Parents from across Connecticut whose children struggle with dyslexia and associated learning difficulties have come together to form Decoding Dyslexia - CT (DDCT), a grassroots movement dedicated to building awareness about dyslexia and promoting public policy changes to ensure proper identification, educational interventions and support are made available to affected students in Connecticut schools.
Originally started by families in New Jersey, Decoding Dyslexia now has chapters in 19 states. Decoding Dyslexia-CT is a part of this remarkable wave of parent-driven advocacy. The group’s efforts are sparking awareness nationwide for the need to identify dyslexia as early as possible, teacher training and implementation of evidence-based remediation programs for students with dyslexia in our public schools
According to the National Institute of Health, dyslexia affects at least one out of every five children in the US. Dyslexia is not the only cause for reading problems but it is the most common.
The Baltimore, MD based Annie E. Casey Foundation, a 65 year old national foundation dedicated to supporting disadvantaged youth, reports that 68 percent of all US fourth graders scored "below proficient," on the National Assessment of Educational Progress reading test in 2011. This means they are not reading at grade level.
Allison Quirion, Founding Member of Decoding Dyslexia – CT said, "We are building a network of families in Connecticut to show the public and policy makers how many children are affected by dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. The group is rapidly adding members and gaining support from professionals within the State. Plans are underway to connect with other dyslexia groups and centers in Connecticut to join forces and become one large voice throughout the State. It will take a public outcry from families and the community to get dyslexia legislation passed.”
For more information about Decoding Dyslexia-CT, visit their website, www.DecodingDyslexiaCT.org, find them on Face Book (type in “Decoding Dyslexia-CT” in the search box), or email: DDConnecticut@yahoo.com.
