Within the Virginia Administrative Code, dyslexia is defined as:
Dyslexia is distinguished from other learning disabilities due to its weakness occurring at the phonological level. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.
(§ 22.1-213 of the Code of Virginia; 34 CFR 300.8(c)(10))
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With the 2023 General Assembly, October was declared as Dyslexia Awareness Month permanently.
Follow this link to read the addition to the Virginia Administrative Code
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Resources to learn more about dyslexia:
Virginia Department of Education’s Dyslexia page
Dyslexia Awareness Training Module
Frequently Asked Questions about Dyslexia
Training and Technical Assistance Center at William & Mary – Dyslexia: A Deeper Understanding Module Serie
International Dyslexia Association
Fact Sheets – Fact Sheets – International Dyslexia Association (dyslexiaida.org)
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Presentations and conferences to support an understanding of dyslexia:
Virginia Joint Coalition for Learning Disabilities and Literacy (VJCLDL) Session with Tim Odegard on October 10th, 3:30pm to 4:45pm regarding Revisiting the Definition of Dyslexia
VBIDA Virtual Conference – Saturday, September 28th, 9:00am to 3:00pm
Dyslexia Symposium with the Ruth Harris Professorship at VCU – November 9th, 2024; 8:30am to 2:00pm; Dyslexia Symposium | School of Education | VCU
Empowering Students Who Think and Learn Differently Symposium at The New Community School; October 4th, 8:30 to 3:30pm; Empowering Students Who Think & Learn Differently Symposium – The New Community School (tncs.org)
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Please consider supporting VBIDA’s work through the Dyslexia Awareness Hat Campaign:
VBIDA is raising funds to support our teacher and student scholarships and with this campaign to raise awareness of the celebrations and challenges that individuals with dyslexia face.
Follow this link to more information about the
VBIDA Dyslexia Awareness Hat Campaign!
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What might you do at home or in your community to learn more about dyslexia:
Decoding Dyslexia Virginia has locally organized learning groups to support parents, educators, and all within an area. Consider joining one of these groups in your area. Follow this link to contact leadership within Virginia to determine if there currently is a group in your area. You may also follow this link to the old website where some groups and contacts are listed.
Journey Into Dyslexia (a video) and The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia (a video) provide a view of the challenges and celebrations of dyslexia. These videos may be purchased from a number of online sources. Consider watching one of these videos to learn more about dyslexia.
Contact the Dyslexia Advisor in your area or division and ask about any events that may be happening to provide information about dyslexia. Contact vbidacopres1@gmail.com if you are unclear who the Dyslexia Advisor is in your area or look for this information on your school division’s website.
Organizations that Support Dyslexia Awareness and Appropriate Reading Instruction:
International Dyslexia Association
Virginia Branch of the International Dyslexia Association
Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity
Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia