Learning Disabilities Resources

Texas Education Agency resources related to Learning Disabilities:

• The Legal Framework for the Child Centered Special Education Process (Region 18 ESC) - Closing the Gap, Services, Diagnosis & Programs of Instruction, Referral for Possible Special Ed. Services, Specific

• Dyslexia (Region 10 ESC) - Provides both regional and state assistance to districts, charter schools, universities, parents, service centers, and other entities in the area of dyslexia. Here you can find: o The Dyslexia Handbook (pdf) o El Manual Sobre La Dislexia (pdf) o The Dyslexia Interactive Handbook o Dyslexia/ Accommodations o Technology Integration for Students with Dyslexia

• ESC 13 - This website has a variety of videos online for viewing (Click on Region 13 TV): o Curriculum - Math, Science, ELA, Social Studies ideas on how to teach Special Programs - PBIS, ELL, Dyslexia, Early Childhood

• Texas Assistive Technology Network (TATN) - They have a number of resources to support students with learning differences: o Accessibility Resources o Accessible Instructional Materials (What ARD committees need to know) o Digital & E-Text Resources o Intervention Resources o National Resources o Operating System Tips o Response to Intervention o State & Regional Resources o Support Documents (Tutorials, resources, web accessibility, etc.) o Technology Tools Aligned to Type 2 Spelling Accommodations o Universal Design for Learning (including links to their UDL wiki)

****** Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators - This is the home page of the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators. The Orton-Gillingham approach is an instructional method intended to help people with dyslexia. All Kinds of Minds – See their Parent Toolkit for information on how to help students with attention, math, reading and writing. The toolkit also includes resources, case studies and teaching strategies. Center for Parent Information and Resources - See Identification of Students with Specific Learning Disabilities Training Module 11. Developmental Delay Resources - This is the home page of Developmental Delay Resources, “a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the needs of children who have developmental delays in sensory motor, , social, and emotional areas.” It includes links to Internet resources that cover topics such as: ADD, Auditory Integration, Autism & PDD, diet & nutrition, Learning Disabilities, Sensory Integration, and more. - This web site is entitled Dyscalculia.org. It is the home page of Renee M. Newman, M.S. and it provides information on dyscalculia, dyslexia, and other special education topics. GreatSchools.org - This website features a section devoted specifically to Learning Difficulties along with worksheets and activities, homework help, parenting dilemmas, and information on health and behavior. See Learning Disabilities – An Overview and Dyslexia – An Overview. Heath Resource Center - Online Clearinghouse on postsecondary education for individuals with disabilities. International Dyslexia Society - The home page of the International Dyslexia Society. Their web site is broken down into sections for children, teens, college students, adults, parents, educators, and other guests. It is also available in Spanish. Learning Ally - This is a national non-profit dedicated to helping students who are blind, visually impaired or have dyslexia to succeed in education. Learning Ally offers the world’s largest collection of human-narrated audio textbooks and literature as well as solutions, support and community for parents, teachers and students. LD Online - This is the home page of the web site LD Online, “the leading Web site on learning disabilities for parents, teachers, and other professionals”. It includes information on a wide range of topics within the area of learning disabilities; a comprehensive list of resources and web links; teaching and assessment strategies; a Kid Zone page; and more. LD Resources - This website includes information about education, technology, conferences and a free newsletter. The Learning Disabilities Association of America - This website includes resources, news alerts, legislative updates, research and events. It is also broken down in sections for parents, teachers, professionals and adults. National Center on Accessible Educational Materials - This site provides resources for educators, parents, students and others interested in learning more about and implementing Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) and the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS). The website features FAQs for families, decision-making tools and videos to assist students who have difficulties with traditional print-based instructional materials. National Center for Learning Disabilities - This is the website of the National Center for Learning Disabilities, whose mission is to “increase opportunities for all individuals with learning disabilities to achieve their potential.” National Center on Universal Design for Learning - Universal design is a set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn. This website offers UDL Guidelines that can assist anyone who plans lessons/units of study or develops curricula (goals, methods, materials, and assessments) to reduce barriers, as well as optimize levels of challenge and support, to meet the needs of all learners from the start. National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth - NCWD works to ensure that transition age youth are provided full access to high quality services in integrated settings to gain education, employment and independent living. They have a variety of Youth Tip Sheets to help with transition. Topics include: Becoming a Stronger Self-Advocate; Leading Your Transition Planning; Learning Disability History; Getting Involved in Volunteering; Serving on Decision-Making Boards; and Participating in Internships and Work-Based Experiences. Click here for a list of all Tip Sheets, found under Publications. Neuhaus Education Center - “Dedicated to providing professional development for educators in research-based methods of instruction. In addition, the Center is a resource for parental consultation and for adults seeking literacy education.” Orton-Gillingham Institute for Multi-Sensory Education - This is the website of the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education, “a national company that specializes in on-site, customized professional development, using the revised Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory method of language instruction.” The site provides information training programs for both professional and parents; current issues on reading; and related web links. PBS Parents: Learning Disabilities - Tips for parents on managing learning disabilities, educational rights and inclusive education. - Online information on the “Language Tune-Up Kit” Phonics software, which uses the Orton-Gillingham method for people with dyslexia, language or literacy issues. Reading Rockets - This site offers parent guides and tips for teaching kids to read and helping those who struggle. They also offer a variety of videos and podcasts on reading. TEA School Health – Students with Special Health Needs - In accordance with HB 1322 passed by the 81st Legislative Session in 2009, TEA added fact sheets to its website on specific disabilities. Fact sheets (in pdf format) offer an overview of the disorder, symptoms or behaviors associated with the disorder, educational implications, and instructional strategies and classrooms accommodations that might be provided. Understood - This website provides a wealth of resources, including a Parent Toolkit for parents of students with learning and attention issues. Vaugh Gross Center for Reading and Language Arts - VGC emphasizes scientifically based research and is dedicated to improving instruction for all students, especially struggling readers, English language learners, and special education students. What Works Clearinghouse - This website offers reviews of a variety of educational programs to establish effectiveness of interventions. Yale Center For Dyslexia and Creativity - Serves as a nexus for research on dyslexia, as well as a leading source of advocacy and information to better the lives of people with dyslexia. Please submit any Links you feel would be appropriate using the SHARE YOUR SITES link.