Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects reading and related language-based processing skills. Individuals with dyslexia often struggle with word recognition, decoding, and spelling. Fortunately, Northeast Arkansas offers several paid and free resources to support students with dyslexia and their families. Let’s explore these valuable resources:
1. (Free) Arkansas State Dyslexia Resource Guide
- Description: The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) has developed a comprehensive Dyslexia Resource Guide to ensure that children with dyslexia receive appropriate support in all Arkansas public school systems.
- Key Features:
- Dyslexia Professional Awareness: Educators can access online professional awareness materials through the ADE website or education service cooperatives approved by the ADE.
- Rules Governing How to Meet the Needs of Children with Dyslexia: The Arkansas State Board of Education has approved rules that provide guidance for schools and educators. These rules address screening, intervention, and necessary actions.
- Online Course: Educators can take the Dyslexia: A Three-Part Professional Development course available at ArkansasIDEAS.
- Contact Information:
- Vicki King, M.Ed., CALT-QI (Certified Academic Language Therapist-Qualified Instructor), Dyslexia Specialist
- Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Learning Services
- Phone: 501-682-3213
- Dyslexia Resource Guide
2. (Free) Arkansas State University Speech and Hearing Center
- Description: The A-State Speech and Hearing Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas serves as a clinical laboratory where speech-language pathology students gain practicum experience. They provide supervised delivery of speech, language, and hearing services to individuals with communication disorders.
- Free Services (please know these are constantly being change and/or updated):
- Diagnostic Evaluation: Individuals with communication disorders can receive free diagnostic evaluations.
- Treatment/Therapy Services: The center offers 55-minute individualized and group therapeutic sessions in private therapy rooms.
- Audiologic Evaluations: An audiological suite is equipped to perform hearing tests.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: 870-972-3301
- A-State Speech and Hearing Center
3. (Paid) Educational Testing Services at Wysocki Psychological Services
- Description: Daniel Wysocki, Ed.S. provides specialized educational testing services, including assessments for common learning differences like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.
- How It Helps Students:
- Diagnostic Testing: Identify specific learning difficulties.
- Individualized Assessment: Tailored evaluations to understand a student’s unique learning.
- Recommendations for Accommodations: Assist schools in implementing appropriate accommodations.
- Contact Information:
- Phone: 870-333-5283
- Email: examiner@adhdjonesboro.com
- Office: 522 W Washington Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401
- Wysocki Psychological Services
4. (Free) Additional Online Resources
- This Reading Mama:
- Offers loads of free, printable reading activities for students with dyslexia.
- This Reading Mama Dyslexia Worksheets
- American Dyslexia Association:
- Provides free dyslexia worksheets for download.
- American Dyslexia Association Worksheets
- Read Works:
- A non-profit organization that provides over 2000 leveled reading passages with short tests to check comprehension.
- Read Works
Conclusion
These dyslexia resources empower students, educators, and families in Northeast Arkansas. Whether through professional development, specialized centers, or online materials, remember that early intervention and targeted instruction can make a significant difference in the lives of students with dyslexia.
About the Author: Daniel Wysocki, Ed.S., is a board-certified professional in psychology with over ten years of experience providing counseling, psychological testing, and educational testing. Based in Jonesboro, Arkansas, he provides comprehensive services to clients of all ages, including children, teens, adults, and families.
