Episode 91 | Dr. Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Founder, Dyslexia Training Institute

In this excellent episode, Nancy is joined in the studio by Dr. Kelli Sandman-Hurley, the founder of the Dyslexia Training Institute.

Learn about the symptoms of dyslexia, which can range from early rhyme difficulties to spelling difficulties as you get older. Early detection and intervention are extremely important, according to Dr. Sandman-Hurley. In addition, this episode covers how parents can support their dyslexic children in the public school system, emphasizing the need of knowledge and readiness.

Within the dyslexia community, the Dyslexia Training Institute provides online courses as an organized literacy strategy. Additionally, the institute runs simulations to shed light on what it's like to have dyslexia.

Listen in as Nancy and Dr. Sandman-Hurley discuss the stigma behind dyslexia and how some people are afraid to talk about it out of embarrassment. Dr. Sandman-Hurley emphasizes the need of diagnosing dyslexia and informing people about it, stressing that with the right care, it shouldn't be a barrier to success.

The episode delves deeper into Dr. Sandman-Hurley's individual experience and the advocacy work done by the institute, including her position as an expert witness for California legislation pertaining to dyslexia. In response to common misconceptions regarding dyslexia, Dr. Sandman-Hurley emphasizes that the condition is actually a phonological processing problem rather than a visual impairment.

An excellent episode on filling gaps in the community with Dr. Kelli Sandman-Hurley. Here are some other takeaways from the interview:

• The origins of the Dyslexia Training Institute
• Common symptoms of dyslexia
• The role of parents of children with dyslexia including, advocating for special education services by requesting evaluations in writing and being prepared to navigate the public school system's challenges
• Services and courses offered by the institute to help those with dyslexia
• The institute's advocacy efforts, including a role in dyslexia-related legislation in California, aiming to raise awareness and support for individuals with dyslexia
• The answers to the rapid-fire questions

An excellent interview from a passionate gap minder. Thank you, Dr. Sandman-Hurley, for your contributions in San Diego, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

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