Connecting into the Online Dyslexia Network

Not only are there some extremely essential websites to utilize, full of crucial parent information, but social media has evolved into this awesome resource for directly connecting parents in the same boat.  Through following social media “follows” and “joins,” especially on Facebook, you have almost real time opportunities to chat with parents who can completely empathize with your personal situation and experience — parents who may have already walked the exact same path you are on.  This is such a fabulous method of collecting parent input on their direct experiences with programs, strategies, advocacy professionals and even your local school district! Finally, YouTube is where tons of people turn as a jumping off spot when they are trying to drill down exactly what they are searching for! There are several follow-worthy resources on YouTube, which help to immediately create that sense of personal connection and understanding. 

If you are new to the world of parenting a child with dyslexia, let me send you down a rabbit hole of reading and viewing of my suggestions for essential dyslexia-related websites, social media pages, and YouTube channels to follow. 

Essential Dyslexia Websites:

I could bombard you with about a million others, but I feel like this is the best source of “meat” out there.  Of course, you can do a Google search like the rest of us, but start here for some of the most respected and current information out there. 

• International Dyslexia Association: https://dyslexiaida.org/

Learn more about dyslexia, local chapters, and a million other things! My favorite are the Fact Sheets!!

• The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity: https://dyslexia.yale.edu/  

The mother of dyslexia research, Dr. Sally Shaywitz, is the co-founder of this website FULL of parent-friendly articles and information.

• Wrightslaw: https://www.wrightslaw.com/

Are you a Special Ed parent needing information on your rights?  Boom! Start digging!

• National Center for Improving Literacy: https://improvingliteracy.org/

The Parents & Families section has great resources as does the State of Dyslexia section.  Dyslexia On Demand utilized this as a base to create a more comprehensive view of Resources by State.  If this is your main interest, check http://dyslexiaondemand.com/resources-by-state/ .

• Dyslexia Help University of Michigan: https://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/

Make sure and utilize the “In This Section” on the far-right side of each tab.

Dyslexia Social Media to Follow:

So much of the most beneficial social media to follow is at your state and local level, so many of these groups will require additional drill down for your area.  What I find THE most powerful are those which are the closest tied into your city or even neighborhood.  You can immediately connect with parents who may even attend your school and have personal opinions or suggestions to supports they have experienced success with! When searching for the best local advocates or legal representation, never forget this outlet! And, of course, once you request to join or follow a group, Facebook will amazingly suggest a host of other related groups. Follow their lead! One suggestion for the Facebook world: if the content of a specific group or page proves beneficial, tell Facebook what to fill your feed with by marking that group/page as “See First.”

• Decoding Dyslexia – Local Chapter ***** A MUST for parent advocacy
• International Dyslexia Association
• SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Committee)
• Science of Reading
• Dyslexia/Specific Learning Disability Advocacy
• Dyslexia, Dyscalculia and LD Parent Support Group
• Here is Texas, we love the Texas Dyslexia Support and Resources
• Dyslexia Smart (also Texas specific)
• Of course, all the above WEBSITES have their own complimentary Facebook pages, so find those, also.

YouTube Channels to Follow:

• Empower Dyslexia: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvKv5SeEtaauYS2pa5-vvZA

Invaluable podcasts on dyslexia topics which will all hit home. A personal favorite.

• Made by Dyslexia:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLBUsgxhf_otK_qKoZnP0pA

Created by a huge dyslexia advocate, Kate Griggs. She is an amazing woman doing amazing things for dyslexics, worldwide.  Not only is she leading an effort for teacher education, she interviews famous dyslexics to help add their perspectives. 

• British Dyslexia Association: https://www.youtube.com/user/bdadyslexia

Personal accounts of life experiences with dyslexia and some helpful free webinars

• DysAdvantage – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXtUGoWmO-YWG1ETMuDNxHA

This one is best for your older dyslexic child to follow and really is not EXCLUSIVELY about dyslexia, but he shows so much about how he maintains a positive self-concept and how he personally utilizes and views his dyslexia.  This is more of a blog to follow in order to find that strength of community and a firsthand, positive outcome and perspective on dyslexia. 

If you have any additional online resources to contribute, please share them with megan@dyslexiaondemand.com.  We always aim to continue website improvements to rank amongst the “stars” mentioned above as a dyslexia information and advocacy clearing house!