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What is dyslexia?
This video is for parents, educators, and caregivers. It provides a straightforward yet comprehensive overview of dyslexia. It also discusses the Orton-Gillingham method of instruction, that has proven effective for meeting the learning needs of students with dyslexia.
What is it like to have dyslexia?
Listen as these brave children of all ages, share their experiences to answer one of the most common questions that people have: What is it like to have dyslexia?
Dr, Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE
Listen to Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Ph.D., Space Scientist & Science Communicator talk about the power of her dyslexic thinking in this Made By Dyslexia Interview.
To learn more about Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock and about the Success Stories of other dyslexic thinkers visit The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
Mical
If you have dyslexia or know someone with dyslexia, you should watch this film.
Based on the inspiring true story of Mike Jones and his mother Pat, 'Mical' is an emotionally charged story of Mike’s dyslexia and how Pat’s persistence and determination changed everything.
"People assume dyslexia is being addressed but in reality, it isn't. We want people to realize the pain that parents and children go through but also to give them hope that dyslexic children can learn to read and write. They just need to be taught in a different way. The film is about my struggle."
Mike Jones
See "Resources to Support Learning Needs" for more information about Nessy Learning.
Dyslexic Criminals: Palmont Prison Documentary
Dyslexia does not discriminate. However, the outcomes for children with dyslexia are often dependent on their access to resources.
In this short clip of a U.K. documentary, filmed in 1999, two researchers from Edinburgh University carry out dyslexia screening at HMYOI Polmont (a U.K juvenile detention center) and find a far higher rate of dyslexia among the prisoners there than in the non-prison population.
The full-length version of this documentary can be viewed by following this link Dyslexic Criminals - Polmont Prison Documentary.
A Note from Dyslexic Minds 901
In 2018 the federal government passed the bipartisan First Step Act. The purpose of the Act is to promote rehabilitation, lower recidivism and reduce excessive sentences. Due to the correlation between low literacy, dyslexia, crime, and incarceration the First Steps Act requires inmates in federal prisons to be screened for dyslexia. The Act also requires that they be provided with "programs designed to treat dyslexia". Read more about the correlation between dyslexia an incarceration.
Ameer Baraka
Ameer Baraka is an award-winning, Daytime Emmy-nominated actor, author, dyslexia advocate, youth mentor, and prison coach. As a child, he cycled in and out of the prison system, facing challenges ranging from youthful missteps to serious offenses. Nearly illiterate when he entered prison, he was diagnosed with dyslexia and learned to read in his mid-twenties while behind bars.
Watch this video interview with Ameer to hear his powerful story of how his dyslexia identification transformed his life.
Then, watch him testify on May 10, 2016, at the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) committee hearing on dyslexia, where he advocates for better dyslexia awareness and support.
For a deeper look into his journey, read Ameer Baraka’s book, Undiagnosed: The Ugly Side of Dyslexia. It is a compelling memoir of perseverance and hope. Unfortunately, it is not currently available on audio book.
A Note from Dyslexic Minds 901
No child in Memphis or Shelby County should have to go to prison to learn how to read and write simply because they have dyslexia, or characteristics of dyslexia.
Since 2016, all Memphis and Shelby County public schools have been legally required to provide dyslexia-specific instruction and intervention to all learners with characteristics of dyslexia*, regardless of whether or not they have an IEP, or ILP-D. Many parents, teachers and school-based administrators are not aware of this legal requirement. Many assume that the learning needs of students with characteristics of dyslexia and dyslexia are being appropriately addressed with programs designed to address dyslexia, or by teachers who are trained to address dyslexia, but all too often this is not the case.
*Students with dyslexia have characteristics of dyslexia
If you have a learner, who has been identified with dyslexia, or characteristics of dyslexia, here are some questions that you may want to ask your learner's school:
How many teachers and interventionists are certified to provide dyslexia-specific instruction and intervention? Ask them to specify the certification - then research it or send the information to us to research.
How many teachers and interventionists are trained to provide dyslexia-specific instruction and intervention? Ask them to specify what dyslexia training they have had and how many dyslexia-specific practicum hours they completed as part of their training - then research it or send the information to us to research.
What is the name of the dyslexia-specific curriculum or intervention system, that is being used, with fidelity, to meet the learning needs of students with dyslexia and characteristics of dyslexia? Ask to see it - then research it or us the information about the curriculum or program to research.
Consider speaking to your school district and school board to ensure that your learner's teachers have the appropriate training and resources needed to meet your learner's needs. Teachers and interventionists need your support.
Unless dyslexia is properly addressed, it is irrelevant who sits on the School Board, or in the Office of Superintendent, because our children will continue to fail.
In 2024, the TDOE reported that over 80% of middle schoolers in one Shelby County School District failed to meet grade level expectations on the standardized state test (TCAP) for English Language Arts (ELA - reading, writing, and spelling). Unless your student is among the 18% of middle graders who scored at or above grade level they will struggling in all classes, including math, where they are required to read and understand grade level information that is presented to them in print. This is not just an ELA problem.
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Consider signing and sharing the Dyslexia Petition started by a Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) parent.
See Dyslexia Differently
This animation is designed for children. It explains dyslexia in very simple terms. It dispels a lot of the myths about dyslexia.
The animation does a good job of explaining some of the challenges that dyslexic children face whilst also acknowledging their strengths and potential.
The Power of Dyslexia: Famous Dyslexics
This short, powerful video challenges the misconceptions about dyslexia by showcasing the power of dyslexic thinkers through the achievements of some well-known dyslexics.
Audiobooks
The audiobook, Fish in a Tree, comes highly recommended by elementary aged children with dyslexia. It narrates the struggles faced by many undiagnosed, or unidentified, dyslexic children. The story is both uplifting and inspiring. Click this link to learn more about Fish in a Tree.
Fish in a Tree has an accompanying study guide that makes it easy for teachers to create engaging lessons and assignments. It can also help book club members to develop confidence in discussing literary analysis. Follow this link to learn more about the study guide.
Please recommend Fish in a Tree to your learner's teacher and local school district.
A Note from Dyslexic Minds 901
The Germantown Municipal School (GMS) district requires that 5th graders read Fish in a Tree as a class text. Once finished, the students are treated to a visit from some of Bodine's young ambassadors, who speak about their experiences with dyslexia, and answer questions.
As mothers of two of the young ambassadors Sara & Kelvina had the privilege of attending two of these sessions. The sessions were moving and inspiring. The audience was engaged and asked thoughtful questions. All of the ambassadors spoke candidly, and with confidence, about their experiences. They were a credit to Bodine, and their parents.
We hope that all elementary schools in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond adopt this book as required reading. Please recommend Fish in a Tree to your learner's teachers and public school district - you can impact Memphis and Shelby County for good.
The author of this The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan, Ben Floss, is himself dyslexic. He is a successful inventor, entrepreneur, dyslexia advocate and author. He is the founder of Headstrong Nation and the inventor of the Intel Reader.
This book this book is everything its title describes it as. it is a must read/listen for the parents and caregivers of dyslexic learners. Identify and nurture your learners' strengths because he/she is so much more than their struggles.
The Audible version comes with access to printable material.
The Dyslexic Advantage is a very detailed and informative book. The authors focus on the strengths that many dyslexic learners have. They encourage dyslexics of all ages, and their allies to develop those strengths. It is definitely aimed at an older listener/reader. middle school and above. But if you listen to it in the car with younger audience, they will certainly learn a lot from it. Click this link to find out more about this edition of The Dyslexic Advantage.
The revised and updated version of The Dyslexic Advantage incorporates much more of the latest scientific research. You can learn more about it by watching this video, or by following this link.
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