PARENTS
Decoding Dyslexia Idaho was started by parents for parents. Our goal is to help Idaho parents navigate the world of dyslexia finding you and your child the dyslexia resources and support you need. As parents, we have been in your shoes searching for answers to help our struggling readers. Decoding Dyslexia Idaho continues to gather local resources in an effort to guide you in the right direction. We look forward to you joining our network of support and walking this journey together.
WHAT DOES DYSLEXIA LOOK LIKE?
Parents come to Decoding Dyslexia Idaho when either they or a teacher has noticed a child is not reading as well as their peers or keeping up in the classroom. Often a parent will notice the child can read a word on one page but not the same word on the next page. Some common signs of dyslexia in young children include:
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difficulty with the alphabet
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trouble with rhyming words like cat, mat and bat
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delayed speech
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difficulty learning to tie shoes
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trouble with sight words
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trouble learning address or phone number
There are many signs of dyslexia and no two students will be the same. We encourage you to look at “Common Signs of Dyslexia” for a more guided discussion with your educators and physicians.
SO IT MAY BE DYSLEXIA, WHAT NEXT?
If you think your child has dyslexia, you have taken your first right step by reaching out to Decoding Dyslexia Idaho. Here we have a list of resources to fuel you with the information you need to have a conversation with your physician, your educator, and your child.
Advocacy 101
As parent advocates, we found certain documents most helpful in our advocacy.
Share these with your school and community.
If you have other information that was helpful in your advocacy, please send us a quick email.
We would love to hear more tips!
Advocacy 101
The READ ACT
Feb 18, 2016 President Obama signed the READ ACT into law. The READ ACT or Research Excellence and Advancements for Dyslexia Act requires the National Science Foundation to fund research into “the early identification of children and students with dyslexia, professional development for teachers and administrators of students with dyslexia, curricula and educational tools needed for children with dyslexia, and implementation and scaling of successful models of dyslexia intervention.”
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Use the Word Dyslexia!
Sept 8, 2015, Guidance on using the term dyslexia in the IEP process was clarified by a letter from the US Department of Education’s Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services.
Listen to a discussion with Michael Yudin, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services about this guidance.
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Bipartisan Dyslexia Caucus
“The Congressional Dyslexia Caucus was formed so that we can work across party lines to educate members of the public about dyslexia, as well as to identify policies that will support individuals as they overcome dyslexia and pursue educational and career opportunities.”
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The Science of Dyslexia
Sept 18, 2014, The U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held a hearing, “The Science of Dyslexia”.
Once you know the common signs of dyslexia and recognize these traits in your child, it is time to begin conversations with your school and pediatrician. To have your child screened for dyslexia you can seek an evaluation with a qualified psychologist, neurologist, or certified dyslexia specialist.
Also request from your school, in writing, a special education evaluation to determine eligibility for services. Decoding Dyslexia is available to help you start the conversation with your school: Contact us today and we will help you in your next steps.
LOCAL IDAHO HELP
Decoding Dyslexia Idaho has gathered a list of Resources to help you as you decide the best pathway for your child. Decoding Dyslexia Idaho has verified these resources provide an evidence-based structured literacy program. DDID does not guarantee any individual tutor, program or resource. If you are looking to provide tutoring to your own child we can also connect you with parents who have used at-home learning programs. Contact us for more information.