Empowering Dyslexic Achievers | Taylor Shay | TEDxHagerstownWomen

Dyslexia Prevalence and Impact - The United States ranks 36th in literacy according to the National Literacy Institute [2] - 15 to 20% of the United States population is dyslexic, and 70 to 80% of students within special education have deficits in literacy [4] - Dyslexia affects language skills such as reading, writing, and decoding [3] Understanding Dyslexia - Dyslexia affects how the brain processes information, impacting the left side of the brain responsible for sequencing, analytical tasks, reading, and language processing [4][5][6] - Dyslexia is considered a neurodivergent condition, associated with strengths in creativity, visual learning, and problem-solving [5] - Traditional education focuses on comprehensive reading, which can be challenging for dyslexic students who need a strong understanding of fundamental reading skills [8] Educational Approaches and Support - Early diagnosis of dyslexia is crucial and can be detected as early as age four through observation of shape and color recognition [14] - Structured literacy approaches like Orton Gillingham, a phonics-based program, benefit both dyslexic and non-dyslexic students [16] - Accommodations and tools, such as extra time on tests, are necessary to support dyslexic students' success [17] Advocacy and Empowerment - Encouraging students with dyslexia to embrace their differences and focus on their abilities is essential [12][13] - Building confidence in areas where students excel, such as sports or arts, can positively impact their academic performance [18] - Teaching students with dyslexia to advocate for themselves is crucial for their success in post-secondary education and beyond [19][20]