Feeling Frustrated… you are not alone. In today’s world, there are so many resources for Dyslexic and Non-Traditional Readers.
From the Experts
International Dyslexia Foundation (IDA)
The International Dyslexia Foundation (IDF) supports individuals with dyslexia via advocacy, education, and resources. Parents and schools can use the IDA's resources to better understand dyslexia and improve student learning outcomes.
Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
Explore expert opinions easily on Yale's informative website for foundational knowledge and cutting-edge research. Whether you're looking for the basics or seeking insights into the latest studies, Yale provides a wealth of information to help you stay informed and up-to-date.
The University of Michigan Dyslexia Help
This resource is designed to provide comprehensive support for individuals grappling with dyslexia, offering detailed guidance on understanding the condition, creating effective action plans, and empowering self-advocacy.
They are an incredible international organization focused on dyslexia, led by accomplished individuals with dyslexia. Their goal is to show the importance of Dyslexic Thinking. They trust in the significant impact Dyslexic Thinking can have, as many innovations, like the lightbulb and iPhone, were developed by dyslexic individuals. These unique abilities are crucial for shaping the future.
How to Help!
Keep advancing on your journey towards better advocacy for individuals with learning differences by educating yourself and sharing knowledge with key influencers in schools and communities. Empower others, raise awareness, and contribute to a more inclusive environment. Your efforts matter in making a difference. If you need help, reach out.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with learning differences by enhancing their independence and improving their quality of life. By providing customized solutions to meet specific needs, assistive technology empowers individuals to communicate, learn, work, and navigate the world with greater ease and confidence. It serves as a valuable ally in promoting inclusivity and fostering a more accessible society for everyone.
Grammar and Writing
Grammarly Premium
Premium features require a monthly subscription. A free version is available with limited features, including AI writing tools, grammar and spelling checker, plagiarism checker, and paraphrasing tool.
Snap & Read
It reads both accessible and inaccessible text aloud, levels vocabulary, and translates. Usage data is delivered to teachers for individual assessments.
Co:Writer
Grammar- and vocabulary-smart word prediction software " (available on Google Chrome and iOS) utilizes translation support and speech recognition to enhance writing flow and idea generation.
Read&Write for Google Chrome Extension
This is a free service and you can add an extension on your computer so it’s easily available. Reading and writing supports, including text-to-speech, online dictionary, and word prediction. It has the ability to read most text out loud, even when just browsing on the internet.
Teacher Aids
Kami
Accessible annotation tools keep students engaged while teachers save time with streamlined instruction and assessment.
uPAR
uPAR is a tool that assesses each student's learning style and reading ability. It provides data on their ability to comprehend text at a specific level when listening (with a reading accommodation) as compared to independent reading.
Learning Ally
They provide schools with the tools and resources they need to support these students and help them develop a strong foundation for independent learning.
Google Apps for Education
A set of interactive tools that empowers collaboration between educators and students.
ReadLive Read Naturally
Students are guided through steps to improve phonics and fluency skills, comprehension, and vocabulary with visual and auditory prompts. Progress tracking and data analysis are available to differentiate instruction with Read Naturally Live.
Capti
Capti provides a range of dynamic tools that help learners across various subjects including ELA, Special Education, ENL, and World Languages. Teachers can use Capti to quickly create content that is easy to read and accessible to all students. With Capti, teachers can deliver content directly to their students, administer tests and quizzes, monitor student engagement, and more.
Typing and Spelling
Spelling City
VocabularySpellingCity was created to automate spelling practice tests and empower students to study through engaging game-based learning activities, saving teachers time.
Typing Training
A unique approach to typing based on the way our hands work. Specialized activities train each finger individually.
Keyboarding Without Tears
Discover the importance of teaching explicit keyboarding skills to children in the classroom and how Keyboarding Without Tears can help.
Google Typing Club
Free online typing software.
Read to Me
Bookshare
Bookshare provides accessible reading materials for people with learning differences and disabilities.
Learning Ally
Learning Ally is committed to ending the cycle of failure for students who struggle with reading. Their goal is to assist schools in supporting these students and equipping them with the necessary resources to become self-reliant and active learners.
Read&Write for Google Chrome Extension
To better support students’ reading and writing, we offer text-to-speech, online dictionaries, and word prediction tools.
Speechify
Listen to any text with natural human voices to save time and improve retention.
Capti
To provide students with disabilities access to digital text and assistive technology, such as text-to-speech and an online dictionary.
uPAR
uPAR is a helpful tool that provides data to identify the most effective learning method for each student. It determines the specific level of text that can be understood by each student when listening (with reading accommodation) compared to independent reading.
Podcasts, Articles, and Books
Podcast and News Reports
American Public Media - American Lucy-Calkins-reading-materials-review
American Public Media - At a Loss for Words - What's wrong with how schools teach reading
PBS New Hour - Lessons from dyslexic students reshape literacy education Clip: 04/30/2019
Education Writers Association and American Public Media- Why Is Reading Instruction So Controversial?
For Kids
Brians On Podcast- What is dyslexia? And how do our brains read? A creative way to teach your child, and adult, about how a dyslexic brain processes information.
Articles
Forbes - Why Most Beginning Readers Are Taught To Guess At Words—And How That Holds Them Back
Education Week - We Have a National Reading Crisis
Education Week - Why Doesn't Every Teacher Know the Research on Reading Instruction?
Sage Journals - Ending the Reading Wars: Reading Acquisition From Novice to Expert Anne Castles, Kathleen Rastle, Kate Nation
Ms. Jasmine's Blog - Reading Less to Read Better: Multi-Cueing Systems and the Surge of Graphic Novels
International Dyslexia Association - Structured Literacy: Effective Instruction for Students with Dyslexia and Related Reading Difficulties
Articles on Spelling
Journal of Research in Reading - Establishing word representations through reading and spelling: comparing degree of orthographic learning
Jan Wasowicz, Ph.D. Evanston, IL - What Do Spelling Errors Tell Us about Language Knowledge?
Journal of Research in Reading - Establishing word representations through reading and spelling: comparing degree of orthographic learning
A special thank you to Louise Dechovitz for continuing to provide me with excellent resources to explore.
Books
Thank You, Mr. Falker, Book by Patricia Polacco
It is an inspiring story of a dyslexic girl named Trisha and her dedicated teacher. This heartwarming book highlights the power of education and the impact of caring teachers. Ideal for students and parents seeking a tale of resilience and empathy.
Fish in a Tree, Novel by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Ally hides her reading struggles at new schools by causing clever distractions. She feels dumb and is reluctant to seek help until her teacher Mr. Daniels helps her embrace her dyslexia. Ally gains confidence, learns to be herself, and realizes everyone is unique and capable in their own way.
Hank Zipzer Collection by Henry Winkler
Celebrating diversity & perseverance, the Hank Zipzer series by Henry Winkler, inspired by his dyslexia, follows a boy's spirited journey through learning differences with humor & courage. With a dyslexia-friendly font for accessibility, the books promote inclusivity & understanding, inspiring readers to embrace uniqueness & face challenges with resilience. This moving narrative of triumph over adversity leaves a lasting impact, highlighting the power of individuality & the potential to shine amid obstacles.
Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond by Henry Winkler
"Henry Winkler, who rose to fame as "The Fonz" in the beloved TV show Happy Days, has gone beyond the role that made him famous. He is known for his brilliance, humor, and friendly nature, and is widely considered to be the nicest man in Hollywood, although he himself would deny it and say that he is simply grateful to be in the industry. In this memoir, he opens up about his childhood struggles, his difficulties with severe dyslexia, the pressures of playing a role that takes on a life of its own, and the journey forward when your biggest dream seems to be slipping away.
Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems -Book by Sally E. Shaywitz
One in five American children have difficulty reading, but they are not unintelligent or lackadaisical. "Overcoming Dyslexia" is a book recommended to me after my first child was diagnosed with reading difficulties. Dr. Sally Shaywitz, co-director of the Yale Center for the Study of Learning and Attention, provides clear, practical, science-based information and advice for successful results. She is a leader in the new research into how the brain works, offering the latest information about reading problems, along with proven and practical techniques that can enable anyone to overcome them with hard work and the right help.