FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2024
Media Contact:
Lisa Repp, INW Dyslexia Alliance
720.280.7423 | Lisa@inwdyslexia.org
Champions for Dyslexia Initiative Launches to Inspire Educators and Caregivers
Driven by local educators and caregivers in collaboration with the INW Dyslexia Alliance, this initiative strives to cultivate knowledge, understanding, and actionable strategies for addressing dyslexia within a supportive, collaborative, and encouraging environment.
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - The INW Dyslexia Alliance proudly announces the launch of Champions for Dyslexia, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering a supportive network of educators and caregivers dedicated to understanding and championing students with dyslexia. This innovative program provides a forward-thinking and collaborative platform for educators and caregivers in North Idaho and Eastern Washington to deepen their knowledge, share resources, and ultimately inspire dyslexic students to embrace their potential.
Champions for Dyslexia recognizes the critical role educators play in shaping the journey of students with dyslexia. By providing a safe and encouraging environment for knowledge-sharing and collaboration, this initiative aims to equip educators with the tools and confidence needed to effectively support students with dyslexia in their classrooms.
"We are excited to create an environment where educators and caregivers can deepen their understanding of dyslexia, inspiring them to better support our students with confidence," says Lisa Repp, Executive Director of the INW Dyslexia Alliance. "Student success hinges on collaborative efforts among parents, teachers, administrators, and at times, external resources. When each party feels confident and well-informed in their role supporting students with dyslexia, it ultimately leads to success for the student."
Champions for Dyslexia also extends its support to caregivers, recognizing the crucial role they play in their child's journey. Through workshops and resources tailored to caregivers, this initiative aims to provide them with the knowledge and tools necessary to advocate for their child both inside and outside the classroom.
Kristi Lawrie, one of the leaders of the Northern Idaho Educators group, expresses her excitement about being part of Champions for Dyslexia, stating, "It's an honor to be part of Champions for Dyslexia as it provides an inclusive, continued approach to nurturing the minds of students with dyslexia alongside the passionate educators in North Idaho. Educators deserve an encouraging and collaborative space to face current challenges and explore solutions that enable students to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially!"
Heather Miciak, a leader of the Eastern Washington Educators group, shares, “I'm thrilled to be part of the Champions of Dyslexia leadership team, ready to collaborate, innovate, and drive our goals forward together. Educators play a critical role in shaping the future by nurturing students' academic, emotional, and social development. Providing them with a supportive and collaborative environment is key to overcoming challenges and fostering student success.”
The inaugural workshops for Champions for Dyslexia are scheduled as follows:
Eastern WA Educators:
Monday, April 15th from 4:30-6 PM at Shadle Park Library, Events Room
Northern ID Educators:
Thursday, April 11 from 6-7:30 PM at The Salvation Army Kroc Center, River and Osprey Rooms
These workshops will mark the kickoff of Champions for Dyslexia, where leaders will be introduced, objectives and vision discussed, and input gathered on future focus areas. Caregiver workshops are also in the planning stages, with details to be provided in the near future.
Educators and caregivers interested in participating are encouraged to visit INWDyslexia.org/cfd to learn more and register. Post-workshop notes will be sent to all registered participants after the event.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Lisa Repp
INW Dyslexia Alliance
720-280-7423
Lisa@INWDyslexia.org
Press Info
The INW Dyslexia Alliance was founded in 2022 with the mission of supporting, empowering, and advocating for individuals with dyslexia, their families, and professionals in the field. Details on low-cost services, resources, and events are available at inwdyslexia.org. Donations to the Alliance’s Client Assistance Fund can be made at inwdyslexia.org/donate.
Services offered by the INW Dyslexia Alliance:
Professional dyslexia evaluations led by a licensed speech language pathologists (SLP). Evaluations include a diagnosis report that can initiate 504 and IEP plans with a student’s school.
Literacy intervention sessions guide students challenged by dyslexia through two 30-minute weekly sessions using the Wilson Reading Program. This is an Orton-Gillingham based curriculum that follows the Science of Reading principles, which is proven to be the most effective way to teach a struggling student how to read, write, and spell.
Services can be offered virtually at select locations in the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene area or virtually throughout Washington or Idaho, please contact info@inwdyslexia.org for further details.
Parents and caregivers who suspect their child may have dyslexia are encouraged to visit inwdyslexia.org for more information, resources, and details on how to schedule an evaluation or literacy intervention.
The best ways for the public to support this mission is through donations on our website at www.inwdyslexia.org/donate and spreading the word to help build awareness of dyslexia.
What is dyslexia? The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity describes dyslexia as an “unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader. It is most commonly due to a difficulty in phonological processing (the appreciation of the individual sounds of spoken language), which affects the ability of an individual to speak, read, spell and, often, learn a second language.” Despite these challenges, it’s important to note it does not dampen one’s creativity and ingenuity. Nor does it mean that a child is any less smart or not a hard worker.
Interior shot of the INW Dyslexia Alliance's Francis Location
Exterior shot of the Francis Location
Hosting a dyslexia evaluation through the INW Dyslexia Alliance