International Dyslexia Association

You’ve heard about the International Dyslexia Association countless times, but what exactly the organization do?

There are several organizations dedicated to helping people with dyslexia. The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is one of them. Let’s take a closer look at the organization’s objectives.

Who are the International Dyslexia Association?

The IDA is a non-profit organization from Baltimore, Maryland, that deals with dyslexia-related issues. It provides in-depth information to help tackle the full scope of this learning disorder and its associated challenges.

The association was founded in the 1920s after Dr. Samuel Orton completed several groundbreaking studies on multisensory teaching. After his death, his wife, June Orton, continued his all-important work to help train teachers and publish instruction materials.

Despite their efforts, many people believed dyslexia was caused by low intelligence. They also thought dyslexic individuals couldn’t be creative or develop any skill to keep up with their peers.

The scientific community changed this perception in 1982 when Annals of Dyslexia was released. The authors explained why Dr. Orton’s findings were correct and suggested there might be potential advantages to this condition, such as higher creativity.

Many researchers became fascinated by dyslexia, which spurred additional research. Neuroscientists wanted to explore the disorder in-depth and help people recognize the condition at an early age.

Accordingly, the National Reading Panel published a comprehensive report in 2000 that focused on the critical years of a child’s development (from kindergarten to third grade). After reviewing thousands of studies, the researchers analyzed the results and determined five essential skills:

• Phonemic awareness
  
• Phonics
  
• Fluency
  
• Vocabulary
  
• Comprehension
  

Struggling readers display one or more of these symptoms, indicating they may have dyslexia.

The organization also suggested what this meant for classroom teaching. Various guidelines encouraged schools to pay attention to these signs and react appropriately by providing the following methodologies:

• Proper teacher training
  
• Effective instruction
  
• Improved literacy instruction
  
• Reading instructions and interventions
  

Many other organizations have helped raise dyslexia awareness and ensure easier access to education. However, the IDA is the loudest voice.

Their mission remains the same a century later – creating a future for all individuals struggling with dyslexia and other related reading challenges. They won’t stop supporting schools until everyone can read and has unlimited access to the necessary resources.

Explaining IDA membership

There are no special criteria for joining the IDA. Anyone is welcome, including teachers, parents, schools, and professionals.

Paying a fee is the only requirement:

• Teachers – $50 per year
  
• Parents – $50 per year
  
• Professionals - $100 per year
  

By joining the IDA, you can receive the latest information on dyslexia, which will enable you to advocate your own, your children’s, or your learners’ needs more effectively.

Members also gain access to a thriving community of other parents, professionals, teachers, and researchers. They advise on how to elevate the learning experience for people with dyslexia in your region.

How the IDA helps families

The IDA has set up numerous resources for helping families:

• Conferences and workshops – Most events focus on enhancing reading skills and helping dyslexic individuals cope with their challenges. The participants may re-think current literacy instructions and suggest ways to revamp them. They also discuss appropriate teaching methods.
  
• Dyslexia handbook – Besides providing valuable dyslexia-related details, this handbook also offers information on self-advocacy ideas, assessments, and teaching approaches. Plus, it contains useful tips for promoting normal child and student development from kindergarten to college.
  
• Fact sheets – These convenient materials help support advocacy initiatives and raise awareness of dyslexia. Professionals review the content, which is also used to supplement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), policy discussions, and school board meetings.
  
• Youth art gallery – The IDA collects pictures of children with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. They display the artwork on their websites, publications, and offices. Parents and other kids can check them out to help them appreciate that dyslexic people can showcase their talents despite their condition.
  
• Independent schools network – The organization has launched a school affiliation known as the Independent School Network (ISN). These institutions allow dyslexic learners to achieve their full potential by reinforcing their strengths and helping them overcome their weaknesses.
  

Speechify – helping dyslexic people with reading

The IDA is the go-to place for helping people overcome dyslexia, but it shouldn’t be your only resource. You should also integrate cutting-edge technology, such as Speechify.

Speechify is a top-rated text to speech (TTS) platform that helps people with dyslexia and other learning differences or disorders advance. The app enables you listen to your PDF files, emails, and Microsoft Word documents without straining your eyes.

Simply put, it turns any textbook into audio. After uploading or scanning your file  you need only hit the “Play” button and Gwyneth Paltrow, Barack Obama, and other immersive voices will read your content aloud while you take notes or do housework.

Don’t forget to activate the highlight feature too. It bolds words while reading, so you can follow along via the screen. This helps you match sounds to corresponding letters, increasing your fluency.

What’s more, you can ramp up the reading speed to maximize your productivity. The app can read as many as 900 words per minute, which can make a world of difference in school and at work.

Learning how to use Speechify shouldn’t be a problem. Test the software today and trial an intuitive UI that promises an unforgettable experience.

FAQ

Who are the IDA’s board members?

More than 15 people sit on the IDA’s board of directors. Some of the most prominent members include Jennifer Topple, Paul Carbonneau, Mary Wennersten, Larry Orrach, Liz Remington, and Janet Thibeau.

What are the types of dyslexia?

There are four types of dyslexia: phonological dyslexia, double-deficit dyslexia, rapid naming deficit, and surface dyslexia.

What is IDA accreditation?

The IDA has a stringent accreditation program that reviews educator training based on a model aligned with their Knowledge and Practice Standards (KPS).

What is the IDA’s motto?

The IDA’s motto is to improve the lives of individuals with dyslexia and other learning disabilities.

What is the prevalence of dyslexia?

Dyslexia affects approximately 20% of the population.