Mother’s Advocacy Leads to Opening NYC School for Dyslexic Children
In a heartwarming tale of perseverance and determination, five mothers in New York City fought tirelessly for years to open a specialized public school for children with dyslexia. Their incredible journey is now the subject of a poignant documentary, “Left Behind,” currently screening at the Quad Cinema near Union Square through Thursday.
Triumphant Story Captured on Film
Directed by Anna Toomey, the documentary sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of these mothers as they advocated for the creation of the South Bronx Literacy Academy. Toomey describes the film as a “triumphant story,” showcasing the pain, determination, and perseverance of these women and their families. The documentary captures intimate moments of the moms strategizing around kitchen tables, armed with research on the challenges faced by dyslexic students, including higher dropout and incarceration rates.
Impactful Advocacy and Realization of a Dream
The mothers delved into the 2021 mayoral race, urging candidates to prioritize literacy improvement, a cause close to their hearts. Their relentless advocacy paid off when Mayor Eric Adams and then-Schools Chancellor David Banks agreed to bring their vision to life by launching the South Bronx Literacy Academy. The school, which began as a model classroom in 2022, officially opened its doors as a public school in 2023, providing specialized instruction to 98 students in grades two through four.
A Personal Connection: Director’s Son Inspires Story
Director Anna Toomey shared a deeply personal connection to the documentary, revealing that her own son, who has dyslexia, faced similar challenges in his education. Witnessing her son’s struggles in a Westchester school mirrored the experiences of the five mothers featured in the film, highlighting the systemic issues faced by dyslexic students in public schools.
Toomey hopes that “Left Behind” will spark a reimagining of education and highlight the creative potential of students who have been overlooked. Through the lens of these courageous mothers, viewers are invited to see beyond the challenges of dyslexia and recognize the unique strengths and contributions of these “different thinkers” in society.
The documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of dedicated advocacy and the importance of creating inclusive educational opportunities for all students, regardless of their learning differences.
