October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and it’s an opportunity to recognize and celebrate our students identified with dyslexia, as well as how Dallas ISD is providing support for students with this language-based learning disability.
More than 5,000 Dallas ISD students are currently identified with dyslexia, which is a learning disability that primarily impacts reading and writing.
“Students with dyslexia can experience both academic and emotional struggles in regards to their dyslexia, and can even sometimes feel unintelligent,” said Lauren Hall, a supervisor with the Dallas ISD Section 504 and Dyslexia Services Department. “In reality, students with dyslexia often demonstrate average to above average intelligence, and have many talents in other areas, such as art and science. They just process language differently.”
The Section 504 and Dyslexia Services Department this month is providing a hands-on simulation that allows parents and staff members to experience some of the difficulties and frustrations of a student with this language-based learning disability while promoting ways we can support and encourage their academic and emotional growth. The Experience Dyslexia simulations are happening every Tuesday in October from 6–8 p.m. (Click here to see where)
The Dallas ISD Section 504 and Dyslexia Services Department has an evaluation team who assesses and identifies students for dyslexia. The department also provides a Dyslexia Interventionist to every elementary and middle school to provide a multisensory reading approach to students with dyslexia. The Interventionists also host parent meetings and professional development to promote early identification, helping to ensure that students are provided with the necessary interventions and supports.
“Students with dyslexia are bright, young thinkers,” Hall said. “Awareness about dyslexia and early identification are vital to ensuring students receive the multi-sensory instruction they need to reach their full potential.”
