SAN FRANCISCO, March 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Parents Education Network (PEN) and Understood.org announced today that bestselling author and dyslexia advocate Max Brooks will headline the eighth annual EdRev 2016: A Day to Think a Little Differently on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at AT&T Park. EdRev (Education Revolution) is a daylong conference that provides information, resources, celebration and community for students who learn differently and the families and professionals who support them. Brooks will deliver the keynote address, "Taking On World War D: Dyslexia," sharing his personal experience growing up with dyslexia.
In 2014, Brooks gave a passionate speech before Congress urging them to take action to help children who have dyslexia. Giving firsthand accounts of his own struggles during school, Brooks said that "a little awareness and flexible teaching methods could unlock unlimited potential in these kids."
EdRev will feature prominent experts including Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide of Dyslexic Advantage, Dr. Tony Simon of the UC Davis MIND Institute, and Lindsay Jones, Esq., of the National Center for Learning Disabilities.
"We chose the theme 'A Day to Think a Little Differently' because we want to celebrate and honor the unique minds of our students with learning and attention issues, who think and learn best in nontraditional ways," said Laura Maloney, executive director of PEN. "Over 2,000 people attend EdRev each year, so whether you are a student, parent or educator, you will have an opportunity to connect with people who acknowledge and support the different paths students have to learning and leading meaningful lives."
EdRev attendees, including more than 600 students, will hear from renowned speakers presenting their work from the cutting edge of learning science, and can explore a diverse range of resources presented by tech companies, service providers, schools, colleges and support organizations, in addition to enjoying artwork, music and outdoor activities.
"EdRev was a game changer for our family," said Julia C. Martin, founder of SIKidSF.com, who attended EdRev 2015. "My son attended in 2012 when he was 9 years old and it was the first time he heard people stand up and speak out for kids with disabilities and their rights. From that moment on, he has taken an active role in educating his teachers, family members and others about special education and learning and attention issues."
"It's important that families of the 1 in 5 children in the U.S. with learning and attention issues take time to celebrate their unique gifts, and our partnership with PEN at EdRev 2016 helps to elevate and empower them," said Kevin Hager, managing director at Understood.org. "Understood connects parents to free resources, tools and experts, and supporting events like EdRev ensures that we continue to bridge our local communities with our online community."
"PEN launched EdRev in 2009 because there was no other event that allowed students to experience an atmosphere where their strengths are celebrated and the stigma of LD disappears," said Dewey Rosetti, cofounder and board member of PEN. "We look forward to yet another annual day of collaboration, inspiration and empowerment."
EdRev 2016 is produced by PEN in partnership with Understood. Winner of the 2015 Webby Award for best family/parenting site, Understood.org is a comprehensive free resource that was created by 15 nonprofits to empower parents of the 1 in 5 children in the U.S. who have learning and attention issues. Available in English, Spanish and read-aloud mode, Understood offers personalized resources, interactive tools, daily access to experts, a supportive community of parents and more. Since Understood.org launched in October 2014, it has helped more than 11 million people. With clear explanations and practical tips, Understood is helping parents gain confidence and unlock strengths that can help their children thrive in school and in life.
Registration for EdRev 2016 is now open. General registration is $60 per person. Member students and educators attend at no cost. Nonmember students are $20, nonmember educators are $40 and low-income scholarships are available. To stay informed about the latest news with EdRev, visit http://www.edrevsf.org. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/pensf or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pensf.
To apply for media credentials, contact Laura Maloney (laura@parentseducationnetwork.org). For information about exhibitor space and sponsorship opportunities, contact Rachel Blickman (rachel@parentseducationnetwork.org).
© 2016 Parents Education Network (PEN). PEN is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in San Francisco that provides education, support and empowerment to students, parents, and educators impacted by learning and attention differences. For more information about PEN please call (415) 751-2237, email pen@parentseducationnetwork.org or visit http://parentseducationnetwork.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Laura Maloney
laura@parentseducationnetwork.org
Danielle Ward
dward@understood.org
SOURCE Understood.org