Dyslexia Resources
ORGANIZATIONS
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International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
IDA is one of the leading organizations to support, promote, and disseminate interdisciplinary reading research to professionals and the general public. This site could be your “one stop shop” for basic information, fact sheets, provider directories, accreditation, conferences, workshops, articles, and even a video library.
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International Dyslexia Association (Northern California)
IDA branch for the Bay Area. Site contains more specific, locally relevant content than the IDA site, including CA dyslexia laws, upcoming teacher training programs, college and scholarship resources, dyslexia simulation kits and events calendar.
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Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity
One of the leading research and treatment centers for dyslexia. The site is updated frequently with featured content, including interviews, stories, creative projects, blog posts, tips and research. The emphasis on creativity, growth and inspiration for parents, educators and people with dyslexia sets this site apart.
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Dyslexia Help at University of Michigan
Comprehensive source of information with separate portals for dyslexics, parents and professionals. The success stories and videos section provides an inspiring escape from information overload. Access their bi-monthly newsletter under The Latest tab. Especially comprehensive section of assistive technology tools.
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Understood for Learning and Thinking Differences
Treasure trove of content on a wide range of topics, including dyslexia. Articles are written in clear, simple language with embedded supplementary information. Understood also produces original videos, fact sheets and infographics. They recently launched a community app, Wunder.
South Bay-based organization that provides clinical services for ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, depression and autism using a multi-disciplinary team model. CHC runs a school for students with dyslexia, as well as a therapeutic day school. The site offers extensive community resources including podcasts, webinars, expert blog, online resource library, support groups and collaboratives.
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A grass-roots movement composed of parents, educators and professionals that strives to raise awareness around dyslexia. DDCA continues to be a driving force in passing legislation that supports all learners.
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"Founded in 2021, the California Reading Coalition is made up of educators, advocates, researchers and policy makers committed to improved reading outcomes for all California students." Site includes videos of the entire 2021 summit, searchable California Reading Report Card and excellently curated resources.
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Slingerland Literacy Institute
Classroom-adapted literacy approach based on Orton-Gillingham principles of multi-sensory learning (used at North Bridge Academy). Site includes basic information about this approach, as well as a list of Slingerland-certified tutors.
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Offers classes, webinars and an annual conference for parents, teachers and learning specialists; advocacy resources; The Dyslexia Buzz podcast and active blog
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Institute for Multi-sensory Education
Offers training and certification for teachers, programs for administrators, informational courses for parents and blog for multi-sensory educators
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Mark Seidenberg: Connecting Science and Education
Mark Seidenberg, author of Language at the Speed of Sight, outlines questions that the science of reading seeks to answer. Link also includes reliable recommendations, including books, audio documentaries, articles and websites.
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BOOKS
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Overcoming Dyslexia, 2nd Edition
Definitive text by Sally Shaywitz, M.D., and Jonathan Shaywitz, M.D., largely based on their research at the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity. Dense, but highly readable for parents, educators and clinicians. If you could only read one book on dyslexia, this would be our recommendation.
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“The first comprehensive practical guide for recognizing, diagnosing, and overcoming any childhood reading difficulty” by reading expert Louisa Moats and dyslexia advocate Susan Hall. Good for parents who suspect learning differences in a pre-k or school-age child.
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Written by entrepreneur (and dyslexic) Ben Foss, this book focuses on celebrating your dyslexic child’s strengths by identifying their profile; coaching them to become resilient, self-aware, confident self-advocates; and creating community.
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Language at the Speed of Sight
Mark Seidenberg explains "how we read, why so many can't, and what can be done about it."
Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain
Neuroscientist Maryanne Wolf’s erudite chronicle of how the human species developed written language—alongside the story of a child growing up with dyslexia—rewards the reader with a fascinating journey.
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VIDEOS
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Five-minute TED-Ed video that explains dyslexia from a brain science perspective
The Science of Reading: a Top-Level Primer
Short video from Education NC advocating for structured literacy instruction; based primarily on the work of Emily Hanford and Louisa Moats
Collaborative symposium with SF Conservatory of Music, UCSF Dyslexia Center and the Global Brain Health Institute exploring “the intersection of music, creativity and brain science.” Scroll about halfway down the page to access video links.
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"A light-hearted documentary with a serious purpose. It will give viewers a better understanding of the condition itself, the problems it makes for individuals and families, and the programs that are needed to deal with it."
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The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia
Directed by James Redford, the film "provides personal and uplifting accounts of the dyslexic experience from children, experts and iconic leaders."
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"Oscar-winning filmmakers Alan and Susan Raymond (HBO’s I Am a Promise: The Children of Stanton Elementary School) examine the complexities of the dyslexic brain, exploring realities and myths of the most common learning disability."
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PODCASTS
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American Public Media (APM) Reports: Reading
Emily Hanford created a series of audio stories for American Public Media on the science of reading, which explores why ineffective reading instruction is still all too common, and the impact on individuals, families, teachers, schools, districts and society. Excellent reporting in an engaging format. Each episode is about 50 minutes.
APM Reports: Hard words—why aren’t kids being taught to read?​
APM Reports: Hard to read—how American schools fail kids with dyslexia
APM Reports: At a loss for words—how a flawed idea is teaching millions of kids to be poor readers
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CBS: Cracking the code of dyslexia
Audio story and article outlining basic information about dyslexia in an interesting and informative manner
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KQED Forum: Understanding dyslexia
Forum episode from 2019 hosted by Scott Schafer with three expert guests
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"The Dyslexia Quest features interviews with the leading experts in the field of intelligence, learning, flourishing, and neurodiversity, as well as profiling uber-successful dyslexics to share their story and wisdom. The Dyslexia Quest tackles the holistic experience of being a dyslexic (think: shame, struggles, and joys) with a secret (shhh) backdoor agenda of empowerment."
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7 Best Dyslexia Podcasts to Listen to in 2021
Shortlist of the best dyslexia podcasts to follow
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British podcast from 2014-2018 with a variety of guests and topics, focused on uplifting stories
ARTICLES AND HANDOUTS
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International Dyslexia Association: Dyslexia Handbook
Must-have PDF of essential information from a trusted organization. Includes definition, characteristics, assessment tools, evidence-based interventions, suggestions for managing the educational process, resources and glossary of terms.
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California Dyslexia Guidelines
130-page PDF published in 2017 drawing on current research and collective experience to assist classroom teachers, special education specialists and parents in identifying, assessing and supporting students with dyslexia.​
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International Dyslexia Association: Structured literacy primer
PDF infographic explaining the elements and importance of effective reading instruction
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International Dyslexia Association: Structured literacy educator training initiatives brief
25-page PDF handout introducing teachers to the principles and purpose of structured literacy, with excellent citations to relevant research
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NPR: Unlocking Dyslexia series
Series of five short articles available for ear- or eye-reading
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Minnesota Neuropsychology: Neuroanatomy of dyslexia in 8 sentences
Literally eight sentences packed with information. Perfect talking points for any occasion.
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KQED: The mindshift guide to understanding dyslexia
An in-depth guide to deepen understanding about dyslexia, also available as a 41-page PDF download.​