Please note that Decoding Dyslexia Alabama does not officially endorse, represent or has any legal connection with any of the resources listed below. These are websites and resources that many parents have found very useful in their personal searches for information on and about dyslexia within the State of Alabama. DDALA is a grassroots movement so there are no barriers to joining. No dues to pay. No requirements to stay affiliated. The links below provide everything you’ll need to get started. Welcome!

• “Like” us on Facebook. and “Follow” us on Twitter.
• Write down your family’s story. CLICK HERE for tips!
• Send a letter and/or email to your local AL legislators, share your personal story and ask them to support our goals. Find your legislators
  Tips for writing your family story can be found at www.pacer.org/parent/php/PHP-c121.pdf.
• Encourage your US Representative to join the Bipartisan Congressional Dyslexia Caucus.
• Sign the national Legalize Dyslexia: Grant Accommodations to Dyslexic Students petition.
• Share this information with 3 others and ask that they get involved in this movement also!

What else can you do?

• Sign our petition Addressing Dyslexia in Alabama Public Schools
• Join the AL Branch of The International Dyslexia Association.
• Join our DD-ALA Facebook Parent Networking Group and interact with parents all over the state about what is working and not working for your child.
• Join the Alabama School Connection blog to keep informed on the Alabama K-12 system meetings and policies.
• Get involved at a local level:
  • Get involved in your local PTA and help plan literacy events and/or fundraisers.
  • Go to school board meetings and consider becoming a school board member.
  • Join a variety of district committees, talk to other parents at local events, and discuss dyslexia with educators. Become a resource for others!

• Get educated about Dyslexia:
  • Read literature about dyslexia. Books, such as Overcoming Dyslexia by Dr. Sally Shaywitz, have been crucial for many parents in understanding our children’s needs. Check out our Resources page for more information.
  • Check out IDA and AL IDA websites and literature.
  • Take a parent training course in reading intervention so that you can help your child at home.
  • Download and share the recently published Dyslexia Resource Guide provided by Alabama State Department of Education.
  • Familiarize yourself with the AL Administrative Code on Special Education. Download CHAPTER 290-8-9 SPECIAL PROGRAMS I and search Specific Learning Disabilities.
  • Take a parent advocacy course or get more information through groups such as Alabama Parent Center or Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Group to understand your child’s rights.
  • Get second opinions through private testing by a university, learning center, educational consultant, speech pathologist, developmental pediatrician, occupational therapist, physical therapist and/or other specialists.
  • Speak to advocates, educators in private practice, and special education attorneys.
  • Attend seminars, get on mailing lists, and network with others from support groups and LD organizations in your area.