SPEAK UP FOR
FREE DYSLEXIA SCREENING FOR ALL!
On November 29, the DPS Board of Directors will vote on an Executive Limitations Policy that includes language about screening for dyslexia: "The Superintendent shall not fail to ensure all students have access to free universal screenings for predictors of future reading difficulties; including but not limited to dyslexia for all students beginning in kindergarten or upon entry to the district and periodically thereafter beginning in SY 2023/24."
3 Ways You Can Help Today!
1. CLICK HERE TO SIGN OUR PETITION asking the DPS School Board to vote YES on the Dyslexia Screening Policy. Forward the petition to your friends, family, and neighbors. Anyone can sign the petition regardless of where they live or their reasons for supporting struggling readers. Sign prior to 11/25/22.
2. Send an email or video message to the DPS School Board Email (board@dpsk12.org) asking them to vote YES on the Dyslexia Screening Policy. Click here to use our talking points template.
3. Join DenCoKID in signing up for PUBLIC COMMENT at the DPS School Board Meeting on November 29, 2022. This is the most high-impact action you can take because the Board will be voting on this policy that evening! Click here to learn more and to sign up.
MISSION
DenCoKID builds our community's awareness of dyslexia, provides a web of support for the families and educators of students with dyslexia, and advocates for improved learning outcomes for all Denver kids.
LITERACY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!
ABOUT
DenCoKID is based in Denver, Colorado.
Our group was born out of a statewide organization called COKID, Colorado Kids Identified with Dyslexia.
We are a grassroots group of mostly families and educators dedicated to matching other families and educators, in Denver County, with supports for individuals with dyslexia; advocating for early identification and the most effective, school-based instruction for kids with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in ALL Denver schools; and we seek to work collaboratively to increase awareness and educate the community about dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
Whether you are a parent/guardian of a struggling learner or you are a teacher wondering how you can help,
DenCoKID is here for you.
Join us!
ADVOCACY & EQUITY
Advocating for school-based screening and early identification of dyslexia
Promoting the science of reading through structured literacy in all schools
Educating our community about current dyslexia research and learning opportunities
Collaborating with the Denver Public School District and other community partners
Supporting local, state, and federal policy and legislation
PARENT & FAMILY SUPPORT
Common signs of dyslexia at home
Ins-and-outs of an IEP and 504
Success stories and pitfalls
"Look fors" in school selection
Shared-resources for private evaluations and tutors
You're not alone! Join us for our monthly meetings or family-friendly events!
WELCOME EDUCATORS!
Red flags for dyslexia in the classroom
A guide to classroom resources and curricula based on the science of reading
Support in accessing dyslexia research and professional development
COMMUNITY AWARENESS
Did you know...
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 15% of the population has Dyslexia.
Children have a 50% chance of having dyslexia if one parent has it. And a 100% chance if both parents have it.
Dyslexia is a neurobiological difference in the way the brain processes language.
Individuals with dyslexia do not actually see words or letters backward.
According to the National Institute of Health, dyslexia is identifiable, with 92% accuracy, at ages 5 1/2 to 6 ½.
Dyslexia is the most common learning disability.
Reading failure is the most commonly shared characteristic of juvenile justice offenders.
As many as 75% of individuals in the criminal justice system have a learning disability.
Only 37% of teacher preparation programs adhere to principles most effective in dyslexia remediation.
Dyslexia does not equate to IQ or overall intelligence.
Famous dyslexics: Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Mohammad Ali, Richard Branson and Octavia Spencer.
CONTACT US
DenCoKID’s intent is to help families and educators in creating a web of support with others having similar experiences. This group operates independently of any outside service organization and is not intended to provide educational, medical, legal, or counseling service or advice.
720-222-4704
RESOURCES
DenCoKID is a community, organically formed, by people who have been touched by dyslexia. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin which impacts individuals, families, schools, and communities in very different ways. As a group, we share our collective experiences and support each other through our journeys. There is a dizzying amount of information regarding, education centers, advocates, tutors, legal supports, and intervention, concerning dyslexia. Some of our favorite starting points to learn more are...
Colorado Department of Education Dyslexia Page
The Rocky Mountain Branch of the International Dyslexia Association
Additional information, compiled by DenCoKID