Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability or disorder that affects your ability to read, decode words, spell, write, and speak.
Dyslexia isn’t linked to intelligence or IQ (Einstein was dyslexic), but without the appropriate educational support, dyslexic people often struggle in school. The result: Reduced career opportunities, social isolation, and a lower satisfaction in all areas of life.
However, with early detection and diagnosis, dyslexics can receive appropriate interventions that will enable them to become successful readers and writers.
Champion the cause
Dyslexia affects as many as 1 in 5 people. More than 40 million Americans are dyslexic. Only 2 million of those have been diagnosed. Let’s change that.
Our mission is to provide financial and educational support, as well as early detection and intervention, that people with dyslexia deserve
As many as
1/5
People are thought to be affected by dyslexia
Only
1/20
People with dyslexia are identified
Our mission
The Brent Sopel Foundation is dedicated to providing financial and educational assistance to help students with dyslexia fulfill their potential through early detection and intervention.
Without proper educational support, children with dyslexia often struggle with reading and writing. This creates a more difficult pathway to success — both as students and as people — for anyone with dyslexia.
The solutions exist, but require financial support to make them a reality. Please help us accomplish our mission by clicking the donate button at the top of this page. Your tax-deductable donation directly helps someone struggling with dyslexia.
Provide K-12 educators with grants and scholarships to pursue training to support children with reading disorders
02
Improve dyslexia testing to reduce the number of undiagnosed cases
03
Test every K-12 student for dyslexia
04
Create the first dedicated dyslexia school in Illinois
About Brent Sopel
Brent Sopel is a former professional hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1996 to 2011, winning the Stanley Cup Championship with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010.
Brent’s daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2015. Soon after, Brent discovered that he too had dyslexia.
“Sadly, I was never diagnosed during my childhood,” Brent said. “As a result, I never received the appropriate teaching methods I needed to be successful with traditional learning. Because I struggled in school, I focused solely on hockey. But unfortunately, my challenges with dyslexia are still with me today. I don’t want a single child to grow up the way I did.”
Brent’s struggles with dyslexia inspired him to launch the Brent Sopel Foundation, an organization committed to broaden dyslexia awareness and provide financial and educational support to those with dyslexia and their families.
