The Northern Ohio Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (NOBIDA) is excited to announce our upcoming 37th Annual Symposium, Celebrating Differences: Literacy That Empowers Every Learner, scheduled for Friday, November 14, 2025, at Walsh University in Canton, Ohio. This year, we are honored to welcome 3 in-person, keynote presenters.

Meet Dr. Sarah Powell

Presentation Highlights:

The Northern Ohio Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (NOBIDA) is excited to announce our upcoming 37th Annual Symposium, Celebrating Differences: Literacy That Empowers Every Learner, scheduled for Friday, November 14, 2025, at Walsh University in Canton, Ohio. This year, we are honored to welcome 3 in-person, keynote presenters.

Meet Dr. Carolyn Denton

Presentation Highlights:
Some students require instructional adaptations to make accelerated growth, even when they are provided with evidence-based reading intervention. Students with limitations in working memory and self-regulation, including students with ADHD, often face this challenge. In her presentation, Dr. Denton describes and demonstrates strategies that teachers can implement to help accelerate student progress, without compromising fidelity to an evidence-based reading intervention program.

In April, 2021, House Bill 436 enacted legislation to strengthen dyslexia support for Ohio children. The laws required the creation of the Ohio Dyslexia Committee and apply to schools in all Ohio school districts. Each school district is required to provide professional development to identify dyslexia and establish effective instruction, implement dyslexia screening measures, and offer a structured literacy certification process for teachers.

Ohio’s Department of Education and Workforce’s Report on Dyslexia is a comprehensive overview of the legislation implementation and progress with regards to tier 1 and tier 2 screening results and instructor professional development in identifying and instructing students with dyslexia.

NOBIDA is always happy to host the charming and enlightening Marilyn Zecher for her Multisensory Math programs. The summer of 2025 was no different; this year, we offered 2 full-length, live in-person classes full of ready-to-use techniques at Walsh University in North Canton. We are proud to report that Zecher’s in-person Multisensory Math I and Multisensory Math II classes attracted participants from far and wide, including attendees from Florida, New Mexico, California, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Oregon, Mississippi, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Ohio for these amazing two weeks of learning in Northern Ohio!

Zecher is the newly named Founding Fellow of Multisensory Math at the Orton Gillingham Academy. Based on the Orton-Gillingham philosophy of teaching, her programs use multisensory techniques to teach mathematics, an approach especially effective with students who learn differently, those placed in inclusion classes, and ESL learners.

NOBIDA is proud to report that literacy and dyslexia advocacy efforts across the state led to the implementation of Ohio’s Dyslexia Support Laws in 2023. In connection, Governor Dewine created a statewide effort called Read Ohio to increase literacy rate achievement with efforts based on the interdisciplinary body of research known as the Science of Reading.

When struggling to read and write as an adult, everyday tasks such as reviewing instructions or ordering from a menu are overwhelming. Facing lifelong literacy challenges leads these adults to create coping strategies that don’t fully eliminate these stressors. 

For those living with literacy challenges, an important first step is understanding your learning style and uncovering potential learning differences. 

Join us in December and get to know the OH Dyslexia Guidebook. 

REGISTER today!

As part of our extended access offerings in the Strands of Understanding: Weaving in Comprehension & Writing Symposium, we are proud to introduce that NOBIDA is also offering a parent video series. Theresa Kaska will present information about dysgraphia specifically to support parents and guardians in her presentation "Understanding Dysgraphia and Improving Handwriting Skills”

Understanding the Presentation

This insightful presentation is crafted to equip parents with a deeper understanding of the skills necessary for handwriting and the challenges posed by dysgraphia—a learning difference that impairs written expression. Based on the International Dyslexia Association's Fact Sheet: Understanding Dysgraphia, the session will walk participants through the basics and developmental stages of handwriting, helping them recognize how dysgraphia impacts their child's written work. Mrs. Kaska will also provide practical examples of activities that can help improve handwriting, offering parents tangible strategies to support their child's development.

The Northern Ohio Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (NOBIDA) is excited to offer another recorded presentation as part of our extended access for the upcoming Strands of Understanding: Weaving in Comprehension & Writing Symposium. Dr. April Camping, an expert in writing research and instruction, will lead a session titled "Empowering Writers Across K-12: Evidence-Based Writing Instruction and Ways to Make it Stick."

Understanding the Presentation

In her pre-recorded presentation, Dr. Camping will address the pressing challenges facing writing instruction across K-12 education. Viewers can expect a comprehensive review of evidence-based approaches proven to enhance writing instruction, along with valuable resources designed to facilitate positive change and improve student outcomes.

The Northern Ohio Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (NOBIDA) is excited to introduce another speaker for the Strands of Understanding: Weaving in Comprehension & Writing Symposium, scheduled for September 27, 2024 at Signature Events Venue and Catering in Euclid, Ohio. Dr. Karol Ann Moore will present an insightful session titled "Transforming Writing Instruction: Evidence-Based Strategies for Diverse Learners."

Understanding the Presentation

In her session, Dr. Moore will explore the current challenges and opportunities in writing instruction, highlighting evidence-based practices that have proven effective for students with, and without, writing difficulties. Participants will gain valuable insights into a reliable and adaptable strategy that can be applied across grade levels and various contexts. Dr. Moore will also share practical examples of student work and demonstrate progress over time, offering attendees a clear view of how these strategies can be implemented in real-world classroom settings.

We're thrilled to share that alongside NOBIDA’s in-person Strands of Understanding: Weaving in Comprehension & Writing Symposium, we'll be offering additional pre-recorded on-demand presentations through extended access. Among these speakers, Lori Josephson, M.A, will bring her wealth of expertise in morphology to the forefront.

Understanding the Presentation:

In her presentation, Morphology Begins in Kindergarten: What Can Morphology Instruction Look Like Across the Grades, Lori will delve into the fundamental aspects of morphology instruction. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of morphemes, exploring their significance from the early stages of language acquisition through formal education. Attendees will learn about materials used to teach morphology and see a sample lesson.

In addition to our in-person symposium, we are excited to offer a pre-recorded, on-demand video series specifically created to support parents and guardians of students with learning differences. This parent series is designed to provide essential knowledge and strategies for advocating effectively for children in educational settings. One of parent series presentations is Operationalizing Structured Literacy in the IEP: Aligning Goals, Objectives, and Services, led by Kerry Agins.

Understanding the Presentation

Ensuring that evidence-based intervention practices are reflected in a student's IEP is critically important for students with dyslexia. In this presentation, Kerry Agins will share how parents can help ensure that their child’s IEP document aligns with evidence-based practices inherent in Structured Literacy. You will leave the presentation with a better understanding of the core components of structured literacy instruction and how to align a student's goals and objectives to the intervention to be provided.

We are delighted to announce another insightful pre-recorded presentation as part of the extended access offerings for the Strands of Understanding: Weaving in Comprehension & Writing Symposium. Join Kait Wooten, M.S, CCC-SLP, as she explores the crucial role of vocabulary in reading comprehension.

Understanding the Presentation

In her presentation The Role of Vocabulary in Reading Comprehension, Kait will delve into how vocabulary fits into the reading instruction framework and highlight effective strategies for improving students' reading comprehension. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into the National Reading Panel's findings on vocabulary, the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on vocabulary development, and various types of vocabulary. Kait will also provide practical strategies for integrating vocabulary instruction into classroom practices.

In our ongoing commitment to supporting parents in navigating the educational landscape, we are thrilled to introduce a parent video series, available through extended access of the Strands of Understanding: Weaving in Comprehension & Writing Symposium. This series aims to provide tailored support specifically to parents and guardians.

Understanding the Presentation:

Untangling the Strands: A Parent's Guide to Understanding Assessments for SLD in Reading and Writing offers parents an invaluable resource for understanding the psychoeducational evaluation process, particularly focusing on assessments for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) in reading and writing. Dr. Murphy's presentation aims to demystify the evaluation journey, providing clarity on the necessity of assessments and what parents can expect during the process. By exploring key assessment areas and offering insights into commonly used tests, parents will be equipped to actively participate as part of their child’s evaluation team.

As part of our Strands of Understanding: Weaving in Comprehension & Writing Symposium extended access, we're excited to offer pre-recorded, on-demand presentations in addition to our in-person symposium. One of these presentations will feature Julie Hicks, M.Ed., a structured literacy specialist passionate about evidence-based literacy practices.

Understanding the Presentation

Julie's session, Grasping Graphemes: The ABCs of Why Handwriting is Critical, will emphasize the importance of teaching handwriting for reading, writing, and spelling. Attendees will learn effective strategies for promoting automaticity and accuracy in letter formation to support literacy skills.

We are delighted to announce another insightful pre-recorded, on-demand presentation as part of the extended access offerings for the Strands of Understanding: Weaving in Comprehension & Writing Symposium. Dr. Monica Gordon Pershey will share her insights into grammar and syntax as part of our extended access presentations.

Understanding the Presentation

In her presentation, Grammar and Syntax Instruction and Interventions: Spoken and Written Language in Grades K-4, Dr. Gordon Pershey will explore essential elements of language, including morphemes, sentence structure, grammar, and word study. She will offer practical suggestions for instruction and intervention, rooted in research and tailored for educators.

Our anticipation is mounting for NOBIDA's in-person Strands of Understanding: Weaving in Comprehension & Writing Symposium. On September 27, 2024, esteemed presenters Dr. Ioulia Kovelman and Dr. Rebecca Tolson will take the stage at the Signature Events Venue and Catering in Euclid, Ohio.

Understanding the Presentation

In their presentation titled "What's in a Word? A Brain-Behavior Perspective on Word Reading & Dyslexia," Dr. Kovelman and Dr. Tolson will delve into the critical role of morphological awareness in word recognition and reading comprehension. Through a synthesis of research, education, and policy-based perspectives, they will offer insights into best practices for supporting literacy success for all learners.

Learn More and Register for Extended Access to Literacy and Parenting Focused Resources Today!

Register and enjoy extended access to virtual professional development presentations until December 31, 2024.

In addition to our in-person symposium, Strands of Understanding: Weaving in Comprehension & Writing, we are excited to offer our parent video series through our extended access offerings. This pre-recorded, on-demand video series is specifically created to support parents and guardians of students with learning differences. One of these presentations is Empowered Education Advocate, led by Mary Jo O'Neill and Janet Griffith.

Understanding the Presentation

In this session, Mary Jo O'Neill and Janet Griffith will provide parents with a comprehensive understanding of the various school supports available to students with disabilities. They will cover informal supports, 504 plans, and Individualized Educational Programs (IEP), including eligibility requirements and the differences between medical and educational assessments. The presentation will offer insights into the IEP process, important components of a strong IEP, and strategies to support students with dyslexia and behavior needs. Additionally, the unique challenges faced by students of color will be addressed, ensuring a well-rounded approach to advocacy.

We're thrilled to announce that alongside our in-person Strands of Understanding: Weaving in Comprehension & Writing Symposium, we'll be offering on-demand virtual presentations through extended access. Among the extended access presentations, Andrea Thomas will lead a session titled Using Neuhaus’ Describing Hierarchy to Build Background Knowledge.

Understanding the Presentation

In her presentation, Andrea will provide a comprehensive overview of the importance of background knowledge in literacy development. She will introduce Neuhaus’ Describing Hierarchy, a powerful tool for teaching background knowledge. Attendees will gain practical strategies for implementing the Describing Hierarchy in various educational settings, ensuring active student engagement and integration into content-specific lessons.