, co-authors of the best-selling book, 'The Dyslexic Advantage: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain' (www.dyslexicadvantage.com)

- Fumiko Hoeft, Md., Ph.D., University of California, San Francisco, associate professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and director of laboratory for Educational Neuroscience

- Manuel Casanova, Md., University of Louisville, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

"I'm eager to engage with these highly knowledgeable and compassionate experts. It will be a memorable evening," said Alda.

Through April 21, tickets are available at The Kildonan School website at www.Kildonan.org, and are available on-site at the door:

- Tier I - $100, includes entrance to the event and one drink

- Tier II - $200, with all the benefits of a Tier I ticket plus a complimentary copy of the book, "The Dyslexic Advantage," as well as entrance to a book-signing dessert reception with Dr. Casanova, the Eides, and Dr. Hoeft

Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with cash bar available. Special education teachers who otherwise could not afford to attend this event may be gifted a ticket. Educators receive a 10% discount, and a group of five or more educators receive a 15% discount. To purchase tickets, educators should email Patricia Roberts at proberts@kildonan.org.

Eye to Eye (www.eyetoeyenational.org) is the only national mentoring movement that pairs kids labeled as "learning disabled" - or, as Founder David Flink says, who "learn differently" - or LD / ADHD, with similarly labeled college students as mentors. An art-based curriculum helps mentees build essential self-esteem, value their own unique minds, and inspire them to advocate for their needs in the classroom. Eye to Eye has 51 chapters throughout the U.S., which partner with parents, communities, schools, and universities to create a network of advocates. Mentors inspire their kids by showing them what's possible when labeled with LD / ADHD, while the mentoring movement affects everyone involved, creating a new understanding of learning differences and raising expectations of those who carry that label.

The Kildonan School (www.kildonan.org) is the nation's premier co-educational, college preparatory school for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in grades 2 through 12, with day and boarding options. The school also runs a 6-week summer program, Camp Dunnabeck, the oldest residential program of its kind.

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