We'd like to share a message from our favorite dyslexia advocacy organization, Decoding Dyslexia MN. 

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, which is the perfect time to share information about a terrific resource, Decoding Dyslexia Minnesota (DDMN). We are a local organization that exists to educate, advocate for, and empower those affected by dyslexia. We have online resources for families, teachers, and schools, as well as our community at large. 

Our Partners for Parents program is free to families of struggling readers and those diagnosed with dyslexia. We strive to help families navigate the school system and learn how to advocate for their children. DDMN hosts virtual Parent Talks over Zoom on a variety of topics including New to Dyslexia, Preparing for an IEP/504 Meeting, Smart Goals and Accommodations, Middle and High School IEPs/504s, Assistive Technology, and Dispute Resolution and Complaint Options. New topics are always under development. Please let us know if there is a topic you would like to see us discuss! 

DDMN also offers one-to-one consultations with the manager of our Partners for Parents program, Kea Behnke Knox. Kea is a wealth of information for families who need additional support, helping them to feel empowered and prepared to advocate for their child in the school setting.  

In addition to helping families, DDMN has online resources for educators including links to recommended screeners, assessments, teacher training, and other professional resources.  

DDMN is especially proud of the work we have done at the Minnesota State Capitol, advocating on behalf of children with dyslexia, struggling readers, teachers, and school districts. Among some of our most notable achievements have been to secure a universal definition for dyslexia in state statute; approval of a dyslexia specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education; and, in 2023, The READ Act was signed into law, providing $90 million to educators and districts statewide for professional development, coaching and support, and guidance on curriculum aligned with the science of reading. 

There is always more work to be done and families to support. If you need assistance for your struggling reader, or want to support our mission to educate, advocate, and empower, please find more information on our website at www.decodingdyslexiamn.org.