Local Non-Profit Provides Families Vital Dyslexic Resources, Hosts Events

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

October 3, 2020

By Natalie Cook Clark

An estimated one in five people is dyslexic and nearly 4,000 students in Katy ISD receive dyslexia services. Locally, The Dyslexia Initiative, a non-profit organization, strives to educate, empower, and inspire those with dyslexia, especially parents who are advocating for their children.

Dyslexia is Still a Struggle for Many

Nearly 70% of children who struggle with reading are dyslexic yet it's still a struggle to get proper diagnosis and quick services.

"In the beginning of my journey, I felt isolated and alone, groping in the dark, and I hated it," says Ashley Roberts, one of the founding members of The Dyslexia Initiative.

The Dyslexia Initiative was created to bring parents together who are fighting for their dyslexic children’s educational and emotional rights within the system.

"We want to ensure our children reach their maximum potential by enabling them to reach their academic and social potential," says Roberts.

Groups Hold Events for Dyslexic Awareness Month

Over 25,000 people follow The Dyslexia Initiative on Facebook. The group serves as a valuable resource for people to ask questions and find local services. They are also well-known for their Saturday morning Dyslexia Coffee Talks that host local experts.

Virtual 5K for Literacy

This month, Teach My Kid to Read, a non-profit group that focuses on literacy education, and The Dyslexia Initiative, are teaming up to host a virtual 5K to create awareness of reading issues like dyslexia. They hope to highlight solutions that help all children learn to read. The virtual 5K runs now through October 15. To get involved and learn more, click here.

Virtual Film Screening with Q and A

On October 16, the group is hosting a virtual screening of the short film, “Mical” followed by a question and answer session with Mike Jones and Tiffany James of Nessy, an online resource. The film tells the story of Mike Jones and his mother’s mission to support him through his dyslexia journey.

The event is free, but they are accepting donations to raise funds for The Dyslexia Initiative and Team My Kid to Read organizations. To register and learn more about the event, click here.

Katy ISD Promotes Dyslexia Awareness in October

Almost four thousand Katy ISD students receive dyslexia services or accommodations through the District. In October, Katy schools are celebrating Dyslexia Awareness Month. Throughout the District, information will be shared with staff members and parents to increase dyslexia awareness and highlight the achievements of famous people with dyslexia.

“Most importantly we’re acknowledging the outstanding accomplishments of our students with dyslexia,” says Maria DiPetta, Manager, Media Relations and Multimedia for Katy ISD.

The Texas Education Code (TEC) §38.003 defines dyslexia as a disorder of constitutional origin manifested by a difficulty in learning to read, write, or spell, despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence, and sociocultural opportunity.

Katy ISD provides specialized instruction to students who have been tested and identified as being dyslexic. According to the District, dyslexia manifests in difficulties with phonemic awareness, decoding, reading fluency or spelling.  In most cases, these difficulties are unexpected given the student's cognitive abilities.

Katy ISD encourages parents who have questions or suspect that their child could be dyslexic to talk to their teacher.

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