Finding Ability in Learning Disability: Miss Atlantic States International Joins Forces with Learning Ally

Miami, FL, May 05, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Miss Atlantic States International 2014, Andi DeField, has joined forces with Learning Ally, a national nonprofit organization serving over 300,000 children and adults across the U.S. who have visual, learning, and reading-based disabilities like dyslexia. DeField, a trial attorney, advocate, and dyslexic herself, is no stranger to overcoming adversity and hopes that by sharing her story she will be able to empower others to find ability in learning disability.

DeField, a South Florida civil litigation attorney, learning disabilities advocate, and mentor, recently won the title of Miss Atlantic States International and will compete for the title of Miss International this August. She is a graduate of the University of Miami, where she majored in Public Relations and History, and the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where she obtained her Juris Doctorate. She now practices law in Miami, Florida.

A fifteen-year mentor and advocate, DeField has been actively promoting her platform of finding ability in learning disability through appearances and speaking engagements throughout the country. “What most people don’t know is that one in five American students suffer from dyslexia. I was one of those students, and after almost failing kindergarten, I know first hand the importance of early diagnosis and management of these disorders,” said DeField. “I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as a spokesperson and partner of Learning Ally so that together, we may educate the public on these disorders, while also providing a community of support and resources to empower students, teachers, parents, and adults affected by learning disabilities,” she explained. Most recently, DeField had the honor and privilege of attending Learning Ally’s 54th Annual National Achievement Awards on April 26, 2014, in Washington, D.C.

Founded in 1948 as Recording for the Blind, Learning Ally serves over 300,000 K-12, college and graduate students, as well as veterans and lifelong learners – all of whom cannot read standard print due to blindness, visual impairment, dyslexia, or other learning disabilities. Learning Ally’s collection of more than 80,000 digitally recorded human-read textbooks and literature titles is the largest of its kind in the world.

The purpose of the Miss International pageant is to showcase the accomplishments of single women, age 19 to 30. Each contestant competes in Interview Competition which is valued at 40% of their total score, Evening Gown, valued for 20%, Fitness Wear for 20%, and Fun Fashion Wear 20%. Each contestant has the opportunity to select a platform of her choice, that she spends the year promoting. This year’s national pageant will be held August 1st and 2nd, 2014, in Jacksonville, Florida.