IDA of Northern Ohio (NOBIDA) is proud to be Northern Ohio’s dedicated resource that:

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Northern Ohio Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (NOBIDA) is thrilled to announce the upcoming Strands of Understanding: Weaving in Comprehension & Writing Symposium, scheduled for September 27, 2024, at Signature Events Venue and Catering in Euclid, Ohio. Among our esteemed in-person speakers, we are honored to present Dr. Kay Wijekumar, whose groundbreaking insights into reading comprehension promise to enlighten and inspire attendees.

Understanding the Presentation

Dr. Wijekumar, the Houston Endowment Chair and Director for the Center for Urban School Partnerships at Texas A&M University, will lead a session titled "Ensuring Comprehension Success for Every Child." Drawing upon over 25 years of experience in education and her significant research contributions, she will introduce attendees to the Knowledge Acquisition and Transformation (KAT) Framework. This innovative approach addresses the root causes of comprehension challenges, offering practical solutions grounded in research and real-world application.

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.

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.