Author: Gina DiSalvo

As we close out 2021, we’re reflecting on why learning is so valuable—why we show up every day and do what we do. This video of students answering a simple question about learning shows us why. Loading video... Connecting the dots to learning, and connecting those dots to doing, truly lies at the heart of our … Continued

How Kathy White Put Inclusion into Action in Janesville Schools Kathy White is co-chair of the AT Forward Project for the state of Wisconsin and a retired assistive technology specialist. In over 33 years working in Janesville schools in Wisconsin, Kathy saw student learning needs increase steadily and identified accessibility strategies that got results. “Now … Continued

Self-advocacy is commonly listed on a student’s IEP plan, and it’s a wonderful goal to include because effective self-advocacy skills can benefit students with learning disabilities across a lifetime. Take the story of Ptahra Jeppe, for example. Ptahra is a dyslexic disability rights lawyer with a fourth grade reading level. She not only made it … Continued

Ptahra Jeppe is a disability rights lawyer. Which is pretty awesome in and of itself, until you learn pretty soon after meeting her, that Ptahra is deeply dyslexic. It’s only then that you start to realize how very hard she’s worked to get where she is today. Ptahra isn’t shy about talking about her learning … Continued

1. What is dyslexia? Dyslexia is widely considered to be a disorder where differences in how the brain processes information, particularly language, interfere with the ability to eye-read physical text and impact skills like working memory. Brain imaging supports this definition, though these studies haven’t definitively proved that dyslexia is caused by differences in the … Continued

Nothing is more powerful than awareness. When someone is fully aware of who they are, of their strengths and weaknesses, they can lean into their abilities and seek resources to help with their needs to become the best and most fulfilled version of themself. Dyslexia is a disability, but along with its many challenges come … Continued

Accessibility is everywhere these days. It’s the focus of Superbowl commercials, and accessibility features are probably built into the device you’re reading this on. The good news is that new tools are helping students access learning and close achievement gaps. But what’s the right way for IEP teams to get the most out of accessibility … Continued

When a student constantly turns in unreadable work, it can be immensely frustrating for both parties. As an educator, you feel frustrated because nothing seems to be improving their writing. As a learner, you feel frustrated because you’re working your hardest and it isn’t getting better, and you may feel like just giving up. Though … Continued