Friday "Appy" Hour: If I Need Help

All too often we hear stories in the media of children or adults with cognitive disabilities or other needs who wander, run away from or otherwise leave a caregiving facility or environment. The concerns when this happens always center around whether the individuals are able to communicate with those offering help. For this week's Friday "Appy" Hour, I felt it was important to share a system that can provide comfort to those who have a loved one who has Autism, Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, or other issues with disorientation. The If I Need Help system mitigates the risks to your loved one or students by bypassing communication barriers.


The If I Need Help system accomplishes this through several steps:

• A free online membership
• A profile for your loved one on our special needs registry 
• A confidential Emergency question and answer section that can be printed or emailed in an emergency
• A QR-code enabled ID tag that can be worn or fastened to your loved one’s clothing 

When you or your loved one is discovered lost or needing help, any finder can notice the QR code tag, scan it, and instantly have access to the information you have chosen to include in the profile, including contact information, one’s name and condition, and anything else pertinent to an emergency.

To learn more visit the If I Need Help website

https://www.ifineedhelp.org/

Webinar Wednesday: Navigating Today’s Dyslexia Laws

Navigating Today’s Dyslexia Laws: Building the Best Program Dyslexia laws and legislation are changing rapidly in the U.S. For many, it can be difficult to navigate this road in understanding terminology, requirements, and educational expectations. The goal of this edWebinar is to: Inform educators and schools about websites where they can find reliable information Discover more about innovative assistive technology tools being used Suggest what to do next in order to integrate an action plan to build and grow a dyslexia program This edWebinar will be of interest to elementary through high school teachers, librarians, and school and district leaders. There will be time to have your questions answered at the end of the presentation. Register Now! About the Presenter Amy Gulley has been a Level 4 Master Instructor, Practicum Supervisor, IDA Certified Dyslexia Specialist, and Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) with the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) since 2015.  About the Host Terrie Noland has more than 25 years of experience as both a motivational leader and developer of content for educators and administrators. Her greatest strengths lie in the ability to motivate, inspire, and create enthusiasm in others to be passionate educators that support the diverse needs of students.

5 Myths and Facts About Dyslexia

Source: Australian Dyslexia Association

Motivational Monday

Dyslexia Fact Sheet

Dyslexia Awareness Quiz

October is International Dyslexia Awareness Month. The folks at Learning Ally are committed to advocating for struggling students to get the support and services they need to thrive in school. The following quiz helps to deepen your understanding of dyslexia. Please share with your family and friends to spread awareness about learning differences. 

                                                     Take the quiz here 

Motivational Monday

AAC Awareness Month App Sales

AAC Awareness Month is here and with that comes much anticipated graphic with all of the apps that will be on sale in October 2019. Pay close attention to dates (they vary) & mark your calendars! 

Source: Lauren S. Enders

National Right to Read Foundation Checklist

    The National Right to Read Foundation (NRRF) is a non-profit organization which strives to provide parents and teachers with the information and resources they need to help students learn to read. Weeding through the vast amount of information, curricula, and methods can be a daunting task. NRFF aims to simplify the process by reviewing products, creating checklists and training materials, and providing information to help make grassroots changes in your community.

    With the start of National Dyslexia Awareness Month, it's the perfect time to use the NRRF's checklist to evaluate your child’s reading program. Click on the image to use the interactive version. 

Source: National Right to Read Foundation

Walk In The Shoes of a Dyslexic Simulation - Chagrin Falls, OH

Experience what it feels like to struggle with reading and writing, and learn how to help.

About this Event

How does it feel to be an individual with dyslexia? Through a series of simulations, participants will experience the challenges individuals with dyslexia confront when performing language-related tasks. This hands-on workshop is designed to improve understanding and encourage the use of effective teaching techniques and accommodations.

This is a worthwhile public event for families and professionals who interact with dyslexics. Space is limited for reserved seating. RSVP your spot today!

Date And Time
Mon, October 14, 2019
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM EDT

Location
Chagrin Falls Intermediate Elementary School
77 East Washington Street
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022

Register Here

The Dyslexia Dilemma: The Role of Colleges of Education

In a time where dyslexia has become widely studied and one of the most commonly recognized learning difference, the educational systems need to be diligent and ensuring those on the front line working with the students can adequately support them. The education and awareness of how to support students with dyslexia must begin at the pre-service or collegiate level. Pre-service teachers must be competent to teach reading to all students, especially those who are at-risk or experiencing reading failure. 

The following article, The Dyslexia Dilemma: The Role of Colleges of Education by David P. Hurford, Ph.D. and Lauren P. Renner, Ed.S., was featured on the International Dyslexia Association's website and focuses on the necessity for changes to begin to ensure that the science of reading becomes part of the curricula in colleges of education. 

The Dyslexia Dilemma: 

The Role of Colleges of Education

Motivational Monday: Normal Sucks

Jonathan Mooney, writer and activist, was always the "slow kid" in class. Called 'stupid' and 'lazy' most of his life, he believed that because he was different, he was deficient. His inspiring redemption story will make you reignite the flames that burn within you and find your gift. Jonathan's message hinges on the purpose of education as a means to identify individuals’ talent because everybody’s got something right with them — something that they’re good at, something that they can contribute — and to nurture and grow that individual’s talents, interests and passions. This short video shares Jonathan's powerful message about how he proved others wrong. 

The Road to Decode for Dyslexia Awareness Month

Teach My Kid to Read (TMKTR) is a verified nonprofit organization committed to providing parents, educators, and anyone interested in literacy education with the tools to help all children, including those with dyslexia, learn to read. Through advocacy and programming, TMKTR helps build awareness in the community about best instructional practices, dyslexia, and the science of reading. 

For Dyslexia Awareness Month in October 2019, TMKTR is partnering with libraries to promote evidence-based strategies that help all children learn to read. The October program, The Road to Decode, highlights essential books called decodable readers.


Why Promote Strategies for Dyslexia? 
Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, affecting an estimated 20 percent of the U.S. population. Many parents, and even some educators, don’t understand how we learn to read or how dyslexia affects that process. So, many children with dyslexia fall into the cracks and never learn to read fluently. With early identification, appropriate interventions, and instruction, a child with dyslexia can successfully learn to read. If we can increase awareness of this common reading issue and spread the word about effective reading strategies and essential resources, such as decodable books, more children in New York State will learn to read, creating a pathway to future academic and professional success. 

What Are Decodable Books? 
 Decodable books use words that are easier for new readers to sound out and recognize. Decodable books enable a child to use correct print-to-sound or phonics pathways, resulting in greatly improved reading skills. The intent of decodable books is that children will read independently, using their knowledge of phonics to decode unfamiliar words. Why guess when you can read! Decodable books enable readers to develop effective reading strategies and to become more fluent readers. They help all children learn to read, but are especially valuable in helping children with dyslexia. About The Road to Decode For the month of October, Teach My Kid to Read will provide library partners with information about decodable readers, a suggested book list highlighting decodable books from several publishers, a poster, videos, access to an online course, and other educational materials. Additionally, they will provide workshops or additional programming upon request. 

How Can You Help? 
Design, printing and shipping costs are expensive! Due to demand for the program throughout New York and other states, TMKTR is asking for your help so they can support more libraries throughout New York, and the other states that want to raise awareness of dyslexia and help more kids learn to read! To purchase your own Road to Decode t-shirt visit https://www.bonfire.com/teach-my-kid-to-read/. Learn more about us at www.teachmykidtoread.org

Follow Teach My Kid to Read and their Road to Decode program on Facebook and Twitter.