NEWSLETTER 17 Learning Ally February 2012 18 Scholarship Opportunities 21 Board Members and Advisory Council 22 Calendar of Events 23 Advertisements

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Legislative Update 2 Letter from the President 4 Dyslexia Recognized Through Team Effort 5 How an Ohio Dyslexia Law was Born 6 Keynote Speaker Gordon Sherman: Online Interview from SchwabLearning.org 8 Who are We? 8 Active Student Engagement 9 Dyslexia Dash Rewards Runners of All Northern Ohio Branch Abilities & Speeds Formerly The Orton Dyslexia Society 16 Dyslexia Rally III 16 Walk in the Shoes of a Dyslexic: A Simulation 17 Branch Spotlight: New Executive Assistant, Nicole Herron NEWSLETTER 17 Learning Ally February 2012 18 Scholarship Opportunities 21 Board Members and Advisory Council 22 Calendar of Events 23 Advertisements

House Bill 96 (Celeste - D & Legislative Update Brenner - R) by Charlotte Andrist, Central Ohio Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (COBIDA) President This law will:

House Bills (HB) 96 and 157 were unanimously passed by the Ohio Senate with a 1) place the IDA definition of dyslexia subsequent unanimous concurrence vote in the Ohio House during a late night, end directly into Ohio the Ohio Revised of the year Statehouse session on December 14. Both bills were signed into law by Code. Although the term “dyslexia” is Governor Kasich on December 21. currently listed as a specific learning disability within the 2008 Ohio Special Education Operating Standards, Ohio law does not contain a definition of dyslexia; and

2) begin a 3-year pilot program for the early identification and remediation of students at-risk for dyslexia and other phonologically based reading disorders. HB 157 (Schuring - R & Let- son - D) This law will:

1) define a dyslexia specialist as someone who has achieved training consistent with the Level II IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards; and Governor Kasich signs the Ohio Dylexia Law surrounded by legislators, members of the Ohio branches of IDA, and other supporters. Continued on page 3

1 With financial health intact, IDA can We will be at the Bertram Inn in Aurora off to a wonderful start that will be Have a wonderful and Letter from The President focus upon its strategic plan. One of the for another outstanding program. I have complemented by break-out sessions productive 2012, major initiatives at national headquarters had several opportunities to talk with our throughout the day. Grab a colleague, By Larry Orrach, M.Ed., President of begin to experience difficulties and is increased membership among parents keynote speaker, Gordon Sherman. I am friend, or someone you know who is Larry Orrach NOBIDA frustration. The second law, H.B. 157, of children with dyslexia. To invite more fascinated and awed by his intelligence affected by dyslexia and bring them to promotes professional development for parents to join IDA, annual membership and vision. Having heard him speak at this truly important event. Greetings, teachers in Ohio, to better equip them fees for parents have been lowered recent national conferences, I know to teach reading to students who have to only $45 per year. As a benefit of he will get this year’s symposium Happy New Year and welcome to 2012. dyslexia and other reading problems. membership, IDA’s website has a unique I trust you had an enjoyable holiday Through programs sponsored by state section for parents. At the 2012 national season and you are looking forward to Educational Service Centers or school conference in Baltimore, IDA will host its another year of progress in our efforts for districts, teachers will be exposed to first parent-focused conference. Look for universal literacy. the research based practices that are education, networking, and socialization Legislative Update effective for helping all children learn opportunities. Please share the news This past year, 2011, was a watershed to read, especially those children who of the reduced membership fee and Continued from page 1 year for efforts to improve reading struggle with the teaching methods increased benefits with parents you instruction and achievement for students presently used in many schools. know who would be interested. 2) give Educational Service Centers in Ohio. Two bills moved through the (Ohio’s statewide network of inservice legislature and were signed by the Another effort to improve reading IDA and NOBIDA will focus on training facilities) and other educational governor just before the end of the year. instruction began last year in Ohio. professional development for educators institutions permissive authority to hire a Many thanks go to Stephanie Gordon, Working with representatives from as required by H.B. 157. Workshops dyslexia specialist to provide professional Rebecca Tolson, and Pam Kanfer from the three Ohio Branches of IDA and will bring the new IDA Knowledge development in dyslexia for Ohio NOBIDA, who spearheaded this effort several state universities, the Ohio and Practice Standards to classrooms teachers grades K-4. Left to right: Legislators responsible for the passage of the dyslexia law: Reps. Ted Celeste, Andrew along with representatives from the Board of Regents is seeking to infuse across Ohio. To ensure uniform quality, Brenner, Kirk Schuring, and Tom Letson Central Ohio and Ohio Valley branches. standards from the recently developed representatives from the three Ohio IDA Thank you, Representatives Ted Celeste Thanks are also extended to the many IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards branches will meet to develop a syllabus and Andrew Brenner!!! signed petitions. To learn more about these bills, go to people who drove to Columbus to into a preservice teacher education to guide the professional development. these links: provide testimony to the legislature program. These standards will guide The legislation requires that workshops Thank you, Representatives Kirk Shuring Thanks to those who wrote and sent highlighting the need to provide help to university teacher education programs be delivered by competent instructors and Tom Letson!!! their “stories” to the legislators. HB 96 (Celeste - D & Brenner - R) children across Ohio who struggle to to prepare teachers to use the practices who are dyslexia specialists. A workshop learn to read. that research has shown are effective for school administrators is also being Thanks to your aides who so patiently Thanks to those who attended the House Vote: www.ohiochannel.org/ for teaching children to read. The developed so that school leaders advised us, directed us, and kept us on Rallies. MediaLibrary/Media.aspx?fileId=131130 The first law, H.B. 96, places Dyslexia Board of Regents will use the revised understand the standards and can guide course! &startTime=1299&autoStart=True in the Ohio statutes and establishes teacher education standards when it their teachers toward improvements in Thanks to all Ohioans who contacted dyslexia as a qualification for special reviews teacher preparation programs teaching reading. Thank you for taking on the task of their legislators concerning dyslexia and Senate Vote: www.ohiochannel.org/ education services. Finally, in Ohio, at the state universities. Again, thanks pushing....advocating....supporting advocated for the support of these two MediaLibrary/Media.aspx?fileId=133922 we have official recognition of the go to Stephanie Gordon, Pam Kanfer, A new fund-raising event was initiated dyslexia legislation in the House and bills. Without your voice the passage of &startTime=2012&autoStart=True major cause of reading problems MaryHeather Munger, and Rebecca by NOBIDA in October at Lawrence the Senate. You went beyond the call of these bills would not have occurred!!! for children. The law sets up a pilot Tolson for their leadership with this School. Under the direction of Courtney duty!!! House Concurrence Vote: www. project to demonstrate and evaluate initiative. Baker and Mary Jo O’Neill, the first Thanks to the Executive Committee of ohiochannel.org/MediaLibrary/Media.asp the effectiveness of an early reading annual NOBIDA Dyslexia Dash was Thanks to the members of the House the Ohio Dyslexia Group for the many x?fileId=133924&startTime=5867&auto assistance program for children with This year, 2012, promises to be filled held. Most importantly, the Dash, along and Senate Education Committees meetings, conference calls, trips to Start=True dyslexia. The partnership includes with many more important steps for IDA with our annual simulation program led who listened to the testimonials from Columbus, and time spent planning the the Ohio Library Council, the state and NOBIDA. First, I am happy to report by Ellen Brick, “Walk in the Shoes of professionals, parents, students, and strategy, gathering testimony, and calling HB 157 (Schuring - R & Letson - D) Superintendent, the International that the IDA national office, after several a Dyslexic,” was part of our Dyslexia adults with dyslexia. witnesses! Dyslexia Association or any other difficult financial years, had a positive Awareness campaign for October. House Vote: www.ohiochannel.org/ nationally recognized organization budget balance last year. Fundraising About a hundred runners shared in the And....after listening...you took action On behalf of people with dyslexia, their MediaLibrary/Media.aspx?fileId=131673 that specializes in issues surrounding efforts have produced very positive promotion of dyslexia awareness as they and passed both H.B. 96 and 157 families, and all who support them, Thank &startTime=9547&autoStart=True dyslexia, and will develop an early results. Very strong attendance at this raced through the communities around unanimously! You!!! screening procedure for pre-school aged year’s national conference was a major Lawrence School. Mark your calendar for Senate Vote: www.ohiochannel.org/ children and an intervention program. help toward this positive balance. The October 21, 2012 for this year’s dyslexia Thanks to the members of the House Thank you from the Executive Committee MediaLibrary/Media.aspx?fileId=133902 The state Superintendent is authorized Chicago conference was as good, or dash. Even if you don’t participate as a of Representatives and Senate for of the Ohio Dyslexia Group, Charlotte &startTime=2540&autoStart=True to select participating districts and better, than always, perhaps reflecting runner or walker, I hope you are able to overwhelmingly passing both bills. Andrist, Martha Chiodi, Stephanie libraries to develop early screening the renewed financial position of the join the festivities or help out as a donor, Gordon, Pam Kanfer, Janis Mitchell, House Concurrence Vote: www. procedures for pre-school age children. organization. The conference had sponsor, or volunteer. Thanks to those who gave testimony.... Susan Nolan, and Rebecca Tolson. ohiochannel.org/MediaLibrary/Media.asp This is the first step toward having all an upbeat feel to it and a sense of a both in writing and in person. x?fileId=133924&startTime=3732&autoS pre-school children screened for reading renewed relationship between national Lastly, our annual symposium is coming Remember to thank your legislators for tart=True n problems before they go to school and headquarters and the branches. up soon. Mark your calendar for March 9. Thanks to those who organized and this wonderful holiday gift!

2 3 adjourned at the end of 2011. The Senate Dyslexia Recognized Education Committee unanimously passed H.B. 96 and sent it to the Senate. Later that same day, the Senate unanimously passed the bill. H.B. 96 was whisked to the floor of the House. Through Team Effort The next day, we sat in the gallery and By Stephanie Gordon, M.A., and Pam Kanfer, Library staff would facilitate the who both are persons with dyslexia. watched as one representative after the M.S., NOBIDA Advisory Council Members, intervention program. The library project Parents, adults, and students described other voted “yes.” What an emotional Legislative Committee was part of a bill that would amend an their heart-wrenching stories. H.B. 96 experience! Ohio statute by adding dyslexia as a passed the House Education Committee In 2008, at the IDA national conference specific learning disability. It was pivotal unanimously in May, passed the House Teammates, we made history, but our in Seattle, members of the three Ohio that the word “dyslexia” would be used. only one vote shy of unanimously, and work has just begun. Now the laws must branches learned that politics and money then sat in the Senate over summer be realized in Ohio schools and work were the keys to passing a dyslexia law Along with Celeste, Rep. Andy Brenner break. Political and public support places. Let’s keep expanding our team in Texas. The Ohio group discussed the (R) agreed to co-sponsor a house bill. expanded through team effort. We effort to educate Ohioans that Ohio possibilities and we agreed to “give it a Bipartisan House Bill 572 was introduced planned our third Ohio Dyslexia Rally for statute recognizes dyslexia as a specific try.” in late May and sent to the House October 2011 and celebrated Rep. Andy learning disability. The new laws define Education Committee. H.B. 572 was Brenner’s efforts to declare October dyslexia, provide for early assessment At our first short lived, due Dyslexia Month in Ohio. and intervention, and encourage teachers Governor Kasich with Rachel Near, aide to Rep. Schuring, left, and meeting in to summer to receive training in how to teach Rebecca Tolson of the NOBIDA board Columbus the recess and the In September, Senate Education students with dyslexia. n following April, election year. Committee hearings on H.B. 96 began we learned However, our under the chairmanship of Sen. Peggy that politics team efforts Lehner (R). The challenge again was was already intensified. educating the members intellectually addressed by We used and reaching them emotionally. Success entrepreneurs social media to was around the corner once Sen. Lehner Janis Mitchell connect with voluntarily wrote a clarifying amendment, You Can Make a Difference Too! and Michael Ohioans, the but this meant that after H.B. 96 passed Morris, who Members of the Legislative Executive Ohio Dyslexia the Senate Education Committee and the had secured Committee Charlotte Andrist, Martha Chiodi, Group on Senate, it had to go back to the House The Story of How an Ohio Dyslexia Law was Born Representative Pam Kanfer, and Rebecca Tolson Facebook. floor for a vote on the newly amended Ted Celeste (D) We recruited wording of H.B. 96. By Rebecca Tolson, M.Ed., CALT, NOBIDA Board sponsored by the Stark County ESC. to sponsor an people willing Treasurer The workshops attracted numerous Ohio dyslexia to tell their administrators, teachers, tutors, speech- bill. Inspired, we formed the Legislative stories and connect with legislators. How does one go about creating a law? language pathologists, psychologists, Executive Committee, with Charlotte We compiled statistics and sources I simply took the NOBIDA legislative and others. Their hunger for research, Andrist and Janis Mitchell representing and prepared talking points for Ohioans Our legislative committee’s challenge and met with assessment information, and strategies Central Ohio (COBIDA), Martha Chiodi to use when meeting with legislators. my local legislators. Representative for struggling readers prompted further and Anita Gardner representing Ohio We distributed petitions to show our representatives Kirk Schuring responded to my request. workshops. Rep. Schuring duplicated this Valley (OVBIDA), and Stephanie Gordon legislators that we had grass roots While sitting together at a local coffee program across the state through the and Pam Kanfer representing Northern support. In October 2009, we held our performed a miracle... shop, prepared to discuss dyslexia, I support of the other 59 ESCs. Testimony at the Ohio statehouse. Ohio (NOBIDA). We committed to first Ohio Dyslexia Rally on the south surprisingly discovered his passion for Rep. Celeste, at left, looks on. bi-monthly meetings in Columbus or lawn of the Statehouse. The Senate Education helping children. He knew about the I would like to thank the many supporters conference calls. Team effort soon Committee Masonic Learning Centers and believed who contributed to HB 157 passing expanded as Rebecca Tolson from Our team efforts paid off. A second in the Orton-Gillingham methodology. He unanimously. Many of you submitted NOBIDA and more representatives Ohio Dyslexia rally was held in October unanimously passed became interested in my collaboration written testimony, gave oral testimony, dyslexia bill was introduced in Ohio, but from the other two branches joined the 2010. In January 2011, H.B. 572 was with the Stark County Educational lobbied at the statehouse, wrote letters, the future looks bright. As we move committee. We immediately began to reintroduced into the House as H.B. 96 H.B. 96 and sent it to Service Center (ESC) and then designed sent e-mails, and called legislators. I forward with two Ohio laws, the focus work on a wish list for the legislation. and was sent to the House Education a way that our committee could move especially thank the NOBIDA committee is on implementation of professional Committee. Hearings, heard at the the Senate. forward during these tough economic members, Stephanie Gordon and Pam development and early screening. Most Knowing that no new money would discretion of the chair, extended over the times for education. Kanfer, for the many, many trips we importantly, those that benefit the most, be approved, Rep. Ted Celeste (D) winter and spring months. Professional shared to Columbus. All of your support individuals with dyslexia, can be proud of called a meeting in mid-May to inform testimony educated the House Education Many individuals worked on writing, contributed to the governor signing our state for its decision to let research us that the Ohio Library Council had Committee. Emotional testimonials Our legislative representatives performed editing, and refining House Bill 157, House Bill 157 on December 21, 2011. guide its path. You can be assured that funds to underwrite a pilot project for were given by colleagues Rep. Tom a miracle. Only two days of sessions which is modeled after the dyslexia the Ohio Dyslexia Group will continue its the assessment of pre-school children. Letson (D) and Chancellor Jim Petro (R), remained before the Senate and House professional development trainings It has been ten years since the first efforts toward further legislation. n

4 5 Dyslexia’s 24th Annual NOBIDA Symposium: and learning differences, people with gifted and accomplished in spite of their Effective methods for teaching reading dyslexia are a diverse group. Dyslexia dyslexia or because of it? and writing skills to children and adults varies from individual to individual in the with dyslexia do exist and incorporate combination and degree of strengths Many experts in learning disabilities several distinguishing features. and weaknesses due to the intricacies (Rawson, Vail, West) have written These methods deliver a structured- of brain development and countless about hidden strengths in dyslexia that language curriculum in a sequential, environmental variables. These factors blossom into gifts and result in great systematic, and cumulative way through and overall cognitive capacity influence achievements. Educators often mention a multisensory approach -- offsetting a person’s ability to compensate remarkable abilities outside the language language, sensory, memory, and motor/ for dyslexia. And, yes, people with domain in their dyslexic students. None attention processing differences. Indeed dyslexia can overcome its “disabling” of this is scientific evidence, but it reading research tells us that effective effects. While dyslexia is brain-based prompts intriguing questions. early literacy instruction for all children and life-long, includes most of these elements. Such it is amenable Only rigorous instruction embodies the principles of to educational scientific “universal design for learning,” making intervention. exploration can curriculum accessible for all learners. March 8 - 9, 2012 establish any connection Research also tells us that effective early between certain screening and intervention can prevent 2. We can design talents and dyslexia. or diminish reading disabilities in children educational Thus far, evidence whose brain design predisposes them for environments supporting any reading difficulties. Imagine preventing NOBIDA’s 2012 Symposium to Feature to prevent or dyslexia-talent reading failure in children with dyslexia! diminish learning Gordon Sherman, 2012 Speaker connection has Reading failure has been dyslexia’s most disabilities and proven elusive singular defining characteristic. to elicit strengths -- with a few Gordon Sherman fascinating exceptions. A series of Unfortunately, circulating scientific Environmental variables play a key role studies explored the hypothesized spatial evidence about what constitutes sound Who is Gordon Sherman? an interview with Gordon Sherman Microscopic analyses of the brains in dyslexia. The educational environment strengths in dyslexia. In batteries of tests instruction is not enough to ensure found at SchwabLearning.org. of individuals with dyslexia show can translate a distinct learning difference designed to reveal such abilities, subjects children will receive it. Understanding the Gordon F. Sherman, Ph.D., is the structural variations in left-hemisphere into a profound learning disability with dyslexia did no better than controls dynamics of school change and imparting Executive Director of the Newgrange Schwablearning.org (SCHWAB): language networks, symmetry between or it can offset neural weaknesses and often did worse. However, in two essential competencies to teachers are School and Educational Outreach the left and right hemispheres, and, and encourage latent strengths to studies, dyslexics performed a particular among the conditions necessary for Center in Mercer County, NJ. Before As a neuroscientist and an educator, sometimes, changes in sensory blossom into competencies and talents. task (the Impossible Figures Test) just as implementing effective research-based joining Newgrange, he was director of what is your vision of dyslexia? What key systems. Neuroimaging studies support Neuroimaging studies show that brain accurately as controls, but faster! instruction for diverse learners. Time, the Dyslexia Research Laboratory at points should we understand? microscopic analyses and show functioning in subjects with dyslexia money, and attitudes pose formidable Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, characteristic and distinct functional can change in response to structured- Why? This task requires subjects to barriers in fulfilling these conditions. Boston, and an assistant professor of Gordon Sherman (GS) Answers: differences -- less engagement of left- language intervention, functioning more evaluate whether or not a particular neurology (neurosciences) at Harvard hemisphere language areas and more like the brains of non-impaired readers. configuration actually can exist. Do As a neuroscientist and an educator, I Medical School. Dr. Sherman is an IDA Four points are crucial. bilateral processing. This adds further weight to decades dyslexics perform more efficiently on believe our toughest learning challenge is past president. of educational research demonstrating this task because their brains process a product of the mind, not the brain. We Let’s examine each of these points. My Finally, educational research catalogues a that effective early instruction can information more globally? Are there can and must strive to identify and nurture Sherman received his Ph.D. in perspective may surprise you. number of distinctive learning differences prevent and diminish reading disabilities advantages to this mode of cognitive strengths in children with dyslexia. n developmental psychobiology from the among individuals with dyslexia, chief in children with dyslexia and forestall function? In this task at least, a global University of Connecticut in 1980 and among them are language-system associated academic problems. Good strategy may be better than a sequential, has over twenty-five years of research difficulties -- weaknesses in phonological news, particularly since structured- linear one. experience related to the development 1. The brains of people with dyslexia processing (producing/interpreting language instruction also benefits most of the brain the understanding of are different language sound patterns) and difficulties learners! developmental dyslexia. He is the author learning alphabetic skills (written symbols and editor of over 65 scientific articles, Decades of research show people with representing speech). These learning 4. The toughest challenge in teaching reviews, and books. He speaks nationally dyslexia have brains that are structured deficits set the stage for problems students with dyslexia may be a and internationally to parents and differently, function differently, and learning academic skills, which often lead 3. There may be a connection product of the mind, not the brain. teachers about the implications of brain learn differently. Dyslexia begins with a to negative educational, emotional, and between dyslexia and certain abilities research for pedagogy, with an emphasis complex gene-environment interaction social consequences. Many mysteries surround dyslexia, on dyslexia and other diverse learning that initiates developmental changes in Having dyslexia does not preclude having but there are no mysteries about what styles. the nervous system before birth. The It is important to remember, though, strengths and exceptional abilities. In constitutes effective instruction for those result is an atypically organized brain that that even with the consistency of fact, people with dyslexia sometimes are at risk for reading failure. We now know The following is an edited version of processes information in unique ways. findings about structural, functional, gifted and accomplished. But are they what it takes to “outwit nature.”

6 7 62nd Annual IDA National Conference: Active Student Save the Date! Chicago, November 9-12, 2011: Session Reviews 63rd Annual IDA Engagement: Conference Dyslexia Dash Sunday, October 23, 2011 The Key to Effective Instruction October 24-27, 2012 Baltimore, MD Presentation by Lisa Drumond and Marty Hougen, Lawrence Upper School The Meadows Center for Preventing Educational The Baltimore Convention Center Risk

by Sr. Marcia Kiser, M.Ed., NOBIDA Advisory Council Member

This duo presentation was both enriching and practical. Lisa and Marty spent Who Are We??? several minutes stressing the importance of the five critical components of reading by Lori Josephson, M.A., NOBIDA Advisory smallest units of speech), Orthographic instruction (phonemic awareness, Council Member Parts of Language (letters, letter patterns, phonics and word study, fluency, common words, etc.), Semantic vocabulary, comprehension) before Once again, the 62nd Annual Meanings of Words (vocabulary, explaining and demonstrating five International Dyslexia Association polysemy, semantic neighborhoods, features of effective instruction, the main Dyslexia Dash 5K Conference did not disappoint its word consciousness, etc.), Syntactic component of their talk: participants. Particularly noteworthy was Uses of Words (word order, grammar), Rewards Runners of all Speeds and Abilities the message of Maryanne Wolf, the and Morphemes (meaning portions of • Explicit instruction with modeling “to recipient of the Samuel T. Orton Award. words). Most of us are unaware that make the invisible visible.” Follow the By Courtney Baker, NOBIDA Board Member predicted finishing time won Timex And please SAVE THE DATE for next Dr. Wolf was invited to deliver the annual approximately 35-40% of words in pattern: I do, we do, we do, we do, Ironman watches. Through the Prediction year’s Dash: Sunday, October 21, 2012. Samuel T. Orton lecture on Thursday the English language are polysemous, you do. Many thanks to all who ran, walked, and Run, participants were encouraged to We hope to see you there! morning. Dr. Wolf is a “one woman meaning that they have more than one supported the inaugural Dyslexia Dash put themselves in the shoes of a dyslexic show,” who inspired and informed meaning. Unbelievable...no wonder • Systematic instruction with at Lawrence School on Sunday, October and do their best without the tools we To receive updates on the 2012 Dash, the crowd with her knowledge base, learning to be a proficient reading and scaffolding, simple to more complex. 23, 2011! It was a beautiful, sunny day in often take for granted. In a dyslexic like us on facebook at www.facebook. enthusiasm, and inspirational thinking. writer takes many years of practice, even northeast Ohio and over 200 participants person’s case, this is the ability to read. com/dyslexiadash. when one does not have dyslexia. Dr. • Multiple opportunities for practice, toed the line for one of three events: the For the runners, it was the ability to chart Let me begin with the end of her Wolf also noted the importance of demonstrating a variety of ways to 1-Mile Family Fun Walk, the 5k race, and speed by wearing a watch or seeing a Platinum Sponsor: lecture: “Who are we?” Dr. Wolf variance in processing speed in terms respond to questions, as solo or the 5k Prediction Run. timing clock. Texthelp Read&Write GOLD virtually issued a “call to arms” to all of the variance in the development whole class responses. educators, speech-language pathologists, of literacy skills at the phoneme and A total of 13 teams registered for the Traditional awards were given as well to Silver Sponsors: researchers, parents of individuals with linguistic levels. Lots to think about... • Immediate affirmative and corrective School Team Challenge. The winning top three male and female overall as well The Lillian and Betty Ratner School, dyslexia, and individuals with dyslexia to feedback focusing on the correct team was Team George, running on as top three in each age group. Runners Learning Ally, work together to further the mission of One thing is for sure: “The more a answer repeated several times. behalf of St. Barnabas in Brecksville. St. from ages 6 to 69 participated! MotoPhoto educating those with dyslexia optimally, person knows about a word, the faster Barnabas received a $500 scholarship as well as to increase awareness of that person will read and comprehend • Ongoing progress monitoring through for their Learning Services department, Our tagline for this event was, “What Bronze Sponsors: dyslexia in the coming years. It is it….and most importantly, the brain of informal notes, observations, and TextHelp Read&Write Gold software, and would you give up to succeed?” and it Vertical Runner, her thought that the “technological that person changes with every word.” quick individual assessments. a 1-year subscription to Learning Ally. is our hope that participants were able Better Letters & Graphics, revolution” will assist those with dyslexia Four additional teams received TextHelp to walk away with not only a fun and Bigfly Aviation, in terms of altering brain structure to I have read Dr. Wolf’s book, Proust and Read&Write Gold software and a 1-year unique experience, but with a better Buchmayr Crowley Associates, their benefit. the Squid, which discusses many of Twenty activities were presented subscription to Learning Ally. A special understanding of what children and The College Planning Center, the aforementioned ideas in greater to engage students. Books they thanks to TextHelp and Learning Ally for adults with learning differences face Pam Kanfer, Dr. Wolf reiterated the many facets detail; I recommend it for winter recommended are Explicit Instruction making this School Team Challenge so every day. Mary Lou McHenry – Howard Hanna involved in skilled reading, with the reading. Become part of Dr. Wolf’s “we” by Archer, Slant by Ellis, Teach Like A rewarding! Realtor, primary end result of a human being by assisting and supporting individuals Champion by Lemov, and Teaching Word Final results are available at www. Notre Dame College, having the ability to think deeply after with dyslexia. n Recognition by O’Connor. n The Prediction Run provided a unique chaneyevents.com. Photos from the Fathead n having deciphered those squiggles on a twist on the standard 5k race. When event are available for viewing and page which translate into thought. She runners registered, they were asked purchase at www.clevelandmotophoto. highlighted the mnemonic “POSSM” to predict their finishing time. The 10 com. Thank you to Motophoto for when referring to her language model, runners who came closest to matching capturing the day for us! which is comprised of Phonemes (the their actual finishing time to their

8 9 Lawrence student Runners line up at the start of the 5k race Basya Greenberg trained hard for her first 5k race… and placed 3rd in her age group!

Thank you to the sponsors of the Dyslexia Dash 5k Dyslexia Dash for all awards their support! We could not have done it without them!

Mark and Linda Sprenger and their two sons all ran the 5k. Congratulations to Ben and Alex for placing 2nd and 3rd in their age groups! NOBIDA Board member Sam Crowley (pictured with her children Parker, Natalie, Brooks, and Campbell) led the 1-mile Fun Walk. 11 Runners at the start of the Dyslexia Dash 5k

A Prediction Run winner is pleasantly surprised at receiving a Timex Ironman watch!

NOBIDA Treasurer Rebecca Tolson on her way to a strong finish – and first place in her age group!

David Norris from TextHelp Read&Write Gold (left) with NOBIDA Board President, Larry Orrach Race Co-Directors Courtney Baker (left) and Mary Jo O’Neil with Lawrence School Athletic Director Ron Messer.

12 13 Rebecca Tolson, Charlotte Andrist, Janis Mitchell, Stephanie Gordon, Olive O’Rourke Pam Kanfer Scherf with Rep. Ted Celeste

“Young Heirlooms” band with singer Kelly Fine, who has dyslexia, and Olive (left) and Shanny O’Rourke Scherf guitarist Chris Robinson

At Podium: COBIDA President Charlotte Andrist, Business Entrepreneur Janis Mitchell, NOBIDA At the NOBIDA table, members Pam Kanfer, Legislative Committee Rebecca Tolson, Stephanie Gordon, Members Stephanie Tammy Alexander NOBIDA Advisory Council Member Sister Marcia Gordon and Pam Kanfer Kiser leads a dyslexia simulation in the 14 Ohio statehouse. 15 Branch Spotlight: Dyslexia Rally III New Executive Assistant: Nicole Herron

By Stephanie Gordon, M.A., NOBIDA Advisory in Orton-Gillingham and making progress. Bill 96, and Kurt Schuring, co-sponsor Nicole Herron was hired by NOBIDA Nicole’s oldest daughter was diagnosed Council of House Bill 157. Entrepreneur Janis in November 2011 to be the branch’s with dyslexia in 2010, at the end of her Meanwhile, the mingling crowd was Mitchell and Rep. Tom Letson shared Executive Assistant. She has a Bachelor’s 4th-grade year. Unfortunately, Nicole “I want to be president of the United entertained by our favorite composer their own struggles with dyslexia while in degree in Business Administration in struggled for years before her school States,” nine-year-old Olive O’Rourke from Cincinnati, Kelly Fine, who has school. MIS from Kent State University and system recognized that something was Scherf announced from the microphone dyslexia, and her “Young Heirlooms” is a certified Project Manager. Her wrong. Her bright 4th-grader was reading as we gathered at the steps of the South band. The crowd browsed through Charlotte then invited the crowd to a professional work experience includes at only a 2nd-grade level. Nicole began Lawn of the State House. Our Dyslexia information set out on tables about dyslexia simulation called “Walk in the managing teams of developers, analysts, a passionate pursuit of research and Awareness Day banner rose behind her dyslexia and House Bill 96 and House Shoes of a Dyslexic,” which NOBIDA and project leaders within Information learning about education for students announcing our Third Ohio Dyslexia Rally. Bill 157. Marburn Academy, Learning Board Members Sister Marcia Kiser and Systems. Nicole has taught business with learning disabilities. Her daughter Ally, Masonic Learning Center, and the Tammy Alexander conducted inside the education workshops and courses and began being tutored in Alphabetic It was October 5, 2011. The crisp early Ohio Coalition for Education of Children statehouse. Rep. Celeste, who sat next was an adjunct professor in Information Phonics by NOBIDA board member morning temperatures subsided with with Learning Disabilities all had tables. to me during the simulation, said, “Wow! Systems at Lake Community College. Vicki Krnac in the spring of 2010. Most the rising sun and the enthusiasm Stephanie Gordon, Pam Kanfer, and Now I have a better understanding of recently, Nicole became involved in the of the crowd. Olive was dressed in a Rebecca Tolson took turns manning the the struggles that a person with dyslexia Nicole is originally from Massillon push for dyslexia legislation by giving white short-sleeved T-shirt with the tables, which included IDA Information, has.” Rep. Letson, sitting across from us, (Jackson Twp) although currently personal testimony to the Ohio State COBIDA Dyslexia Dash logo. Her hair Tell Your Story, and button and quilt- nodded his head. she lives in Painesville with her two Legislature in support of HB 96 and HB was parted to the left, neatly pulled making, which were popular with the daughters, ages 12 and 10, and her son, 157. She is currently enrolled in the SMU back in a ponytail, her eyes shining and students. Let’s hope that some day leaders like age 7. Nicole is engaged to be married Learning Therapy Program and is tutoring determined. She held up her report Reps. Celeste, Brenner, Schuring, in May 2012. Subsequently, she will be students one-to-one in Alphabetic card and proclaimed, “Got all A’s!” Her Charlotte Andrist, President of COBIDA, and Letson will be promoting dyslexia moving to Mentor to become the step- Phonics as part of the required clinical Nicole Herron mother, far from Olive’s hearing range, warmly welcomed the crowd. The key awareness with President O’Rourke mom of three more children! teaching hours to earn CALT practitioner said that Olive was still struggling to speakers were Rep. Ted Celeste and Rep. Scherf. n status in 2013. n learn how to read, but was being tutored Andy Brenner, co-sponsors of House What’s New in Education? Walk in the Shoes of a Students with Visual and Learning Disabilities Thrive Dyslexic: A Simulation Held at Laurel School, with Accessible Audiobooks from Learning Ally Shaker Heights, in

October 2011 By Doug Sprei, Media Relations Director, Founded in 1948 as Recording for the have a learning disability such as dyslexia. Learning Ally Blind (RFB), the organization’s original The NOBIDA Board can offer a simulation mission was to enable blinded World Produced in high-quality digital format, to your school or group. Contact War II veterans to attend college. Over Learning Ally audiobooks can be Advisory Council member Ellen brick at time, RFB grew to serve many more accessed on mainstream devices [email protected] n people with learning differences such including the Apple iPad and iPhone, as dyslexia, and in the mid 1990s was MP3 players, Mac and PC computers, The next Dyslexia Simulation will renamed Recording for the Blind & and CD. More than 6,000 volunteers Dyslexic (RFB&D). In 2011, RFB&D nationwide help record and process the be held on: For students who are blind, visually was transformed into Learning Ally – books, and thousands of new titles are October 3rd, 2012 impaired, or physically disabled or reflecting its mission to serve a complete added annually. Currently, the collection 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. learning disabled, Learning Ally provides spectrum of individuals for whom reading of more than 65,000 textbooks and the nation’s largest online audio library is a barrier to learning. Currently Learning literature offerings spans most major Orville Elementary School of core curriculum textbooks and Ally serves more than 300,000 K-12, publishers for K-12 through post-graduate 605 Mineral Springs literature titles – helping students achieve college, and graduate students, as well school. NOBIDA Board Member Trish Harpring leads a dyslexia simulation. academic success and prepare for the as veterans and working professionals. Orville, OH 44667 workplace. Seventy-five percent of its members Continued on page 18

16 17 The books provide extensive navigation, bookmarking and control NOBIDA Stephanie Gordon Senior Scholarship features that are critical to successful Name ______studying. Students tap into the general education curriculum and stay on top of Address ______assignments in step with their peers. Countless educators and parents point Parents’ Names ______to Learning Ally as a proven resource Parents’ Address (if different than above)______that relieves stress and saves time for students facing an overwhelming amount Phone Number______of reading and studying material, adding that young learners build confidence and E-mail______self-esteem as their comprehension, High School______performance, and grades improve. School Contact Person______Students with a certified print disability are eligible for Individual Membership at School Telephone______$99 per year (just over $8 per month), Learning Ally Recording Studio. Photo from www.learningally.org/News School E-mail______allowing them to work on assignments at home as a supplement to their school’s Post Graduation Plans ______membership. accommodations for their students with IEP and 504 plans. Our customized Has this Nominee been diagnosed with dyslexia by a qualified professional? ____Yes ____No Institutional Memberships are available programs can include memberships, equipment, training, and support. To learn more, Evaluator ______for schools and districts to provide visit www.LearningAlly.org n Year Evaluated______Evaluator’s Address ______Evaluator’s Phone______Evaluator’s Email______NOBIDA Scholarship Opportunities Does this Nominee receive special education services/accommodations? Please elaborate. Nepotism Statement: Applicants are required to identify any relation to current NOB/IDA Board Members. Students related may only receive a scholarship exclusively based on merit and achievement. NOBIDA Stephanie Gordon NOBIDA Jean Armus Scholarship Are you related to an NOB/IDA Board Member? ______Senior Scholarship If yes, please identify the Board Member and the relationship______This scholarship is awarded in honor of a high school senior NOBIDA is offering the Jean Armus Scholarship for the formally diagnosed with dyslexia who is a worthy role upcoming 24th Annual Dyslexia Symposium on Friday, March Send the application with a statement in the medium of your choice which illustrates (1) the positive lessons you have learned model for others; refuses to be limited by the challenges of 9, 2012. The Jean Armus Scholarship will cover all or part of the from overcoming your learning obstacles and (2) how you have achieved balance in your life. learning differences; strives for excellence; chooses to live symposium registration fee. All applicants will be considered as an achiever; and enriches the lives of the families, friends, except members of the NOBIDA Board. Media ideas include (but are not limited to): employers, and communities with whom he/she interacts. • Video • Song creation/performance • Pictorial and/or written essay Educators, parents of children with dyslexia, and college/ The scholarship recipient will be awarded a cash prize of $250 university education students are encouraged to apply. • Art with audio or text narrative • Dance performance • Letter to self or others to support this student’s postsecondary education endeavors Scholarships are available to persons who do not have another Please keep all expressions to three minutes or less and the recipient will have an opportunity to accept this sponsor (such as an employer). Our goal is for applicants award at the 24th Annual Dyslexia Pre-Symposium Dinner on accepting this scholarship to agree, upon returning to the Send to [email protected] Thursday evening, March 8, 2012 at the Bertram Inn in Aurora, community, to pass on to local educators the important Ohio. This award is given at the discretion of the Student information gleaned from the symposium. In addition, we are OR Scholarship Committee of the NOBIDA. hopeful that the recipient will join the IDA. Northern Ohio Branch of the International Dyslexia Association P.O. Box 43611 Found on page 19 Found on page 20 Richmond Heights, Ohio 44143

Application Deadline: February 29, 2012. Scholarship winners will be notified the following week.

18 19 The Jean Armus Scholarship Application BOARD OF DIRECTORS HOW TO CONTACT NOBIDA Nicole Herron, Executive Director Name: ______Lawrence Orrach, M.Ed.: President Northern Ohio Branch of the International Dyslexia Association Vicki Krnac, M.Ed., CALT: Vice President P.O. Box 43611 Address, City, State, Zip: ______Mary Jo O’Neill, M.Ed.: Vice President Richmond Heights, Ohio 44143 Rebecca Tolson, M.Ed., CALT: Treasurer Branch Voice Mail: 216-556-0883 Jennifer LaHaie: Secretary Home/daytime phone: ______Email: [email protected] Nicole Herron: Executive Assistant www.nobida.org Tammy Alexander, M.A. 1. Do you hold any professional certifications that pertain to the treatment of dyslexia? Elizabeth Anderson Courtney Baker BOARD MEETING DATES Mary Conway Sullivan January 26, 2012, 7:00 pm at Avon Lake Public Library Samantha Crowley May 3, 2012 Moira Erwine, M.Ed. September 27, 2012 2. What is your profession? Douglas Hamilton November 29, 2012 Patricia Harpring, M.Ed. Beverly Hohman Did you know that you can help the cause of dyslexia by Kim Lawrence, J.D. designating a yearly United Way donation to the NOBIDA? Simply Donna Levine, M.A. list the Northern Ohio Branch of the International Dyslexia on your 3. Are you currently employed? Becky Malinas pledge form. Join the effort to support education, teacher training, Mary Heather Munger, M.S. research, and services for individuals with dyslexia. Pledge today! Carol Perry Heidi Peters, M.Ed. Did You Know . . .? Anne Pyros NOBIDA has a directory of service providers? 4. Are you a parent of a child with dyslexia? Georgeann Richardson If you need the services of a person or team to diagnose dyslexia, we can help. Judith Saltzman, J.D. If you need the services of an educational therapist or tutor for a child or an adult Rosean Schmidt with dyslexia, we can help. Gretchen Walsh, M.S.Ed. If you want to be listed in the Directory of Providers for Educational Services, we Signe Wrolstad Forbes, M.Ed. 5. Are you a member of IDA? can help. If you have been trained to provide Orton-Gillingham based, multisensory instruction and want to be listed in the Directory, please call the NOBIDA voice mail (216)556-0883 or email [email protected] or [email protected] and request an ADVISORY COUNCIL application to be listed in the Directory. Allied service providers, such as speech- language pathologists, educational psychologists, and others are welcome. 6. Have you ever attended the NOBIDA symposium in the past? Marcia G. Anselmo, M.Ed. Ellen Brick, M.A. Karen Dakin, M.Ed. Denise Falcon 7. Have you ever attended a national conference of IDA? Monica Gordon Pershey, Ed.D. Stephanie Gordon, M.A. Joyce Hedrick, M.Ed. The Northern Ohio Lori Josephson, M.A. Pam Kanfer 8. How long have you been interested in dyslexia? Sr. Marcia Kiser, M.Ed. Branch Mission Statement Barbara Marsh, M.Ed. Diane McFiggen The International Dyslexia Association is an international organization that Rebecca Richards, M.A. concerns itself with the complex issues of dyslexia. The IDA membership Karen St. Amour, M.A. consists of a variety of professionals in partnership with dyslexics and their 9. How do you see yourself using the knowledge you will gain at the symposium? H. Gerry Taylor, Ph.D., ABPP/CN families. We believe all individuals have the right to achieve their potential, that Steven Wexberg, M.D. individual learning abilities can be strengthened and that social, educational Eric Wonderly, Ph.D. and cultural barriers to language acquisition and use must be removed. The IDA actively promotes effective teaching approaches and related clinical educational 10. What is the possibility of your sharing what you will experience at the symposium? intervention strategies for dyslexics. We support and encourage interdisciplinary study and research. We facilitate the exploration of the causes and early identification of dyslexia and are committed to the responsible and wide Application Deadline: February 24, 2012. dissemination of research based knowledge. Scholarship winners will be notified the following week. Send to [email protected]

20 21 NEWSLETTER EDITORS CALENDAR OF Want to advertise in the NOBIDA Newsletter? Tammy Alexander, M.A. Monica Gordon Pershey, Ed.D., CCC-SLP • Reach thousands of readers EVENTS: • Full, half, quarter and business card sizes in color NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE • For more information contact Tammy Alexander at January 26, 2012 NOBIDA Board Meeting [email protected] March 8, 2012 Dyslexia Symposium Dinner, Sr. Marcia Kiser, M.Ed. Mary Heather Munger, M.S. Bertram Inn & Conference Center Mary Jo O’Neill, M.Ed. Pediatric Neuropsychology Center Expert Learning Assessments ExpertDivision Learning of Developmental-BehavioralAssessments NOBIDA Dyslexia Symposium, Pediatrics & Psychology March 9, 2012 Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital One On One Tutoring One On One Tutoring Bertram Inn & Conference Center Appointments: 216-844-7700 Please send newsletter May 3, 2012 NOBIDA Board Meeting submissions to: CHAGRIN TOWNSEND LEARNING CENTER CHAGRIN TOWNSEND LEARNING CENTER Christine Barry, Ph.D. [email protected] or 86 North Main Street, Chagrin Falls 44022 86 North Main Street, Chagrin Falls 44022 NOBIDA Summer Workshops- TBA Susan Bowen, Ph.D. Summer 2012 [email protected]. 440-247-8300 or [email protected] 440-247-8300 or [email protected] Tangen, Ph.D., ABPP October 3, 2012 Dyslexia Simulation This newsletter is published H. Gerry Taylor, Ph.D., ABPP semi-annually. October 21, 2012 2nd Annual Dyslexia Dash Expert Learning Assessments Expert Learning Assessments

One On One Tutoring One On One Tutoring NOBIDA has a group Great Minds Save the Date: March 9, 2012 CHAGRIN TOWNSEND LEARNING CENTER CHAGRIN TOWNSEND LEARNING CENTER on LINKED IN! 86 North Main Street, Chagrin Falls 44022 86 North Main Street, Chagrin Falls 44022 440Don’t-247-8300 or [email protected] Think Alike440-247-8300 or [email protected] Join us at: www.linkedin.com/groups?mos tPopular=&gid=3341720&trk=m Small, highly-structured classes yg_ugrp_ovr ExpertPersonalized Learning instruction Assessments Expert Learning Assessments Rolling admissions One Multi-sensoryOn One Tutoring learning One On One Tutoring Assistive Technology CHAGRIN TOWNSEND LEARNING CENTER CHAGRIN TOWNSEND LEARNING CENTER

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LOWER SCHOOL - Broadview Heights DYSLEXIA, UPPER SCHOOL - Sagamore Hills (440) 526-0717 | www.lawrenceschool.org DIVERSITY & Expert Learning Assessments Expert Learning Assessments Gordon Sherman Dee Rosenberg TEACH | IGNITE | INSPIRE SERVING STUDENTS IN GRADES K-12 WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES THE FUTURE One On One Tutoring One On One Tutoring CHAGRIN TOWNSEND LEARNING CENTER CHAGRIN TOWNSEND LEARNING CENTER 22 23 86 North Main Street, Chagrin Falls 44022 86 North Main Street, Chagrin Falls 44022

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