IDA Motivational Monday: Advocating for Students with Dyslexia

Introduction

Host: Janet Thiebaud, Branch Council Chair for IDA.
Topic: Advocating for Students with Dyslexia with guest speaker Pete Wright, a nationally known special education attorney.
Purpose: To provide insights and strategies for advocating for students with dyslexia.

Check IDA's website for upcoming Motivational Monday sessions.
IDA Conference: November 13-14, 2023, virtual format. Registration encouraged.
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month; donations to IDA's Go Red campaign are appreciated.

Personal background: Diagnosed with learning disabilities (dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD) in second grade.
Early intervention: Received Orton-Gillingham remediation from Diana Hanbury King.
Education: Attended Randolph-Macon College, later pursued a career in juvenile justice and law.
Notable achievement: Presented the Shannon Carter case, resulting in a 9-0 Supreme Court decision in 1993, emphasizing the rights of children with dyslexia.

Understanding special education law and history is essential for advocacy.
Importance of effective communication and emotional control during advocacy efforts.
Need for parents to master concepts of persuasion, documentation, and test data interpretation.
The 'Letter to the Stranger': A communication strategy that avoids blame and creates empathy.

What should parents do when a child is on an IEP?
- Maintain records of test data to confirm ongoing progress in areas of weakness.
What to do if concerns arise about reading or academic skills?
- Gather detailed records, including video evidence of reading sessions.
If the school denies eligibility for an IEP or 504 plan?
- Request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) and understand the relevant laws.
For seeking out-of-district placements:
- Obtain private evaluations and present evidence that the current school program is damaging to the child.
Addressing ongoing issues:
- Advocating for better teacher training on dyslexia and reading instruction.

Significant loss of skills and increased social isolation.
Recommendations: Request compensatory education or Extended School Year (ESY) services, consider private tutoring options.

504 Plans: For students whose disability does not adversely affect educational performance but provides accommodations.
IEPs: For students who need special education services due to their disability affecting educational performance.
Each child's needs and the school district's offerings will determine the best fit.

Increased awareness and legislative efforts for dyslexia education.
Notable cases and advocacy groups (e.g., Decoding Dyslexia) are pushing for better practices in teaching reading.

Parents must remain proactive, educated, and calm in advocating for their children's needs.
Collaborating with organizations like IDA can amplify efforts for systemic change in education for students with dyslexia.

IDA's Go Red campaign
Upcoming IDA Conference
Suggested books on advocacy and negotiation: "Getting to Yes" and "How to Argue and Win Every Time".
U.S. Department of Education's guidance on compensatory education.