7 Superb Resources for Dyslexic Students and their Parents
For some parents, it is a relief when their child receives a dyslexia diagnosis. Finally, his or her learning challenges can be better understood and met. For other parents, it is an overwhelming time filled with uncertainty. They might wonder, “What does the future look like for my child?” “Will we need to change schools?” “Where do we even begin?”
Regardless of where you stand on the journey, there is one thing all parents of dyslexic children have in common: the desire to learn more about their child’s disorder and to help them as best they can.
At TDS, we believe the single best way parents can serve their child is to find a specialized learning environment that is supportive and challenging, especially throughout the foundational years. Additionally, there are a number of other resources parents can utilize to support their students’ learning. Here are our top eight.
Dyslexia Advantage Subscription
Dyslexia Advantage is a digital magazine that provides articles about best practices for working with children and adolescents with dyslexia (e.g., modifications for writing, what to do about foreign language, how to solve math problems, etc.). Parents benefit from videos demonstrating strategies and modifications, information about helpful technologies, free printables, and other accommodations available.
Learning Ally
Learning Ally is a not-for-profit organization providing support for dyslexic students through 80,000 human-read audiobooks. Students can easily customize reading speed and font size while highlighting and taking notes as they listen. Learning Ally also offers a brief online dyslexia screening tool and helpful resource guides for parents.
C-Pen Reader
Many students with dyslexia benefit greatly from a C-Pen Reader, a portable, pocket-sized device that reads text aloud. The C-Pen can scan and provide dictionary descriptions of words and serves a dual purpose as a voice recorder if students wish to take notes orally.
Google Docs
Many students and parents don’t realize that Google Docs offers dictation capability which equals the playing field when it comes to writing. Google Docs also fully integrates with Google Classroom, meaning the student with dyslexia won’t have to use a different app when working in class.
Mod Math
Mod Math is an innovative app for solving math problems on graph paper using the iPad. This app has proven extremely helpful for helping students with dyslexia and dysgraphia improve their math skills. There is a free version and a premium version available for $4.99.
International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
The IDA hosts an array of conferences and workshops for parents and professionals. From fact sheets to learning resources, this is a great website for anyone supporting a child with dyslexia. Visit https://dyslexiaida.org to start learning.
A Free Resource Guide for Parents
Tampa Day School has created its own resource guide for parents. If your child has recently received a dyslexia diagnosis, download it today for tips on supporting your child, understanding their disorder, and choosing the best school available.
