Dyslexia Presentations, Simulations, and Panel Discussions

Learn how Everyone Reading Illinois can organize an event for your school or community group. Professional development hours are available for Dyslexia Presentations and Simulations. For more information, please review and submit the form below and an Everyone Reading Illinois representative will contact you. 

Highlighting our Dyslexia Simulation

One of Everyone Reading Illinois’ most popular offerings is a dyslexia simulation for teachers and parents using Experience Dyslexia®. This simulation is a hands-on workshop that allows participants to experience challenges and frustrations similar to those experienced by people with dyslexia and related learning challenges. The simulation includes multiple stations with varying activities through which participants rotate. Each station’s activity lasts 10-15 minutes with time built in for a short discussion at each activity’s end. Tasks are designed for participants to find them frustrating and anxiety-provoking. The simulation begins with a short “What is Dyslexia” presentation and is typically 1.5 to 2 hours in duration.  

After attending a simulation, one parent wrote, “My husband and I first attended the simulation two years ago as concerned parents. After the simulation, we had our son tested and learned that he has dyslexia. He has been getting private instruction and is doing well. We want to let you know that you are making a difference in the community. Our family will forever be grateful for what we learned at the Dyslexia Simulation.”

Our Dyslexia Presentations, Simulations, and Panel Discussions

  • This professional development presentation offered by Everyone Reading Illinois provides a foundational understanding of dyslexia, including information on such topics as the underlying deficit areas for students with dyslexia and how they manifest in the classroom, early literacy screening, effective interventions, appropriate accommodations, and helpful resources. The presentation is followed by a Q&A session. The entire presentation’s duration is typically 1.5 hours and can be requested by schools or community groups.

  • This professional development workshop offered by Everyone Reading Illinois begins with a short “What is Dyslexia” presentation which provides a general overview of dyslexia. The presentation is followed by a dyslexia simulation, which is a hands-on experience designed to increase awareness regarding the difficulties and frustrations that people with dyslexia encounter daily. The simulation includes multiple stations with varying activities through which participants rotate with each station’s activities lasting 10-15 minutes. The program’s duration is typically between 1.5 and 2 hours and can be requested by schools or community groups.

  • Everyone Reading Illinois offers a dyslexia panel discussion hosted by various experts and individuals knowledgeable about dyslexia (e.g., a neuropsychologist, an educator, a speech-language pathologist, an advocate, a parent of a child with dyslexia, and/or an adult with dyslexia). The panel’s discussion includes what dyslexia isn’t (pervasive myths), what dyslexia is, and what red flags to look for at different ages. The panel also discusses diagnostic assessments and impact on siblings, and allows for attendee questions to be asked throughout. The panel discussion is typically 1.5 hours in duration and geared more informally for parents and community groups.

Timing: Most events last between 1.5 and 2 hours.

Cost: For schools or other organizations seeking ISBE-approved professional development hours, Everyone Reading Illinois charges $300 per event. Our offerings are free for community groups (e.g., parents and nonprofit organizations) that are not seeking professional development hours. 

Please complete the form below if you are interested in scheduling a Dyslexia Simulation. For scheduling a Dyslexia Basics Presentation or Panel Discussion, or if you have any questions, please email us at info@everyonereadingillinois.org.

Interested in scheduling a Dyslexia Simulation?

Complete the form below and a representative from Everyone Reading Illinois will follow up with you as soon as possible.