October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. Dyslexia is the most common reason for difficulties in reading, writing, and spelling, and affects individuals regardless of gender or socio-economic background. It also occurs in populations across all languages.
Dyslexia is a specific reading disorder affected by complicated brain functions needed to process written language. Dyslexia does not reflect intelligence level. It affects 1 in 10 individuals, many of whom remain undiagnosed and receive little or no intervention services. For some individuals who have never been diagnosed, dyslexia is a hidden disability which may result in underemployment, difficulty navigating academic environments, difficulty on the job, and reduced self-confidence.
When someone is diagnosed with dyslexia, it may seem like a relief. But it can also feel very overwhelming. While there’s no cure for dyslexia, there are many ways to help manage it, boost reading ability and improve self confidence.
In this online presentation we look at the following keypoints of Dyslexia:
UNDERSTAND:
- What dyslexia is and what it isn’t
- What the latest in brain research tells us about dyslexia
- Who it affects and how
- Best practices for intervention
EMPOWER
- Dyslexic Kids and Adults
- Families
- Teachers
- Healthcare professionals
LEAVE WITH:
- Basic understanding of dyslexia
- Classic warning signs of dyslexia
- Effective intervention resources
Kate Cohen is an educational therapist on a mission to demystify dyslexia
for kids, families and educators. She works with individual students as well
as delivers presentations and workshops to schools, districts and parent
groups. Drawing on fifteen years in the field of education, Kate’s past and
present roles enable her to connect with teachers, coaches, administrators
and families as they build their understanding of dyslexia. Her experience
includes:
● Masters Degree in Teaching (Mills College, 2012)
● Kindergarten teacher in California and Washington Title I public
schools
● Teacher leader and district curriculum liaison
● Advanced training in Balanced Literacy at Teachers College Reading &
Writing Project and Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention
● Certification in Science of Reading-aligned dyslexia intervention Wired
for Reading
● Certification in Handwriting Without Tears intervention
● Outdoor preschool teacher
● Place-based curriculum development
Kate grew up in Harbor Springs and returned to the area in 2020, restoring
her connection to Northern Michigan’s beautiful land and water.
