PA R E N T A DVO C ACY I N T H E D I G I TA L AG E

DECODING DYSLEXIA

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Today’s parent advocates are a new, hybrid breed

• Part passion• Part information

They know their stuff and how to use it

They combine knowledge with passion to create CHANGE for their kids with

Dyslexia

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

• What sets these modern advocates apart from those that laid the foundation for dyslexic children?

• DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

• While school budgets wane and resources are cut, access to technology is now universal

• Parents can log on and get equipped and encouraged

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

• What online resources do parents use to stay informed and expand their advocacy?

• How can parents use social media to take advocacy out of 504/IEP meetings?

• How can parents use social media and other digital technology to connect and effectively spread advocacy efforts across state lines?

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

• While parent advocacy has long been an important part of helping dyslexic children learn and succeed, in today’s digital age, the modern parent advocate is a whole new animal.

• Universally available technology has given parents full access to a plethora of educational materials online.

• They are able to quickly and easily read up, learn about and understand both the needs of their dyslexic students and how they can help them.

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

• From learning about how to use the IDEA and 504 processes to accessing chat rooms, blogs and online support forums

• parents can log on and tune in to get education, help and support from the comfort of their own living room

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

The result?

Today’s parent advocate:• is an informed• passionate• digitally literate delegate• going to bat for what they know is both available

and acceptable for their dyslexic kids and others like them

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

TODAY’s parent advocates:

• Can easily focus both on how to become strong, informed advocates

• While also being able to access valuable information about their children’s disabilities to help them articulate more clearly how their needs should be met

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

• Parents and other advocates can create measurable results when they take the time to learn and seek solid support in their advocacy efforts

• Together, parents and other advocates are helping dyslexic kids meet their educational and personal goals like never before.

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

• HOW are parent advocates using digital technology to study up and develop advocacy skills?

• How are parents using social media and other technology to bolster advocacy efforts?

The Decoding Dyslexia grassroots parent movement is an excellent case study of both

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Decoding Dyslexia illustrates how informed, dedicated advocates can:

• Use digital tech and tools to connect with parents across the country concerned about the needs of dyslexic students

• Use digital tech and tools to connect parents with resources and support

• Use social media and digital marketing to increase awareness about dyslexia

• Use digital tech and tools as vehicles to influence legislation on a state by state basis

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

What is Decoding Dyslexia?

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

How did Decoding Dyslexia begin?

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Where is Decoding Dyslexia?

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Decoding Dyslexia is now in 40 states including

Alaska

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

How does Decoding Dyslexia use Social Media and Digital Tech to connect parents with each

other and to resources?

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Decoding Dyslexia chapters have a combined total Facebook followers of 13,844 people

We have a combined total Twitter followers of 6,299

Our total combined Facebook and Twitter

followers is 20,143

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Who’s talking about the Decoding Dyslexia Movement?

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

What online resources does Decoding Dyslexia point parents to for help and

support?

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

How is Decoding Dyslexia using digital tools and social media to increase awareness

about Dyslexia?

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

What traditional methods is Decoding Dyslexia using to raise Dyslexia awareness and create change as part of its Grassroots

Parents Movement?

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PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Visit www.DecodingDyslexia.net

Want to start a Decoding Dyslexia movement

in YOUR State?

Download our How To Guide

PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Thank you for your interest and support as we advocate for change for ALL dyslexic children in

our country!

The Decoding Dyslexia National NetworkIDA Conference 2013 Parent Team