Dyslexia to Literacy: A Former NFL Player's Personal Journey From Defeat to Victory

Wednesday February 19, 2025
1:00 - 2:00 PM
Ballroom E

Undetected dyslexia leaves many students silently struggling with a condition that hinders academic progress, undermines self-confidence, and limits educational opportunities. This presentation aims to provide two perspectives: insights from educators on dyslexia facts, research, and intervention using a multimodal approach, and a firsthand account from a student who experienced the frustration of navigating school without understanding why success seemed unattainable. Only upon learning about dyslexia as an adult and receiving intervention was he able to overcome it. By raising awareness and providing information, this presentation seeks to deepen participants' understanding of dyslexia and their ability to recognize its signs in their classrooms, empowering them to advocate for and support students with dyslexia effectively. This ensures that all learners have equitable access to reading proficiency and, ultimately, the fundamental right to read.

Presenters
Deon Butler

Deon is speaking to his experience having graduated from high school, college, and then as a professional without knowing how to read. Once he discovered that he had dyslexia, he began tutoring twice a week in two hour sessions for approximately ten months using an Orton-Gillingham program. His reading improved dramatically, and he is now a capable reader.
Esther Moreau

Master’s degree in Curriculum/Instruction; Certified Structured Language Dyslexia Interventionist (CERI); Certified Teaching Level Orton-Gillingham Dyslexia Specialists (IMSLEC) and Instructor of Teaching Level. Esther is certified to teach educators in Brainspring's MSLE-based programs which are accredited by the International Dyslexia Association (Tier 3) and International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council.  In addition to teaching Brainspring courses, Esther oversees the coordination of our course content and fidelity of instruction to ensure our professional development courses are delivered with fidelity. Esther is a regular contributor to content development for courses and workshops across all instructional platforms.
type:
In-person Lecture
theme:
Leadership
audience:
All audiences
tags:
Reading and Writing/Literacy, Neglected/Delinquent Youth