From Frustration to Advocacy: Local Parent Spearheads Dyslexia Awareness in Washington County

HAGERSTOWN, MD News (1/15/2024) – In the quiet corners of Washington County, Maryland, a group of parents has come together to form the local chapter of Decoding Dyslexia, a national grassroots movement. Their mission is clear: to address the limited access to educational interventions for dyslexia within the public education system. With a focus on awareness, empowerment, and policy advocacy, Decoding Dyslexia aims to create positive change for students struggling with dyslexia.

Decoding Dyslexia is not a traditional non-profit; instead, it operates as a network of parent-led movements across the United States. The organization seeks to establish a universal definition and understanding of dyslexia in state education codes. Advocating for mandatory teacher training on dyslexia, early screening tests, remediation programs, and access to assistive technologies, Decoding Dyslexia emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to support dyslexic students.

The power of the movement lies in the collective parent voice. Each state, including Maryland, organizes and inspires its own local chapters (typically on a per-county basis) by connecting with families and professionals who share a commitment to the mission. Despite being self-funded grassroots efforts, these chapters play a crucial role in fostering change within their communities.

A recent interview with Amanda Whitmore, a parent actively involved in leading the Decoding Dyslexia movement for Washington County, sheds light on the personal impact of dyslexia on families. Whitmore’s children, both dyslexic, attended public schools for several years without the school system recognizing their condition. The lack of awareness among school staff, doctors, and pediatricians frustrated Whitmore, leading her to become a passionate advocate for early identification and support. “Reading is a critical skill, everyone needs to learn how to read. If you can’t read you’re not employable,” said Whitmore.

Whitmore’s experience with her oldest child, who struggled with reading from a young age, highlights the challenges faced by dyslexic students. Multiple specialists failed to identify the issue until a private evaluation confirmed dyslexia. The school system, however, referred to it as a generic learning disability, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and understanding among educators.

The core advocacy message of Decoding Dyslexia revolves around early identification and intervention. The movement encourages parents who suspect their child might be dyslexic to engage with schools, especially if reading benchmarks are below average. By fostering collaboration between parents, schools, and Decoding Dyslexia, the aim is to create a support structure that ensures dyslexic students receive the assistance they need.

In Washington County, Whitmore has taken proactive steps, advocating for increased professional development for teachers to recognize dyslexia signs. While progress is being made, Whitmore emphasizes the need for continued training and support to create a more inclusive learning environment.

Decoding Dyslexia’s push for better teacher training aligns with state-level initiatives in Maryland. Their emphasis on reading as a critical skill underscores the broader societal impact of dyslexia – an unaddressed issue could lead to a less employable workforce and contribute to self-esteem and behavioral issues in affected children.

As Whitmore works to re-ignite the local chapter, she envisions establishing meetings and support systems for parents facing similar challenges. The Decoding Dyslexia movement, with its grassroots approach, is not just about raising awareness but actively working towards policy changes and improved support structures for dyslexic students and their families.

You can find out more information about the Washington County chapter of Decoding Dyslexia at their Facebook page.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors.