The Decoding Dyslexia national parent-led grassroots movement was invited to present on parent advocacy at the 2013 International Dyslexia Association conference in New Orleans. The topic? Parent Advocacy in the Digital Age: The Decoding Dyslexia Parent Movement

1. DECODING DYSLEXIA
PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

3. 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

4. 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

5. PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

6. 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?

7. 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.

8. 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

9. PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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

15. 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

16. PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE
What is Decoding Dyslexia?

19. PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE
How did Decoding Dyslexia begin?

22. PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Where is Decoding Dyslexia?

23. PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Decoding Dyslexia is now
in 40 states including
Alaska

25. 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?

30. 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

34. PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE
Who’s talking about the Decoding Dyslexia
Movement?

39. PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE
What online resources does Decoding Dyslexia point
parents to for help and support?

49. PARENT ADVOCACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE
How is Decoding Dyslexia using digital tools and
social media to increase awareness about Dyslexia?

58. 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?

60. 00:10.00

77. 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

79. 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 Network
IDA Conference 2013 Parent Team