Advancing Dyslexia Policy and Practice
April 29, 2023 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Center for Neurodiversity, Learning, and Wellness believes in championing equitable education for dyslexic learners. We know our current education systems and interventions are not fully supporting their unique needs. As a result, we are devoting a full day to this cause. This year’s 6th Annual Neurodiversity Symposium is dedicated to Advancing Dyslexia Policy and Practice. This hybrid event will be held at the University of La Verne and have a virtual attendance option for your convenience. You, too, play a crucial role in promoting systemic change for dyslexic learners. We invite you to attend our event and encourage your colleagues to do the same!
By attending, you will:
- enhance your understanding of dyslexia and your ability to advocate for dyslexic learners
- participate in interactive activities such as a dyslexia simulation and small group discussions
- learn from and connect with experts in the field of dyslexia
- network with parents, educators, and other student-serving professionals to establish a 360-degree approach to supporting dyslexic learners
- engage in conversations that advance dyslexia policy and practice
- have the chance to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Features
“Confessions of a Reader”: In her keynote presentation, Professor Marga Madhuriwill discuss how her mindset and practice as a literacy educator has evolved over the years. Madhuri will showcase practices and methods that best support dyslexic students. She will also explore how neuroscience supports educators in providing targeted instruction to all students with hands-on activities and demonstrations. Of equal importance, Madhuri will discuss how she is revising early literacy methods courses to better prepare teachers to support students with language-based learning disabilities such as dyslexia.
“Assessment: Charting the Path to Intervention”: Cathy Johnson, M.A.,foundress of the Speech, Language and Learning Center and Johnson Academy, will demonstrate the assessments she currently uses in her academy which serves children with language-based learning disabilities.These assessments measure decoding (reading), spelling, mathematics, language, and phonological processing. Johnson will model assessment administration as well as analysis of the data. Attendees will learn about the importance of getting teachers and specialists properly trained in evidence-based reading interventions, appropriate assessment, and increasing parent awareness/involvement to create a larger culture of understanding, advocacy, and partnership for dyslexia.
Dyslexia Simulation: Experience Dyslexia®, developed by the Northern California Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, is a hands-on workshop that invites participants to experience the challenges and frustrations that people with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities may face each day. The simulation provides a lively, thought-provoking experience for anyone interested in better understanding the experiences of individuals with dyslexia in order to promote and enact change.
In addition, we are recruiting volunteers to assist with our dyslexia simulation. This will allow volunteers to interact more deeply with the material and attend the event free of charge. Please feel free to use and share the following link to seize this opportunity.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team! We hope to connect and learn with you on April 29!