American Dyslexia Association

Category: News

  • Relaunch Announcement: The ADA-Accredited Dyslexia Trainer Certification Program Returns Stronger Than Ever

    Relaunch Announcement: The ADA-Accredited Dyslexia Trainer Certification Program Returns Stronger Than Ever

    The American Dyslexia Association (ADA) is pleased to announce the relaunch of the ADA-accredited Dyslexia Trainer Certification Program (www.dyslexiacertificate.com), an internationally recognized professional training for educators, specialists, and tutors who want to make a meaningful and immediate difference in the lives of learners with dyslexia.

    This updated and expanded program reflects decades of research, practical experience, and global collaboration—bringing together the proven strengths of the AFS Method, the standardized AFS Dyslexia Test, and the pedagogical expertise of the Dyslexia Research Center USA (DRC) and its partners.

    Become a certified dyslexia trainer

    For educators passionate about supporting diverse learners, this program offers a powerful pathway to deepen skills, strengthen confidence, and create lasting impact in classrooms and communities.

    Why ADA Accreditation Matters

    Accreditation by the American Dyslexia Association signifies that a program meets rigorous standards in research-based content, practical applicability, and professional ethics.

    The Dyslexia Trainer Certification Program by DRC USA is one of the few international dyslexia training programs to achieve ADA accreditation. This ensures that participants receive:

    • Instruction aligned with current scientific understanding of dyslexia
    • Practical tools that can be applied immediately in real educational settings
    • A consistent framework based on the cognitive foundations of reading, writing, and attention
    • A trusted and internationally recognized credential
    • A professional pathway that aligns with ADA’s mission to support individuals with dyslexia through evidence-based practice

    ADA accreditation is not merely a seal—it is a commitment to quality and outcomes. Educators can be confident that the skills they learn will support learners effectively and ethically.

    A Program Designed for Educators Who Want to Make a Difference

    The updated Dyslexia Trainer Certification Program focuses on practical, hands-on training grounded in research. This is not theoretical learning—it is actionable, accessible education that empowers participants to begin helping learners immediately.

    Key features include:

    The Standardized AFS Dyslexia Test

    Participants gain access to a widely used, research-supported screening instrument that helps identify dyslexia-related challenges with clarity and consistency.

    The AFS Method

    A structured, neurological approach to supporting foundational skills such as attention, visual perception, auditory processing, and spatial orientation—areas known to influence reading and writing success.

    Immediate Practical Application

    Each lesson includes methods and exercises educators can start using right away with learners of all ages.

    Flexible Online Learning

    Designed for busy educators, the program can be completed from anywhere, at your own pace, with ongoing support and guidance.

    International Recognition

    Graduates receive a certification that is respected and accepted worldwide through ADA partnerships.

    Who Should Enroll?

    The program is ideal for:

    • Classroom teachers
    • Special education professionals
    • Learning specialists
    • Tutors and educational therapists
    • Psychologists and school counselors
    • Homeschool educators
    • Anyone passionate about supporting individuals with dyslexia

    If your goal is to understand dyslexia deeply and help learners thrive, this certification is a powerful next step.

    Free Preview Lesson Now Available

    To support transparency and help educators experience the program firsthand, the first lesson is available for free. This preview provides an authentic look into the teaching style, structure, and practical value of the certification.

    Educators consistently report that Lesson 1 alone gives them insights they can begin using immediately.

    Sign up for your free lesson here: www.dyslexiacertificate.com

    Enrollment Is Open Now

    Enrollment is now officially open, and we invite educators worldwide to secure their place in the newly relaunched Dyslexia Trainer Certification Program and join educators from 65 countries worldwide who have already completed the certification.

    Demand for this ADA-accredited training is expected to be high, and early enrollment ensures immediate access to:

    • The introductory module
    • Program orientation
    • Bonus materials
    • The free preview lesson
    • Early community access

    This is an excellent opportunity to advance your professional skills and join a global network of dyslexia-focused educators.

    A Shared Mission: Helping Learners Thrive

    At the American Dyslexia Association, our mission is clear:

    To support individuals with dyslexia and related learning differences through understanding, research, and practical, effective education.

    The relaunch of this certification program aligns strongly with that mission.

    We are proud to endorse and accredit a program that equips educators with the tools they need—not only to teach, but to inspire, uplift, and create lasting change for learners who need it most.

    We approve and support this program.

    — American Dyslexia Association

    Are you ready to enroll and help dyslexic children effectively? Join here: www.dyslexiacertificate.com

  • ChatGPT-5.2: Artificial Intelligence Revolutionizes Communication – Practical Examples

    ChatGPT-5.2: Artificial Intelligence Revolutionizes Communication – Practical Examples

    In the rapidly growing world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), ChatGPT-5.2, the latest generation of OpenAI’s revolutionary text-processing model, has set new standards. Its ability to generate human-like text and interact naturally has transformed the way we communicate with technology.

    In this blog post, we take a look at the impressive capabilities of ChatGPT-5.2 and present two practical examples that demonstrate how this AI can be used for advising parents on dyslexia as well as for creating creative game ideas to improve visual memory.

    Discover how ChatGPT-5.2 is revolutionizing communication and how you can use this powerful technology for your own purposes.

    Example 1

    Question for ChatGPT-5.2: Parents are with a Certified Dyslexia Trainer who wants to educate them about their child. Dr. Kopp-Duller’s definition is used as a guideline.

    Answer from ChatGPT-5.2: Certified Dyslexia Trainer: Good day, dear parents. I understand that you are concerned about your child and want to learn more about dyslexia. Let me first explain Dr. Kopp-Duller’s definition, which serves as a guideline for our work.

    A person with dyslexia has average or even above-average intelligence, but they perceive their environment differently than people without dyslexia. When dyslexic people encounter letters or numbers, their attention diminishes as they process these elements differently due to their different perception.

    This means that your child may have difficulty learning to read, write, and do arithmetic, although they may be gifted in other areas. It is important to emphasize that dyslexia is not a reduction in intelligence and that your child can successfully learn with the right support and encouragement.

    In our work as dyslexia trainers, we focus on meeting the individual needs of your child. We use special techniques and strategies tailored to the specific challenges of dyslexia. Our goal is to help your child improve their reading, writing, and arithmetic skills, build their self-confidence, and fully realize their potential.

    If you have any further questions or would like more information, please feel free to ask.

    Example 2

    Question to ChatGPT-5.2: Invent or name three simple games to improve visual memory.

    Answer from ChatGPT-5.2: Here are three simple games that can improve visual memory:

    Memory game: Place several pairs of cards or images face down on the table. Players must take turns turning over two cards and try to find matching pairs. The game trains visual memory by encouraging players to memorize the position of the cards and the associated images.

    Picture puzzle: Show your child a detailed picture for a certain amount of time (e.g., 30 seconds) and then remove it. Your child must remember as many details as possible and describe or record them. You can increase the difficulty level by shortening the time or using more complex images.

    Kim’s game: Place several objects on a tray and let your child look at them for a minute. Then cover the objects and ask your child to list as many of the items as possible from memory. You can increase the difficulty by increasing the number of objects or shortening the viewing time.

    All these games can be easily adapted to your child’s age and abilities and help to promote visual memory in a playful way.

  • College Student Sues School District After Graduating Without Learning to Read or Write

    College Student Sues School District After Graduating Without Learning to Read or Write

    A 19-year-old student from Connecticut has initiated legal action against her former school district, alleging she graduated high school without the ability to read or write. Despite earning honors and securing a college scholarship, Aleysha Ortiz contends that the Hartford Public Schools system failed to address her learning difference, resulting in her functional illiteracy. ​

    Ortiz’s lawsuit asserts that her difficulties with letter, sound, and number recognition were evident as early as first grade. By sixth grade, her reading proficiency remained at a first-grade level. She recalls being marginalized in class, often told to “stay in a corner and sleep or just draw pictures.” These challenges led to behavioral issues, with Ortiz admitting, “I was the bad child.”

    Born in Puerto Rico, Ortiz’s mother, Carmen Cruz, sought better educational opportunities for her daughter by relocating to Connecticut. However, Cruz’s limited English proficiency hindered effective communication with school officials regarding Ortiz’s needs. ​

    During her sophomore year at Hartford Public High School, Ortiz was assigned a special education teacher and case manager, Tilda Santiago. The lawsuit alleges that Santiago subjected Ortiz to bullying and harassment, including stalking her on school grounds, leading to Santiago’s eventual removal from the case. ​

    In her junior year, educators recommended testing for dyslexia, but comprehensive evaluations were not completed until the last day of her senior year. The assessments confirmed that Ortiz was indeed dyslexic and required explicit instruction in phonics, fluency, and reading comprehension. Despite these findings, she graduated with honors in June and was offered a deferred diploma in exchange for intensive services, which she declined, stating, “They had 12 years; now it’s my time.” ​

    Ortiz managed to navigate the educational system by utilizing technology such as text-to-speech and speech-to-text applications. She used these tools to complete assignments and even her college application. Currently enrolled at the University of Connecticut, Ortiz has found college challenging and has taken a break from classes to focus on her mental health, with plans to return soon. ​

    Through her lawsuit, Ortiz aims to hold the school district accountable and prevent other students from experiencing similar educational neglect. She emphasizes her passion for learning, stating, “People took that opportunity for me to learn, and now I’m in college and I want to take advantage of that. Because this is my education.”

    Hartford Public Schools has refrained from commenting on the pending litigation but expressed a commitment to addressing the diverse needs of its students to help them reach their full potential. ​

    This case underscores the critical importance of early intervention and appropriate support for students with dyslexia to ensure equitable educational outcomes.​

  • Real Food for Real People: Just Say “No” to GMOs 

    Real Food for Real People: Just Say “No” to GMOs 

    Real Food for Real People: Just Say “No” to GMOs 

    By Linda Davis-Kyle

    Do you want to secure the most nutrient-packed food for your cherished children to ensure their ability to learn? In mere moments, your favorite search engine will bring to your fingertips such articles as, “Brain foods: the role of diet in brain performance and health,” “Nutrition and the developing brain,” and “The impact of dietary macronutrient intake on cognitive function.” Do you have plans to grow you own organic garden for your family? Do you know a local small farmer or rancher in your area who grows and sells grand organic and regenerative food? 

    Ensuring Wholesome Foods for Your Family

    When you support your local organic and regenerative food producers, then you are helping to ensure the best food for your family. Real Food for Real People introduces more than 100 websites of food producers and marketers devoted to growing and delivering the best organically grown and regeneratively raised, health-enhancing food to your front door—often free of shipping expenses.

    Making Your Kitchens and Homes Happy Havens 

    RealFood ebook helps families enjoy their “happy havens,” provides much needed information, and encourages the strongest lawful and peaceful support of our noble local food producers and their rights to grow and ship their goods where they see fit. Not only that, the author supports the rights of farmers and ranchers to own their own land, grow their own crops without interference, and to save and use their own natural seeds from season to season.

    Praising Writer and Director Pete McGrain through Host Woody Harrelson

    Real Food for Real People directs your attention to the most powerful solution, that Woody Harrelson, twice nominated Oscar winner and host of Ethos—written and directed by Pete McGrain—spoke in 2011, “If you don’t want foods with chemicals or GMOs in it, then don’t buy it…. No company will continue a practice or a product that you, the consumer, will not buy. If you won’t buy their stuff, they go out of business.” 

    Seeing the Crucial Need to Support Our Local Farmers and Ranchers Worldwide

    Simply put, there will be no “Making Your Kitchen a Happy Haven” as described in “Part One—Getting Ready for Success,” if we do not immediately take the strongest lawful and peaceful actions to protect the rights, freedoms, and liberties of our hardworking and logical thinking local small farmers, ranchers, dairies, and fishers all around the world.

    Remembering the Profound Words of Claude Bristol (1891-1951)

    Real Food for Real People reminds readers to think long and hard about Claude Bristol’s chilling words from Chapter 1 of The Magic of Believing in 1948, “I am aware that there are forces—powerful forces—at work in this country that would dominate us substituting a kind of regimentation for the competitive system which has made America great among nations. I believe that we must continue to retain the wealth of spirit of our forefathers. If we don’t, we shall find ourselves dominated in everything we do by a mighty few. We will become serfs in fact, if not in name.”

    Linda Davis-Kyle of WritingNow.com has written several articles for American Dyslexia Association, and she is the author of the series Your Writing Matters — Book One. Teaching English to Children: Reviewing English Grammar, Book Two. Getting Teens to Write: Writing for Real, Book Three. Helping Dyslexics to Write: Using Mind Maps [in progress], the series Writing about Animals [in progress], and Real Food for Real People available on Amazon now.

  • Middle School Writing Unleashed: Explore “World of Words” by Lisa R. Hassler

    Middle School Writing Unleashed: Explore “World of Words” by Lisa R. Hassler

    Introduction: In a world where writing skills are essential, Dr. Lisa Hassler presents “World of Words: A Middle School Writing Notebook Using the Writing Process.” Designed for 4th-6th grade students, this innovative notebook draws upon Dr. Hassler’s extensive experience in education and writing. It serves as the perfect companion to her primary writing journal. “My Weekly Writing Journal: 15 Weeks of Writing for Primary Grades.” With captivating designs and hidden surprises waiting to be discovered, students are immediately drawn to the pages, eager to explore.

    Using the Writing Process: “World of Words” takes young writers on a structured journey through the writing process. This comprehensive notebook includes several key components, each designed to support and nurture young writers:

    1. The Writing Agenda: At the heart of “World of Words” is a meticulously structured writing agenda, spanning 14 days. This agenda helps students set goals, track their progress, and stay organized throughout their writing journey.
    2. Prewriting Planning Page: Before diving into writing, students engage in prewriting planning. This section provides prompts and exercises to spark creativity, helping students generate ideas and select the type of writing they want to pursue.
    3. Graphic Organizer Pages: “World of Words” includes graphic organizer pages to help students organize their thoughts and structure their writing. From story maps to character sketches, these tools empower students to bring their ideas to life in a clear and coherent manner.
    4. Rough Draft: With their ideas in place, students begin the rough draft phase. “World of Words” provides ample space for students to experiment with language and embrace the creative process without fear of imperfection.
    5. Proofreading Edit Checklist & Feedback Pages: Writing is refined through the editing stage, where students are guided through the process of revising their work. This section provides prompts and tips to help students strengthen their writing and clarify their ideas.
    6. Final Copy: After revising their work, students produce their final copies. “World of Words” offers space for students to neatly transcribe their polished work, ready to be shared and celebrated.

    Take and Go Editing Marks Cut-outs: Editing is simplified with handy editing marks cut-outs, allowing students to identify and correct errors in their writing, ensuring that their final drafts are polished and professional.

    Resource Pages: Additionally, “World of Words” includes resource pages with sample rubrics for narrative, descriptive, persuasive, and expository writing. These rubrics provide clear guidelines for assessing and improving writing skills.

    With its innovative approach to writing instruction and comprehensive support for students at every stage of the writing process, “World of Words” is poised to become an indispensable resource for middle school students and educators alike. Dive into the world of words today and unleash your creativity with “World of Words” by Dr. R. Hassler!

  • My Weekly Writing Journal: Nurturing Young Writers in Grades 1st-3rd

    My Weekly Writing Journal: Nurturing Young Writers in Grades 1st-3rd

    Dr. Lisa Richardson Hassler

    Introduction

    Tired of grappling with the complexities of writing? Many students share your frustration. Fortunately, Dr. Lisa Richardson Hassler has created a solution—an all-inclusive writing tool for children called “My Weekly Writing Journal: 15 Weeks of Writing for Primary Grades.” This workbook-style journal available through Amazon, is designed with the student and teacher in mind. Engaging colors and graphics add to the content intended to simplify, support, and streamline the writing process, drawing upon the structure that Dr. Hassler successfully employed with her own first through third-grade students.

    The writing journey, as laid out in this journal, mirrors the way proficient writers work, encompassing prewriting, drafting, editing, rewriting, and finally, publishing. By embracing this systematic approach, students will find that writing can be broken down into manageable chunks, enabling them to focus on producing high-quality material.

    This creative expedition not only equips young writers with essential skills but also empowers them to express their thoughts and nurture their creativity. Seamlessly tailored to complement any Language Arts program, this journal is a convenient addition to the curriculum, requiring just 30 minutes a day. It’s the perfect companion for students in first through third grades, offering a supportive platform to embark on a rewarding writing journey.

    The Weekly Writing Adventure

    “My Weekly Writing Journal” takes young writers through a well-structured and engaging process that guides them through their literary exploration week by week. This comprehensive journal is equipped with the following components, each serving a unique purpose in nurturing young minds:

    Images from My Weekly Writing Journal: 15 weeks of Writing for Primary Grades: Weekly Organizer Page and Get Started! Page, Week 1.

    1. Weekly Organizer: At the beginning of each week, students will find a weekly organizer to plan their writing journey. This section will help them plan daily the writing process.

    2. Get Started! Page: This page provides students with essential tools and tips to prepare for their writing journey. It offers guidance on clarifying topic, type of writing, choosing a thinking map, and choosing resources.

    3. Graphic Organizer Page: The valuable space offers young writers the place to organize their information. It allows them to create visual representations of their thoughts and ideas, making the writing process more structured and coherent.

    4. Rough Draft Pages: Two rough draft pages are included for each week’s prompt. Students can use these pages to jot down their initial thoughts, ideas, and sentences as they develop their stories and compositions.

    5. Editing Checklists Page: Writing is not just about creativity; it’s also about learning to edit and revise. The editing checklists page helps students review their rough drafts and make improvements, focusing on spelling, grammar, punctuation, and other important elements of writing. It gives examples of editing marks and a place for notes.

    6. Title Page with Illustration Space: Every great piece of writing deserves an eye-catching title and an accompanying illustration. This page allows students to showcase their creativity by adding a captivating title and a related picture.

    7. Final Draft Pages: The three final draft pages give students the opportunity to present their polished work. They can neatly write out their stories, revise their illustrations, and create a clean and tidy version of their written masterpiece to share.

    Fostering a Love for Writing

    “My Weekly Writing Journal: 15 Weeks of Writing for Primary Grades” is more than just a tool for skill development; it’s a means to instill a love for writing in young learners. The structured format and interactive templates provide a step-by-step approach, instilling confidence and nurturing creativity in each student’s writing journey.

    This journal invites students to explore a wide range of writing genres, from crafting imaginative stories to describing real-life experiences and even conducting simple research projects. Regardless of the topic, “My Weekly Writing Journal” offers a safe and inspiring space for young minds to express themselves and grow as writers.

    A Journey of Self-Expression

    As students progress through the weeks of “My Weekly Writing Journal: 15 Weeks of Writing for Primary Grades,” they embark on a delightful adventure of storytelling and self-expression. Each week brings fresh opportunities to become better writers and discover the sheer joy of putting their thoughts into words.

    To extend and enrich the writing process, students are encouraged to take their writing to the next level through digital storytelling. This brings their work to life and includes skills such as presentation, using technology, and design. With this journal in hand, young learners will find their voices and develop the skills they need to become confident and capable writers.

    Conclusion

    “My Weekly Writing Journal: 15 Weeks of Writing for Primary Grades,” is more than just a writing tool; it’s a gateway to creativity, self-expression, and a lifelong love for writing. Designed to cater to the unique needs of primary grade students, this journal provides a structured, engaging, and interactive platform for young writers to hone their skills and let their creativity flourish. So, gear up for an incredible journey of writing, where every week promises new opportunities to become better writers and find the joy in expressing thoughts through words. Happy writing!

  • Turning the Page: How Adults Can Help Teens Rediscover the Joy of Reading

    Turning the Page: How Adults Can Help Teens Rediscover the Joy of Reading

    By Dr. Lisa R. Hassler

    Parents hope to instill a love of reading that lasts a lifetime with their children. Reading is an essential skill that promotes cognitive, social, and emotional development, and is a crucial tool for academic and professional success. As parents, we understand this, so we stock our shelves with beautifully illustrated picture books and read to our little ones, snuggled on our laps or tucked in their beds. However, somewhere along the way, they stop consuming books as they did when they were younger, and they lose the love. As a parent and teacher, I often wonder: does the love of reading ever return?

    It made me curious, so I delved a little deeper into the relationship between teens and books. In this article, you’ll learn about teenage reading habits, banned books, the impact of COVID, the rise of BookTok, as well as fun tips. Consider this information to help regain your teenager’s love of reading.

    What does the Research Say?

    The number of adolescents who read every day significantly decreases as they transition from childhood to adolescence. Studies show a consistent decline in daily reading as children grow older, with a sharp drop by age nine that does not typically recover throughout adolescence (Scholastic, 2019). The Scholastic 2013 report indicated a decline in daily reading from 48% of 6- to 8-year-olds to 24% of 15- to 17-year-olds, while the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) revealed a decrease from 53% of 9-year-olds to 19% of 17-year-olds (2013). Additionally, NCES indicated a decrease in the proportion of tweens and teens who read for pleasure at least once a week since 1984, from 81% to 76% among 9-year-olds, 70% to 53% among 13-year-olds, and 64% to 40% among 17-year-olds (2013). Furthermore, the percentage of teenagers who say they never or hardly ever read has increased from 8% of 13-year-olds and 9% of 17-year-olds in 1984 to 22% and 27%, respectively, at present (NCES, 2013).

    Parent involvement matters. Half of parents with children under 12 read with their children every day, and 60% of children aged 8 and under read every day (Common Sense Media, 2013). Additionally, Scholastic estimates that 34% of 6- to 17-year-olds read every day, and there is a strong correlation between parents who set aside daily reading time and children who frequently read (2013). Specifically, 57% of parents of frequent readers establish daily reading time, while only 16% of parents of infrequent readers do the same.

    Continue reading here:

    https://www.drlisarhassler.com/post/turning-the-page-how-adults-can-help-teens-rediscover-the-joy-of-reading

  • Get Certified and Help Those with Dyslexia: Enroll in the Dyslexia Trainer Program Today

    Get Certified and Help Those with Dyslexia: Enroll in the Dyslexia Trainer Program Today

    Are you looking to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with dyslexia? Look no further than the Certified Dyslexia Trainer Program on https://www.dyslexiacertificate.com.

    A learning disability called dyslexia impairs a person’s ability to read and write. Peers frequently misunderstand it, which makes learning challenging for people who have trouble with it. The Certified Dyslexia Trainer Program can help with that.

    This program will equip you with the skills necessary to assist dyslexic people in their daily lives beginning in March. Our course material will enhance your didactic and pedagogical abilities, assisting you in becoming a specialist in the subject of dyslexia.

    We have been providing dyslexia education to clients in 64 different nations for the past 25 years. With our assistance, you will develop new training skills and gain knowledge about how such abilities might benefit dyslexic students.

    Don’t pass up the chance to have an effect on dyslexics lives for the better. Simply sign up for our free online newsletter to get started with the Certified Dyslexia Trainer Program.

    The Dyslexia Trainer Certification Program is a flexible, online course designed to teach individuals how to support children and adults with dyslexia. The program is open to anyone, including professionals in the fields of education, psychology, and medicine, as well as those who simply want to make a difference in the lives of others. Upon completion of the course, participants will be qualified to identify dyslexia and support individuals with the learning disorder. The program has been reviewed and accredited by various organizations and is conducted according to strict quality standards. The minimum study time is 10 months, with a maximum of 2 years, and tuition can be paid in monthly installments. Simply sign up for our free online newsletter to get started.

    You can start the course at your own pace and schedule.

    https://www.dyslexiacertificate.com

  • Six facts about dyslexia

    Six facts about dyslexia

    1 in 5 people is affected by dyslexia

    According to the International Federation of Dyslexia and Dyscalculia Associations, 1 in 5 people are affected by dyslexia. This is a learning difference that affects an individual’s ability to read and spell words.

    Dyslexia affects more males than females

    You may have heard that dyslexia affects more males than females. This is true.

    You do not grow out of dyslexia

    Dyslexia is a lifelong language-based learning difference that affects the brain’s ability to process written language.

    It is the most common learning difference

    Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects the way you think, read, and write. It is the most common learning difference, affecting one in five people.

    80% of those in Special Education are dyslexics

    People who are dyslexic often have difficulty processing what they see on the page or hear in their head into words they can understand and say out loud.

    Some of the most brilliant people had dyslexia

    Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, Winston Churchill and Thomas Edison were all dyslexic. They had trouble reading and sometimes writing.

    1 in 5 people is affected by dyslexia