Decoding Dyslexia
is a network of parent-led grassroots movements across the country
concerned with the limited access to educational interventions for
dyslexia within the public education system. We aim to raise
dyslexia awareness, empower families to support their children and
inform policy-makers on best practices to identify, remediate and
support students with dyslexia.
http://www.decodingdyslexia.net/info.html
We are advocating for the following policy goals:
A universal
definition and understanding of “dyslexia” in the state
education code
Mandatory
teacher training on dyslexia, its warning signs and appropriate
intervention strategies
Mandatory
early screening tests for dyslexia
Mandatory
dyslexia remediation programs, which can be accessed by both
general and special education populations
Access to
appropriate “assistive technologies” in the public school
setting for students with dyslexia
Each state
organizes and inspires its own local movement by networking with
families and professionals to gain support for the Decoding Dyslexia
mission. We recognize the power of the collective parent voice and
work diligently to encourage individuals and organizations to
partner and collaborate in the best interest of supporting families
and advancing services for dyslexics.
Dyslexia impacts Americans from all walks of life, including Members
of Congress, our families, and thousands of our constituents. The
Congressional Dyslexia Caucus was formed so that we can work across
party lines to educate members of the public about dyslexia, as well
as to identify policies that will support individuals as they
overcome dyslexia and pursue educational and career opportunities.
Dyslexia robs individuals of their ability to read quickly and
automatically and to retrieve spoken words easily but it does not
dampen their creativity and ingenuity – skills important for America
to prosper. A recent GAO report (GAO-12-40) found that many students
with learning and other disabilities, including dyslexia, are not
receiving accommodations, such as extended testing time, required by
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) when they take high stakes
examinations such as the SAT, GRE, LSAT, or US Medical Licensing
Examinations and others. This is unacceptable, and by working
together we can make sure that those with learning abilities are
receiving their proper and legal accommodations.
The United States is ranked 12th in the world when it comes to
literacy. When you read the facts below, you wonder, “How can this
happen in the U.S.?” We are dedicated to reverse this trend. The
proceeds of our fundraising go directly to online tutoring programs,
teacher training, reading tutors and literacy awareness.
http://www.johncorcoranfoundation.org/advocacy/stats/
"Beneath the
Helmet"
AVIV REGEV
Lieutenant
As a
deputy platoon commander
in the 101st Paratrooper
Brigade, Aviv was
responsible for the
safety and logistical
needs of his soldiers.
He grew up in the Golan
Heights and spent
several years in New
Jersey when he was a
child. At 23, he was in
charge of 120 soldiers
and was Eden Adler’s
directcommander. Having
now completed his army
service, Aviv will be
commencing studies at
the Technion in Haifa
SYNOPSIS
Beneath
the Helmet: From High School to the Home Front is a coming-of-age
story which follows the journey of five Israeli high school
graduates who are drafted into the army to defend their country. At
the age of 18, away from their homes, families and friends these
young individuals undergo a demanding, inspiring journey, revealing
the core of who they are and who they want to be.
From the creators of the PBS-featured documentary film Israel
Inside: How a Small Nation Makes a Big Difference, Beneath the
Helmet illustrates how these young men and women are defending not
only their homes, but also the values of peace, equality,
opportunity, democracy, religious tolerance and women’s rights. The
lessons they learn along the way are lessons that can be
appreciated, understood and internalized by the film’s main target
audience.