Webinar Wednesday: Empowering Learners with Dyslexia to Acquire and Utilize Their Digital Voice

 Empowering Learners with Dyslexia to Acquire and Utilize Their Digital Voices

Thursday, October 8, 2020 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT

Presented by Nanci K. Shepardson, M.S.Ed., Ed.S. W.D.P., Senior Educational Technologist, Wilson Language Training
Hosted by Terrie Noland, C.A.L.P., Vice President, Educator Initiatives, Learning Ally

Sponsored by Learning Ally

Attendance for the live presentation is limited to 1,000.

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The recording will be posted on this page after the live session. 
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Students with dyslexia often find their voice drowned out by their peers. Using technology to give them a voice is empowering and can lead to greater confidence!

To effectively facilitate student voices on a digital platform, you need an understanding of what digital literacy is and how it can be leveraged to enable positive outcomes for all students, particularly those with dyslexia. Sifting through all of the available online learning tools can quickly become an overwhelming task; this edWebinar will narrow the field, first by viewing them through the important lens of online privacy, equity, and access, and finally by sorting them by the following categories: physical tools, back channeling, web-based add-ons, general apps, assessment tools, video and audio tools, digital storytelling, presentation tools, organization tools, and blogging.

PreK-12 teachers and school and district leaders will find this interactive session informative and leave with clear takeaways that can be implemented in an in-person, distance or hybrid learning environment. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.

 

About the Presenter

Nanci Shepardson is a reading and educational specialist. She graduated from Wheelock College in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in preschool/kindergarten curriculum and infant/ toddler development. In 2010, she graduated from Simmons University with an M.S.Ed. in language and literacy and an Ed.S. in assistive technology.

Nanci is a seasoned teacher, a credentialed K-12 reading specialist, and an International Dyslexia Association and Wilson Reading System Dyslexia Practitioner (WRS Level 1 Certified). Nanci has taught kindergarten, second grade, and fourth grade, and was a reading and educational specialist for grades seven through postgraduate and has tutored all ages. She consults for the International Dyslexia Association, she is an advocate for students with disabilities and their families and is also a professional speaker on dyslexia, language-based disabilities, and assistive technology throughout the country. Prior to joining Wilson Language Training, she was the head of Learning Resources at The Chapin School in Manhattan.

As the senior educational technologist at Wilson Language Training, Nanci works in the Program Development Department. In her role, she works with the Wilson Reading System (WRS) team and the technology team to create traditional and digital tools that will augment the current WRS curriculum and materials. She stays abreast of the current technological trends and serves as a resource for parents, teachers, and schools on assistive technology. Nanci is also a parent of a grown child with dyslexia.

 

About the Host

Terrie Noland serves as Vice President of Educator Initiatives at Learning Ally, where she works to develop engagement programs, shares knowledge through strategic relationships, and promotes communities for educators. She has more than 25 years of experience as both a motivational leader and developer of content for educators and administrators. She has had the opportunity to lead and facilitate groups numbering in the thousands, inspiring them around a transformational change in their approach to struggling readers. Terrie is certified as an Academic Language Practitioner and is currently working towards a Ph.D. in literacy, with an emphasis in educational leadership from St. John’s University. She is also a certified John Maxwell speaker and facilitator.

 

To participate in the live edWebinar, log in with current version of Google Chrome or install the meeting app prior to the edWebinar on your computer, your Apple device, or Android device.  If you have a firewall in your location, you can participate on your mobile device using your cellular data (not your local network).

The edWebinar recording will be posted to this page the day after the presentation.

Join the Empowering Struggling Readers community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.

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Learning Ally is a leading education solutions organization committed to transforming the lives of struggling learners. The Learning Ally Audiobook Solution is a proven reading accommodation comprised of human-read audiobooks, student centric features and a suite of teacher resources. Used in more than 17,000 schools, this solution successfully helps students with reading deficits become engaged learners and reach their academic potential.

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.

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 

Marion Huber Learning Through Listening® (LTL®) Awards

For Learning Ally members who are high school seniors with learning disabilities who are graduating from high school in 2019.

DEADLINE: Applications must be submitted, emailed or postmarked no later than September 30, 2019

ABOUT THE AWARD

Each year, the Marion Huber Learning Through Listening awards are presented to Learning Ally high school senior members with learning disabilities, who plan to continue their education after graduation, in recognition of their academic achievement, outstanding leadership, and service to others.

Marion Huber was a long-term and loyal donor to Learning Ally, formerly RFB&D, who was particularly committed to our expanded mission of engaging students with learning disabilities. She observed the power of “learning through listening” to transform lives, and it was for this reason that she made an endowed gift to fund an award for students with dyslexia and other disabilities that prevent effective reading. By creating a permanent endowment, Marion Huber ensured that the work she valued during her lifetime continues today.

Offered since 1991, the awards are given to six students who are chosen by a selection committee. Learning Ally awards the three top winners $6,000 each and three special honors winners $2,000 each. Winners will be notified of their awards in early 2020.

Applicants should be aware that:

All scholarship awardees must be capable and willing to publicly share their personal story and represent Learning Ally as a spokesperson and advocate at various local, virtual and national events. Costs associated with these events will be covered by Learning Ally.

Scholarship Application Requirements

Visit the Learning Ally website via the link below to read about the application requirements, eligibility criteria and online application. 

LTL Application and Criteria Link

*Note: Where It's AT or it's author are not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, maintained, authorized, or sponsored by Learning Ally.*

Webinar Wednesday: Turn Struggling Readers Into Leaders Using Assistive Technology

Tuesday, April 16, 2019 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT

Presented by Dana Blackaby, Dyslexia Specialist, Nolan Dunn Academy, Burleson, TX

Sponsored by Learning Ally

REGISTER HERE

JOIN THE LIVE SESSION

In this edWebinar, join Dana Blackaby as members of her student-led “tech crew” demonstrate forms of assistive technology and share personal anecdotes describing how it helps them overcome some of their most daunting academic challenges. These students all have IEPs or 504 plans, but there are times when only the use of assistive technology allows them to overcome barriers.

Sometimes the biggest barrier to effectively utilizing assistive technology in the classroom is the teacher, as many feel they need to be experts themselves before allowing students to utilize it. When students are given the chance to showcase their expertise, however, teachers are often convinced to embrace the technology. Many teachers make students the tech experts in their classrooms. The result is that they regularly demonstrate marked improvements in their reading skills, social behavior, confidence, and public speaking, elevating them to leaders in their classrooms and schools.

The forms of assistive technology this group utilizes are Snap & Read, Co-Writer, Google Tools, and Learning Ally. Each allows students to access and master grade-level curricula even though they each have dyslexia. When these students present to their own teachers and administrators, the adults pay attention and immediately recognize just how life-changing these tools are for students.

This edWebinar will be of interest to elementary through middle school teachers, librarians, and school and district leaders. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.

About the Presenter

Dana Blackaby is a dyslexia specialist at Nolan Dunn Academy in Texas whose goal is to empower students by instilling confidence, skills, and hope in students with learning differences Dana’s students have finished in the top 10 in two nationwide reading competitions and have been featured in multiple news outlets via newspapers, Twitter, Facebook, and the Dallas–Fort Worth ABC affiliate, WFAA. In addition, several of her students are a part of a student-led tech crew that travels from school to school providing training on assistive technology for teachers and administrators in their district. Dana holds a master’s degree in teaching.

 

REGISTER HEREJOIN THE LIVE SESSION

Accommodating Students With Dyslexia

Dyslexia is one of the most common disabilities affecting approximately 1 in 5 individuals (see the previous WIA blogpost focusing on Learning Ally's 1 in 5 Initiative). It does not reflect an overall defect in language, but a localized weakness within the phonologic module of the brain, which is where sounds of language are put together to form words or break words down into sounds. 

Often times individuals with dyslexia are mistaken as less cognitively intact while the truth is....most of the time these said individuals are of average to above average in intelligence and exceed in their creativity. Although we are living in 2018, schools are still not designed to be accessible for all learners and many educators are not provided the proper training to identify and tools to support dyslexic students. This ripple effect causes many students to go through their educational career compensating for their deficits, experiencing undue stress and prohibiting students from reaching their full potential. The underlying message here is knowledge and tools are powerful and impactful, which is why I am sharing the following article, Accommodating Students with Dyslexia by Jessica Hamman, focuses on five easy-to-implement accommodations that can make class less stressful and more manageable for students with dyslexia. 

Webinar Wednesday: 10 Research-Based Strategies to Motivate Struggling Readers

Motivation Matters: 10 Research-Based Strategies to Motivate Struggling Readers

Wednesday, August 29, 2018 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT

Presented by Terrie Noland, Vice President, Educator Initiatives, Learning Ally
Sponsored by Learning Ally

REGISTER HERE

JOIN THE LIVE SESSION

edWeb members can download a personalized CE certificate from their edWebinar transcript the day after the presentation.  Join here!

Research shows that an alarming number of students report they are learning to hate reading. This can be a painful realization and the reason why so many educators understand the importance and value of being motivated to read. As educators, we want to flip that paradigm and create motivated and engaged readers. What does that mean exactly? It means reading with increased stamina, understanding the value associated with reading and engaging in the classroom culture and discourse.

Through an extensive review of current literature and research, this edWebinar will reveal what educators can do to counteract this decline in motivation through strategies that will not only boost motivation but will have a positive, powerful impact on reading achievement.

Whether you are an administrator, specialist, or classroom teacher you will walk away motivated to integrate a number of the ten different strategies that will be discussed. There will be time to get your questions answered after the presentation.

About the Presenter

Terrie Noland serves as the vice president of educator initiatives for Learning Ally where she works to develop engagement programs, professional learning services and communities for educators. Terrie has more than 25 years of experience as both a motivational leader and developer of content for educators and administrators. Terrie’s focus for the past six years has been on the pedagogical practices needed to create effective environments for struggling readers and students with dyslexia. Terrie has the opportunity to lead and facilitate groups numbering in the thousands helping to build better understanding of working with struggling readers and students with dyslexia. Her greatest strengths lie in the ability to inform and inspire others to be passionate educators that support the diverse needs of students. Terrie is currently working towards a Ph.D. in literacy, with an emphasis in educational leadership from St. John’s University.

REGISTER HEREJOIN THE LIVE SESSION

Learning Ally's National Achievement Award

Learning Ally appreciates teachers and educators for the inspiring work you do. Each year, Learning Ally recognizes outstanding students and teachers through their National Achievement Awards with scholarships and cash prizes. Learning Ally needs your help to recognize the best Principals, Assistive Technology Specialists, SPED Directors and more. Please make your nomination today!

Nominate an educator

Nominations must be submitted no later than June 15, 2018. Learn more about this year's winning educators.

Do you have students ready to apply for scholarships? High school seniors can apply for our $6,000 scholarship. Send home this reminder to apply by June 15.

Webinar Wednesday: Learning Ally: Audiobooks & Audio Resources Webinar

Learning Ally: Audiobooks & Audio Resources Webinar

Date: February 22, 2018
Time: 3:30-4:30
Presenter: Traci West, MOTR/L Internet 50 1

Registration Information:


Or E-mail Sue Wright at the SETC office to register, wrightsu@cwu.edu

Description:
Do you have a 5th grader who really wants to read Harry Potter, but the words and letters on the page just won’t cooperate? Help your students who comprehend grade level material gain access to their world through the use of audiobooks and audio strategies. We will explore several websites and tools including Learning Ally, Storybook Online, Bookshare and more.

Learning Objectives: 

Participants will...

1. Understand the three main structural levels of tools and accommodations for students

2. Explore at least three online audiobook resources

3. Identify characteristics of students who would benefit from reading accommodations

Presenter:

Traci West, MOTR/L is an OT and Instructional Facilitator for Assistive Technology in Tacoma Public Schools. She has practiced in the OT field for 24 years, with the past 16 years spent in school-based therapy. Prior to earning her MOTR/L, she was a COTA/L and brings experiences from both perspectives during her years of service in nursing facilities, hospital rehab, hand therapy, and school based therapy. Passions include teaching others about the wide variety of accommodations available to support student inclusion in the general education setting and building a district culture of differentiation and inclusion.

Learning Ally's 33 & Me!

Ignite enthusiasm in your students to build their reading habit! Get your personalized launch plan and be entered to WIN. 33 and Me! is a new customizable reading program that provides teachers with a unique plan to encourage struggling readers to become engaged and active learners. Based on your reading requirements, objectives and schedule, 33 and Me! makes it easy to build reading habits in any classroom reading instruction model, while enabling teachers to personalize reading goals for every student. Educators, complete a questionnaire to receive: Personalized launch plan with sequential actions steps by week New dashboard with reading activity metrics Entry for teacher prize pack, including gift cards Worksheets to help students set personal reading goals Lesson plans, videos, posters, strategies and more!  Teachers will love the new reading metrics. When you complete the questionnaire as the first step to join 33 and Me!, you will be presented with a superior dashboard to what is normally provided in your educator account on Teacher Ally. Your students will automatically be included in the program and you'll begin to see their reading activity including days, minutes and books read. Student goals are flexible and personal to them! Help students choose a goal that works best for them. Decide between a goal of either 33 days spent reading, 33 books completed or 33 minutes read over 9 weekends. As students achieve their goal, we will enter them into a drawing for a prize pack. Plus, your school will receive an entry for school prizes; the more students achieving their goal, the more chances your school will have to win! Reading activity from September 15 - December 31, 2017 will be counted. How is the launch plan personalized? The program takes the specific needs of the school, including grade levels, educator roles, varying instructional models, and goals of each student, and delivers a personalized launch plan to support educators, administrators and specialists as they put the Learning Ally solution into action in classrooms. Get started now!

Dyslexia Awareness Month: Suggested Books for Students with Learning Differences

Loneliness is a feeling many young children with learning disabilities experience when compared to their neurotypical peers. As parents and educators, we need to do more to focus our efforts on supporting our students with learning disabilities. Beyond helping them learn to achieve academically, we also need to tend to their socio-emotional needs.

Learning Ally's 1 in 5 initiative is a community developed to support students with learning disabilities, with an emphasis on dyslexia. In addition to a wide array of resources, 1 in 5 provides a list of suggested books to support students with learning disabilities. By reading about other children's experiences, this may decrease the feelings of loneliness and isolation.

To learn more about Learning Ally's 1 in 5 Initiative, visit the link here:

Learning Ally's 1 in 5 Initiative Link

Winnie Reitnouer Excellence in Teaching Award Nomination

Winnie Reitnouer Excellence in Teaching Award

Nominate an educator who has been instrumental in helping students with print disabilities. Educators will win a paid

trip to Learning Ally’s Student Success and Achievement Summit, a cash award for them and a cash award for their school, plus other exciting prizes.

Parents, students, colleagues, and administrators are eligible to nominate educators. Educators should be teachers, administrators or leaders in Learning Ally member schools.

Source: Learning Ally

Image Source: http://www.smarterbalanced.org/parents/