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.

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.

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.

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.

Marilyn Zecher joined us in N. Canton, Ohio, June 10-14, 2024.
Her SOLD OUT course was a success! Attendees were inspired by her creative Multisensory Math teaching techniques.

Continue reading for a roundup of the most frequently asked questions about her course.

In response to OH Governor, Mike DeWine’s proposed budget plan, we’ve seen an uptick in reporting about evidence based, literacy initiatives. Lawmakers will soon be tasked with approving DeWine’s proposed funding for literacy programs based on the science of reading.

You can find DeWine’s initial announcement here.

Our most recent Dyslexia Simulation was attended by a local news outlet, Spectrum News 1, and they captured compelling interview footage!

Click here and watch the Spectrum News 1 story.

Structured Literacy is defined as a comprehensive approach to literacy instruction that research has shown to be effective for all students and essential for students with dyslexia. It is also beneficial for English learners (Baker et al., 2014; Gersten et al., 2008; Kamil et al., 2008; Vaughan et al., 2006).

Programs that use structured literacy as their foundation are those advised for use in OH schools as districts begin to implement HB 436.

Visit our HB 436 page to learn more about the specific requirements.

2023 Updates

Proposed OH budget allotments to fund state literacy initiatives have been announced. The OH Dyslexia Guidebook plan for screening, intervention, and remediation of children with dyslexia or displaying dyslexic characteristics and tendencies goes into effect for the 2023-24 school year.

As reported on Cleveland.com:

Recently I read a blog post by a mom who was describing how overwhelmed she was feeling after her child received a diagnosis of dyslexia. She wasn’t necessarily overwhelmed with emotion, but instead she was overwhelmed by the amount of information she had to sift through to figure out the best thing to do for her child. In the age of surging dyslexia awareness, there are endless articles and blog posts by other parents, professionals, and everyone in between. There are advertisements promising impressive results in small periods of time. There is advice from friends and neighbors that often includes suggesting what worked for their children. This avalanche of information can be conflicting and confusing. It is difficult to discern good, quality advice from snake oil and “quick fixes.” So, let’s unpack all the information that parents, new to the dyslexia, need to know.

Trust Your Instinct

Remember that you know your child better than anyone. When your instinct is telling you that something isn’t right for your child, it probably isn’t. Keep an eye out for those who promise you a specific amount of progress in a specific amount of time. Your gut should tell you that this is impossible without meeting your child and without understanding how dyslexia is affecting him or her. If you are feeling pressured to sign a contract or pay an exorbitant amount up front, sleep on it. The important point here is that dyslexia affects each individual differently and those differences necessitate individualized approaches and the decision of whom to trust is a big one.

Please watch this CBS Sunday Morning segment to learn about dyslexia and why we advocate for the early identification and appropriate instruction for ALL struggling readers.

You may or may not be aware of a letter from 57 backers of balanced literacy sent to officials of the Public Broadcasting System, taking issue with the way PBS covered the topic of dyslexia. The letter is now in wide distribution and is being promoted by Reading Recovery as well as the ILA and its state organizations. If it hasn’t come to your state or been sent to your legislators, it will be.

The letter is a rehash of lies, but this time we’re fighting back and exposing their dishonesty. Attached, you will find my point by point reply, including the letter to PBS and other documents. Please share this widely so you and your members are equipped to expose this dishonest letter for what it is, whenever they encounter it.

Smooth seas don’t make for skillful sailors.
~ Author Unknown

One undeniable fact is that, in most cases, having dyslexia makes life more difficult.

During the school-age years, students with dyslexia generally

• have to work harder to be successful
• struggle with self-esteem
• tend to be seen by their teachers as less cooperative and less attentive than their classmates

In adulthood, those with dyslexia often