Support NJ Students with Dyslexia

ACTION ALERTS for NJ Families: Visit our NJ Legislation page for pressing action alerts where you can participate and make a difference. It only takes a few minutes to make a phone call or send an email. Click here for our latest action alert today!

WHAT CAN I DO RIGHT THIS MINUTE?

• “Like” us on Facebook
• Sign up to receive our Monthly Newsletter
• Familiarize yourself with the NJ dyslexia laws
• Learn about current bills focused on dyslexia
  • Assembly Bill A1292 – Click to find the bills
• Send a letter and/or email to your local NJ legislators sharing your personal story and asking for their support
  • Click to find your local legislators
  • Click to find tips for writing your family story
• Make an appointment to meet with your local legislators
  • Download and use DD-NJ’s helpful literature packet
• Encourage your US Representative to join the Bipartisan Congressional Dyslexia Caucus
  • Click to find your representative
• Contact Your U.S. Congressional Representative and urge him to Support House Resolution on Dyslexia, #456 (click here to see copy of resolution)
  • Click to find your representative
• Host a DD-NJ community roundtable discussion in your NJ county
  • Email us for details
• Share this information with 3 others and ask that they get involved in this movement also!

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?

• Join the NJ Branch of The International Dyslexia Association.
• Get involved at your local level:
  • Inquire about your school district’s state mandated “Special Education Parent Advisory Group” and join. If they don’t have one yet, start your own. Technical assistance is available for free through the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network’s START Project.
  • Get involved in your local PTA and help plan literacy events and/or fundraisers.
  • Go to school board meetings and consider becoming a school board member.
  • Join a variety of district committees, talk to other parents at local events, and discuss dyslexia with educators. Become a resource for others!

• Get educated about dyslexia
  • Read literature about dyslexia. Books, such as Overcoming Dyslexia by Dr.
    Sally Shaywitz, have been crucial for many parents in understanding our children’s
    needs. Check out our Resources page for more good books and websites.
  • Check out IDA and NJ IDA websites and literature.
  • Take a parent training course in reading intervention so that you can help your
    child at home.
  • Familiarize yourself with the NJ Administrative Code on Special Education.
  • Take a parent advocacy course through a group such as SPAN to understand your child’s rights.
  • Get second opinions through private testing by a university, learning center, educational consultant, speech pathologist, developmental pediatrician, occupational therapist, physical therapist and/or other specialists.
  • Speak to advocates, educators in private practice, and special education attorneys.
  • Attend seminars, get on mailing lists, and network with others from support groups and LD organizations in your area.