Dyslexia Conference Provides Resources for Region

Demystifying Dyslexia Organizer Dr. Jill Craven, Speaker Sara Page Stinchcomb, and Keynote Speaker Dr. Marilyn Bartlett
Demystifying Dyslexia Organizer Dr. Jill Craven, Inspirational Speaker Sara Page Stinchcomb, and Keynote Speaker Dr. Marilyn Bartlett

On Saturday, January 26th, Millersville University hosted a conference about dyslexia and strategies for making students with dyslexia successful.

Dr. Stacey Irwin introduces "Raising Faith"
Dr. Stacey Irwin introduces “Raising Faith”

The morning’s main sessions included a description of dyslexia and its subtypes by Dr. Peg Kay, an inspirational speech by advocate Sara Page Stinchcomb, and the premiere of a film about dyslexia by Dr. Stacey Irwin, Raising Faith.

Reviewing the types of dyslexia, Dr. Kay emphasized that recognizing dyslexia early can dramatically reduce the challenges people with dyslexia face. The window to address the issues runs up until 3rd grade. Several attendees recounted that local school districts tend to tell parents that students may “grow out of it” and that parents should wait until 3rd grade to request accommodations; this strategy hurts students.  Ms. Sara Page Stinchcomb then gave an inspirational speech about the need to change attitudes about dyslexia; she received a standing ovation from the audience.  To finish the morning sessions, Dr. Irwin’s film explored many different perspectives on dyslexia from students with dyslexia and their families. Families were particularly struck by hearing stories similar to their own.  Audience members then asked questions of the experts in attendance.

Dr. Marily Bartlett explains her struggle to get accommodations on the Bar exam
Dr. Marily Bartlett explains her struggle to get accommodations on the Bar exam

The morning sessions were followed by a rousing keynote address by Marilyn Bartlett of her decade-long struggle to receive accommodations for the NY Bar.  The keynote address was attended by 95 students, community members, and faculty members, many of whom resonated with the struggles to attain equity in educational endeavors either as people with dyslexia or as advocates for people with educational challenges.

The day continued with 15 different breakout sessions to help families, teachers, administrators, and people with dyslexia. The sessions were well attended by teachers, students, parents, administrators, advocates, and friends.

Dr. Janet Josephson explains how dyslexia presents.
Dr. Janet Josephson explains how dyslexia presents.

Dr. Janet Josephson held an extremely popular session on how dyslexia presents.  The crowded Stayer multipurpose room attested to the regional interest in understanding dyslexia.  Dr. Pamela Kastner, the statewide lead for Literacy (PaTTAN), provided two informative sessions on phonics, which were particularly popular with teachers.

Scotia mugs for the camera while Dr. Bartlett explains the need for "a bible" to fight for one's rights
Scotia mugs for the camera while Dr. Bartlett explains the need for “a bible” to fight for one’s rights

The breakout sessions  provided important and useful information for people with dyslexia, their families, and teachers.  For example, Dr. Bartlett recommended books like Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy.  Sessions on the differences between the IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA-AA were particularly appreciated by Millersville Education students, regional professionals, and parents.

Dr. Bartlett explains the differences between the IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA-AA
Dr. Bartlett explains the differences between the IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA-AA

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some regional resources for students with dyslexia were also discussed in the sessions.  These included the Children’s Dyslexia Center, the Delaware Valley Friends School (DVFS), and psychologists like Dr. Margaret Kay.  Parents, in particular, were grateful to have a game plan for addressing their children’s needs.

Helen Mannion and Kathy Halligan explaining the brain structure underlying dyslexia
Helen Mannion and Kathy Halligan of DVFS explain the brain structure underlying dyslexia

Overall, attendees were excited to talk about an issue that is particularly important to them, and were grateful for both the information and the resources presented.

Recordings of eight sessions are available on YouTube, including:

Helping with Homework Session
Helping with Homework Session
Understanding the difference between the IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA-AA
Understanding the difference between the IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA-AA