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))
A proclamation declaring October is Dyslexia Awareness Month has been signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin:
Follow this link to view the full proclamation on the Governor’s website when it is issued – Governor Glenn Youngkin | Governor.Virginia.gov
A high school student in Virginia has made the request of the Governor. Typically, the proclamation if issued will appear on October 1st.
A proclamation declaring October is Dyslexia Awareness Month has been requested by the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus:
Follow this link to view information regarding the Caucus and the proclamation – Welcome to Dyslexia Caucus | Dyslexia Caucus (house.gov)
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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 Series
International Dyslexia Association
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Teacher Scholarships for Wilson Trainings in December 2022:
Six names will be drawn to receive free registration to one of Wilson Language Training events in December (listed below). Anyone is able to nominate a teacher to receive a registration and all nominations should be submitted via email to vbidacopres1@gmail.com. In the subject line of the email, please write “ODAM Teacher Nomination for Training”.
Please submit:
- the teacher’s name,
- school name,
- email and phone contact, and
- for which training the recommended teacher should be considered for registration.
- Please write two sentences describing why this teacher should be a winner and what the impact will be from the training to be received.
The deadline for submissions will be Sunday, October 23rd at 5:00pm. A drawing will be held from the submissions and the selected teachers will be notified via email.
The Wilson Language Trainings are:
Fundations Level K Virtual Training – December 14, 2022, 9:00am to 2:00pm
Fundations Level 1 Virtual Training – December 15, 2022, 9:00am to 2:00pm
Fundations Level 2 Virtual Training – December 14, 2022, 9:00am to 2:00pm
Fundations Level 3 Virtual Training – December 13, 2022, from 9:00am to 2:00pm
WRS Introductory Course Virtual Training – December 13 – 15, 2022, 9:00am to 3:00pm
Just Words Virtual Training – December 13, 2022, 9:00am to 2:00pm
Disclaimer: We thank Wilson Language for the opportunity to partner with them in providing these learning opportunities. VBIDA supports approaches and programs that are accredited through the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Follow this link to view other such explicit, systematic, Structured Literacy approaches and programs accredited through IDA.
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IDA Dyslexia Dash through the Georgia Branch of IDA
Registration Link – (You may join the race in Georgia or complete the dash virtually.)
Please consider joining the Virginia Team for the Dash!! By joining and/or donating to the Virginia Team, we will be able to raise funds to support our work around raising awareness about dyslexia in Virginia! Funds ($5.00 from dash registration and any amount donated to the branch through the fundraiser page) are returned to the local branch to support our work!
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Presentations to support an understanding of dyslexia:
October 18th, 2022; 6:30 to 7:45pm (Virtual, provided by Virginia Branch of the International Dyslexia Association)
Understanding Dyslexia: Opening the Door to Literacy for All
With Abigail Johnson and Diane Madden
Understanding Dyslexia: Opening the Door to Literacy for All (constantcontact.com)
October 20th, 2022; 3:00 to 4:15pm (Virtual, recorded session, provided by Virginia Joint Coalition for Learning Disabilities and Literacy)
Two Systematic Reviews Analyzing Four Decades of Reading Research for
Elementary Students with or at Risk for Dyslexia
With Colby Hall and Karen Kehoe from the University of Virginia
Two Systematic Reviews Analyzing Four Decades of Reading Intervention Res (constantcontact.com)
November 10 – 12, 2022; International Dyslexia Association Annual International Conference (in-person)
Reading, Literacy, and Learning Conference
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Other organizations provide information to forward our understanding of dyslexia and explicit, systematic, Structured Literacy reading instruction. Please follow the links below to view their learning opportunities:
National Institute for Learning Development
Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center
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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.
Organizations that Support Dyslexia Awareness and Appropriate Reading Instruction:
International Dyslexia Association
Virginia Branch of the International Dyslexia Association
The Reading League Virginia
National Institute for Learning Development