Decoding Dyslexia Rhode Island: Grass Roots Movement Making a Difference!

Here in Rhode Island we became the 34th state to join the movement sweeping the country.  I am the founding member of DDRI who knows that we are definitely making real waves and reverberating solutions in the right direction for individuals with dyslexia. This movement is called Decoding Dyslexia (“DD”), and it has already making a difference in the push for dyslexia legislation and support for parents, interested teachers and others who serve children and adults challenged with dyslexia.

The DD organization, started in late 2011 by a group of New Jersey parents whom all met on a train commuting, only to have found out they had something in common.  Decoding Dyslexia’s mission is connecting and empowering parents across the country, providing them with support and current information about proposed and pending dyslexia legislation. 

I attended the Social Media Decoding Dyslexia and Learning Ally Conference this past weekend at the Learning Ally Princeton, NJ office.  To date, there are 46 states that have each established a Decoding Dyslexia group.  As recently as last April 2013, there were only about 20 of these DD groups. Since that time, the efforts of like-minded parents have grown and combined to significantly help improve dyslexia services in schools throughout our country.

Parents of children with dyslexia, adults and who want to see services for dyslexics are improved, are encouraged to join Decoding Dyslexia RI. When you decide to join, please be ready to provide support and encouragement for the cause and not just "take" the support and information offered there.

My story is, I am undiagnosed dyslexic with a son just 12, here in the Cranston Public Schools.  Our battle has been going on due to the negligence in acknowledging my child’s specific difference in learning known as Dyslexia (a/k/a “Issues” “disability”).  Then the alarm for lack of implementing science based proven services for dyslexic children has been traumatic to my family.  I truly believe that teachers and administrators to the Department of Education want to try everything they can however you only know what you know. There are far less known about Dyslexia as compared to Autism.  The National Autism Associations have championed the cause and created experts that are often consulted when it comes to education, along with providing Professional Development.  Their movement continues and has brought amazing awareness and positive solutions to the treatment of the 1 in 50 Autistic children (according to CDC 2013 Report).  Decoding Dyslexia mirrors their same positive efforts.  We need everyone to know there are 1 in 5 with Dyslexia, which is a spectrum and yet the word is rarely used or have a known knowledge about symptoms and treatment by our own Department of Education.  I know that Commissioner Deborah Gist has shown interest in learning more about Dyslexia. My expertise can provide invaluable, engaging information and which can align us in a unified approach for providing, that which is currently absent.

DDRI needs volunteers, including students to be an Ambassador and do research, social media, write letters etc.  You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and by googling Decoding Dyslexia RI, you will be able to connect with some great resources and have a support for your questions.  If you find us, please LIKE us and SHARE.  This way, you can have current social media discussions to learn all about the up-to-the-minute situation with dyslexia services in your state. You'll also find wonderful resources posted there. Once again, be prepared to offer and post current information, strategies and resources to the Facebook page to help other parents and adults who need your support. It's all about helping one another, supporting one another to make this kind of progress a reality.  Solutions, action and proactive sharing is what is needed.

By:  Suzanne Arena, Chapter Founder of Decoding Dyslexia in Rhode Island
Date:  March 9, 2014