I’m often asked about my motivation to make Read Me Differently. My main goal is to bring awareness to the multi-generational aspect of misunderstood learning disabilities. It’s my hope that the film will spark a dialogue for other families going through similar circumstances. Oftentimes, the focus is on helping children “overcome” a learning difference. I want to shift the attention to interpersonal relationships, because my family’s story transcends the simpler fact of one child’s learning disability. Read Me Differently is a universal story about missed connections and the desire to be seen and accepted for who we are.
Not too surprisingly there are vast amounts of information about learning disabilities online and in bookstores. However, there are limitations to these written formats. It’s not easily accessible for those of us who struggle with the written word. So, for the sake of inclusivity and accessibility, I made a film instead of writing about my experience.
My hope in creating Read Me Differently is to show parents and children how misunderstanding learning disabilities can impact their relationships, and to encourage them to acknowledge the issues caused by these challenges. I am also hopeful that the film will help educators and mental health professionals enhance their knowledge of the ways learning disabilities can impact the entire family system.
Sarah Entine, MSW
Producer/Director