Podcasts about Learning Ally

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Learning Ally. You can access the webinar recording here.The types of texts students encounter in school play a critical role in their reading development, yet many education leaders may not fully understand their distinct purposes and impacts. This engaging edWeb podcast demystifies the role of various text types—from traditional books and decodables to ebooks—and how each supports literacy growth.Join literacy experts and education leaders as they discuss building a text-rich environment that supports all readers, especially those with diverse learning needs. Learn how decodable texts reinforce foundational skills, how traditional books foster comprehension and critical thinking, and how ebooks and audiobooks provide equitable access to grade-level content. Key takeaways include:How to evaluate and select the right mix of texts for your school or districtStrategies for using text diversity to meet the needs of struggling readers and students with dyslexiaHow to repurpose leveled textsGuidance on how to match text types to student needs and abilitiesEmpower your educators and students with the right texts at the right time and lead your school toward stronger, more equitable literacy outcomes. This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 school leaders, district leaders, librarians, and education technology leaders.Learning AllyUnlocking Student Potential Through Improved LiteracyDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

Curious about how private podcasts can elevate your online events?Join us for an inspiring conversation with Brenna McGowan, a seasoned launch strategist and the creative force behind the successful audio summit series Behind the Launch. In this episode, you'll gain valuable insights into tailoring content to your audience's preferences, ensuring it's both accessible and engaging. Plus, discover how incorporating charitable contributions into your business model can add purpose and impact to your events.Timestamps:[0:00] Introduction to the episode and Brenna McGowan's journey from traditional MP3 hosting to innovative private podcasting [4:15] The inception and evolution of the Behind the Launch audio summit series.[6:10] Benefits of private podcasting for event hosting and its impact on listener engagement.[9:34] Integrating philanthropy into business through events, supporting Learning Ally.[13:03] Audience-Centric Approach: Tailoring content for enhanced accessibility and engagement.[15:47] The challenges and technological shifts in creating and hosting audio content.[24:56] Future directions for Behind the Launch and exploring new possibilities in private podcasting.[27:32] The power of community and building connections through specialized content for targeted audiences.[30:45] Concluding thoughts on the personal and professional impacts of private podcasting in education and business.[34:22] Brenna discusses the broader implications of her work and the future of private podcasting in business strategy.[37:19] Closing remarks and how listeners can engage with and learn more from Behind the Launch.Links mentioned:https://www.instagram.com/brennamcgowanco/https://www.facebook.com/groups/behindthelaunchwithbrennamcgowanhttps://brennamcgowan.co/

On this episode of the Learning Ally Literacy Leadership Podcast, host Dr. Terrie Noland, CALP, speaks with Tiffany Dudley, who brings 19 years of experience in education. Her roles include an elementary educator, gifted and talented specialist, library media specialist, and currently the State Program Manager for Learning Ally. Throughout her career, Tiffany has made a significant impact, particularly through her advocacy for the Great Reading Games, an initiative designed to inspire students to engage in reading. She highlights teachers' powerful role as "reader leaders," Whether teachers realize it or not, their actions and enthusiasm for books profoundly shape students' attitudes toward reading. Feeling inspired? We've got the tools, resources, and support to help you challenge your students to take their reading to the next level in this year's Great Reading Games. For more information, click here.

In this episode, we're joined by Peggy Stern for a conversation about a whole-child approach where each child no matter how he or she learns, is respected and heard, and the emotional and academic tools we can provide to develop strategies for success! Peggy Stern is an Academy Award-winning film Producer/Director with more than 30 years of experience. Her dyslexia led her to filmmaking and animation at a young age, and in March 2006 Stern won the Oscar for Best Animated Short. Stern has produced for PBS, HBO, Teachers College at Columbia University, The National PTA, and the National YWCA among others. She received her BA from Harvard University and her senior thesis film STEPHANIE, was turned into a PBS documentary special and broadcast nationally. SuperDville is a family affair, as her dyslexic daughter Emma has been a key advisor! Since the launch of SuperDville, Peggy has spoken at many webinars and on many podcasts, including the Dyslexia Narrative Conference, the Dyslexia Training Institute Virtual Conference, Learning Ally's Spotlight on Early Literacy Virtual Conference, Embracing the Whole Child with Punkinfutz, The Virtual Summer Dyslexia Institute Conference, The Pakistan Grower's Circle Webinar, Denver Courage to Risk Conference, Stand Up LD Panel Discussion, and the UK Rebel Voices Virtual International Dyslexia Conference. Connect with our guest, Peggy Stern! Visit her website, Super Dville, or email her at peggy@superdville.com. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Moon and the Son: An Imagined Conversation The Teacher's Toolbox for Every Child We officially have merch! Show your love for the Together in Literacy podcast! If you like this episode, please take a few minutes to rate, review, and subscribe. Your support and encouragement are so appreciated! Have a question you'd like us to cover in a future episode of Together in Literacy? Email us at support@togetherinliteracy.com! If you'd like more from Together in Literacy, you can check out our website, Together in Literacy, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For more from Emily, check out The Literacy Nest. For more from Casey, check out The Dyslexia Classroom. We're looking for topic and guest suggestions for season 4 of the Together in Literacy Podcast! Let us know what you want to hear this season! Thank you for listening and joining us in this exciting and educational journey into dyslexia as we come together in literacy!

In this episode, host Dr. Terrie Noland, CALP talks with with the remarkable Kenia Flores, the Manager of Government Relations at Learning Ally. A true Literacy Leader, Kenia lives the Learning Ally mission each and every day. Kenia, who was born blind, narrates her personal and professional journey, highlighting the impact of mentors and advocacy in her life. She emphasizes the transformative power of education for students with disabilities, as well as her efforts in advocating for accessible absentee voting in North Carolina and delivering a TED Talk on overcoming low expectations. The discussion advocates for increased inclusivity, the importance of lived experiences, and active community engagement in the democratic process. Listen to Kenia's TED Talk here, and learn more about her recent accomplishment of being named a Democracy Hero here. 

In this episode: Dr. Noland, VP of Thought Leadership & Community at Learning Ally and Elizabeth Zwerg, Educator Community Manager at Learning Ally discuss the importance of honoring and appreciating teachers beyond Teacher Appreciation Week, what Teacher Appreciation week should be about, why community it important for educators and we share about one of our own "red threads" in the work we do; Spotlight on Dyslexia. Join us in this episode as we laugh, love, and honor educators. Grab your Gold ticket, a $99/value for $75 this week only when you bring a friend. Use code SPOD24Buddy at checkout! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learning-ally/message

In this episode of the Change-makers podcast miniseries from Learning Ally, literacy experts discuss strategies, opportunities, and challenges in improving literacy for multilingual learners. The discussion is led by co-hosts Linda Diamond, Dr. Terrie Noland, Dr. Tracy Weeden, and Dr. Tim Odegard, as they talk with featured guest Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, a bilingual expert and literacy advocate. The conversation delves into the importance of literacy for multilingual learners, the role of educators in creating an inclusive and enriching learning environment, and strategies to effectively teach reading to multilingual learners. They also address the need for effective screening, assessment, and early, targeted intervention in literacy education for multilingual learners. Additionally, the complexities of aligning the science of reading to the needs of multilingual learners are discussed, with a focus on the challenges and potential solutions for implementing evidence-based practices in classrooms. Key Points: 00:04 Introduction to Literacy Transformation 00:57 Introducing the Guest Speaker: Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan 02:25 Understanding the Science of Reading for Multilingual Learners 04:53 The Importance of Oral Language Proficiency in Literacy 05:43 The Role of Phoneme Awareness in Multilingual Learning 06:33 The Impact of Vocabulary and Comprehension on Multilingual Learning 06:49 The Importance of Evidence-Based Practices in Multilingual Learning 07:41 Specific Considerations for Improving Literacy Outcomes for Multilingual Learners 08:58 The Role of Phoneme Awareness in Multilingual Learning 11:00 The Importance of Fluency and Vocabulary in Multilingual Learning 16:02 The Challenges and Barriers to Implementing Multilingual Learning Practices 19:29 Effective and Appropriate Ways to Assess and Screen Multilingual Learners 26:43 The Importance of Data in Multilingual Learning 29:16 Finding Common Ground Between Advocates of Multilingual Students and the Science of Reading 33:14 Discussing Change Management and Social Contracts 33:45 The Role of Grassroots Activism in Social Change 34:35 Personal and Professional Lessons from Activism 35:36 The Importance of Community Involvement in Change 37:50 The Impact of Literacy on Job Opportunities 39:11 The Role of AI in the Knowledge Economy 40:13 The Power of Partnerships in Achieving Goals 40:32 The Importance of Individual Action in Change 41:22 The Role of Leadership in Community Change 41:53 The Importance of Involving Others in Change 42:36 The Role of Literacy in Community Development 44:51 The Challenges of Marginalized Communities 51:03 The Importance of Early Intervention in Literacy 51:59 The Impact of Legislation on Literacy Education 52:36 The Role of Technology in Addressing Literacy Gaps 59:16 The Importance of Parental Involvement in Literacy Education 01:04:02 Closing Remarks and Reflections on Literacy Leadership --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learning-ally/message

In this episode, guest Dr. Rebecca Tolson shares her valuable insights on literacy leadership, transformation, and the importance of professional development. She emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to literacy, incorporating structured literacy, and stresses the importance of coaching and support for teachers' growth. The need for decision-making based on a balance of qualitative and quantitative data, as well as the elimination of silos in education systems, is also discussed. Rebecca also highlights some practical examples of leadership and change within Ohio's educational landscape. The discussion concludes with thoughts on the importance of empowering teachers and students, particularly in marginalized communities. Don't miss this thoughtful episode, and check out Learning Ally's ⁠Solutions for Schools⁠! Key Points: 00:04 Introduction and Welcome 01:45 Introducing the Guest Speaker 03:30 Guest Speaker's Journey in Literacy Education 05:55 The Importance of Professional Development in Literacy 09:51 The Role of Screening and Intervention in Literacy Education 24:37 The Importance of Leadership in Literacy Transformation 30:26 The Role of Compliance and Passion in Literacy Education 32:31 The Importance of Emotional Connection in Teaching 32:55 The Role of Superintendents in Education 33:29 The Power of Data in Education 33:51 Addressing Defiance in the Classroom 34:59 The Need for a Structured Approach in Multilingual Education 35:58 The Journey of Teaching and Learning 36:11 The Importance of Oral Language and Listening Comprehension 37:11 The Role of Professional Development in Education 37:59 The Importance of Small Steps in Teaching 38:27 The Challenges of Teaching Writing 39:41 The Role of Data in Education 43:44 The Importance of Accountability in Education 44:48 The Role of Effective Professional Development and Coaching 53:41 The Importance of Triangulating Data in Education 56:07 The Role of Leadership in Education 58:16 The Importance of Literacy for Life 58:43 The Impact of Qualitative Conditions on Teachers 01:03:05 Closing Remarks and Reflections --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learning-ally/message

In this episode, Dr. Michelle Rodriguez discusses her work as Superintendent of Pajaro Valley Unified School District in transforming literacy education. She shares how implementing targeted literacy programs, committing administrators to learning, and directly working with teachers and the community have led to major improvements. The discussion focuses on the district's success with systemic programs to make reading skills automatic, while emphasizing the vital roles of piloting to scale, consistency, sustainability, and using data to validate effectiveness. Check out Learning Ally's ⁠Spotlight on Literacy Leadership⁠ event, now on-demand, for a great place to start learning! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learning-ally/message

Welcome to Hot Topics! Gabrielle Crichlow talks to guest Richard Rieman about audiobooks for children with special needs, like blindness or deafness.In this episode, Gabrielle and Richard discuss the importance of making children's illustrated books accessible to blind, deaf, and neurodiverse children. Richard, the founder and CEO of Imagination Storybooks, explains how he and his team add audio description, sign language, captions, and Braille files to make the books accessible. Gabrielle and Richard emphasize the need to fill the gap in access to books for children with special needs, as over 5 million children in the US between the ages of three and eight are underserved.Gabrielle and Richard also discuss the challenges faced by blind and low vision children who are not being taught Braille, and the difficulties faced by deaf children in finding books with sign language interpretation. They highlight the importance of reading for all children, as it opens up new worlds and experiences. Imagination Storybooks, Richard's organization, is a nonprofit organization that creates audio books with audio description for all children, not just those with special needs. Their service can be accessed through the Imagination Storybooks website, and they offer a Storybooks Club for members to access the videos and audios. They have also collaborated with the Described and Captioned Media Program to provide free access to their videos for qualified individuals.Richard emphasizes the importance of using live voice actors instead of artificial voices in audio books to capture the emotion and nuance of the stories. Imagination Storybooks aims to make children's books accessible to all children, not just those with disabilities. They are working with major publishers to create accessible books and are converting their books into different languages and Braille.Overall, the episode highlights the unique approach of Imagination Storybooks in making children's illustrated books more accessible and the positive impact it has on children with special needs.Who is Richard Rieman?Richard Rieman (Ree' man) wanted to be Superman, but he couldn't fly, so he decided to be Clark Kent instead. After a long career as a radio news reporter, anchor, and Washington Bureau Chief, Richard turned his storytelling skills to the world of audiobooks. He has narrated and produced hundreds of Indie-published audiobooks and is the author of the award-winning book, “The Author's Guide to Audiobook Creation.” Richard was a volunteer narrator for Learning Ally, reading books for the blind, as well as being a ski guide for blind skiers. Combining both interests, Richard created the “Imagination Storybooks” Nonprofit to make children's illustrated books accessible to all children by creating audiobooks with audio description of the pictures for blind children, and video books with captions and sign language for deaf and neurodiverse children with learning challenges.You can find Richard:On the web # 1: https://imaginationstorybooks.org/On the web # 2: https://imaginationstorybooks.org/join-the-storybooks-club/On Facebook # 1: https://www.facebook.com/imaginationstorybooksOn Facebook # 2: https://www.facebook.com/AudiobookCreationOn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imaginationstorybooks/On Twitter: https://twitter.com/IStorybooksClubOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardrieman/Promo:Bring the magic of books to all children. Join the Imagination Storybooks Club! Club members will receive access to our library of children's illustrated books in three formats:1) Videos with ASL (American Sign Language) and captions2) Videos with AD (Audio Description)3) Audio files with ADA new video every week! Bonus content for teachers and even personal Happy Birthday wishes from Winnie-the-Pooh.Richard has a podcast. Listen and subscribe here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/audiobookwizardWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/EJaokCimA9k**********************************Follow A Step Ahead Tutoring Services:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/astep...Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aste...Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ASATS2...YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@astepaheadtutoringservicesTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asats2013Eventbrite: https://astepaheadtutoringserv...Visit our website: https://www.astepaheadtutoring...Sign up for our tutoring email list: https://squareup.com/outreach/...Check out our entire "Hot Topics!" podcast: https://www.astepaheadtutoring...Support us:Cash App: https://cash.app/$ASATS2013PayPal: https://paypal.me/ASATS2013Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/ASATS2013Zelle: success@astepaheadtutoringservices.comOriginal date of episode: April 13, 2023

Welcome to an eye-opening episode where we're joined by Dr. Allison Peck, a leading expert in literacy education from the Neuhaus Education Center. Dr. Peck delves into the pivotal topic of the implementation of the Science of Reading and its potentially profound impact on our schools and communities. We'll discuss the pressing need for structured literacy and how it's transforming the way we teach reading. Education leaders need to be knowledgeable and well-prepared in structured literacy and backed by ongoing support and professional development. The benefits for students are immense. Dr. Peck passionately advocates for a system where every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to develop strong reading skills. Join us as we embark on a journey to empower our schools, our teachers, and most importantly, our students through the science of reading. It's a conversation that will reshape your perspective on education. Don't miss it, and check out Learning Ally's Solutions for Schools! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learning-ally/message

A VISIT WITH  DR. MOLLY NESS, VP of Academic Content at Learning Ally, all about  her newest book "READ ALOUDS FOR ALL LEARNERS;A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR EVERY SUBJECT.EVERY DAY. GRADES K-8". BTW, Learning Ally is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year

A VISIT WITH  DR. MOLLY NESS, VP of Academic Content at Learning Ally, all about  her newest book "READ ALOUDS FOR ALL LEARNERS;A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR EVERY SUBJECT.EVERY DAY. GRADES K-8". BTW, Learning Ally is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year

In this episode, our esteemed co-hosts share their personal journeys and highlight the characteristics of effective literacy leaders. They emphasize the need for leaders who are constant learners, empower their educators, and provide the necessary resources and support. They also discuss the moral imperative of ensuring literacy for all children and the transformative power of words and storytelling. Overall, the episode emphasizes the important role of literacy leaders in creating a brighter, more literate future. Check out Learning Ally's Spotlight on Literacy Leadership event, now on-demand, for a great place to start! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learning-ally/message

Dr Terrie Noland from Learning Ally returns to our show. Its all about Liiteracy for every student as we celebrate Dyslexia Awareness Month. Terrie is the host of Learning Ally's Spotlight on Dyslexia podcast. and here are some other information sources  for you  ,https://learningally.org/Solutions-for-School , https://learningally.org/Conferences/Spotlight-Learning-Series/SLS-June-2023 , and https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/literacy-leadership-the-learning-ally-podcast-with/id1560773921 as recommended by Terrie

Dr Terrie Noland from Learning Ally returns to our show. Its all about Liiteracy for every student as we celebrate Dyslexia Awareness Month. Terrie is the host of Learning Ally's Spotlight on Dyslexia podcast. and here are some other information sources  for you  ,https://learningally.org/Solutions-for-School , https://learningally.org/Conferences/Spotlight-Learning-Series/SLS-June-2023 , and https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/literacy-leadership-the-learning-ally-podcast-with/id1560773921 as recommended by Terrie

Jason Broughton and Dominick Spinelli are “living a librarian's dream” at the Library of Congress' National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. Broughton is the director of the NLS after a long career in librarianship, education and workforce development. Spinelli serves as the head of the NLS' Collection Development Section, where he leads a team of librarians to build a catalog of accessible reading materials and support a nationwide network of nearly 100 partnering libraries and outreach centers. Broughton and Spinelli discuss how they leverage feedback from library patrons to help ensure that individuals across the nation, including people with disabilities and veterans, can obtain accessible print and reading materials that meet their needs. Additional Resources: Learn more about the Marrakesh Treaty.  NLS resources for Veterans.  Learn more about ⁠Learning Ally's Audiobook Solution⁠ program.    A complete transcript of this episode can be found here.

In this episode of "The Truth About Dyslexia," we dive into the world of alternative learning strategies tailored specifically for dyslexic and ADHD learners. Join us as we explore cutting-edge techniques, tools, and technologies that empower individuals to succeed academically and leverage their unique cognitive styles. Discover how assistive technology, mind-mapping tools, multisensory learning apps, gamified learning platforms, and personalized learning platforms can revolutionize the educational experience for dyslexic and ADHD students. Show Notes: Video tool I mention: https://loom.com iPhone app I use: https://imprintapp.com - Assistive Technology: We discuss the power of speech-to-text software, such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking and Google Docs Voice Typing, to help dyslexic and ADHD learners bypass writing and spelling challenges. We also explore text-to-speech software like Read&Write, NaturalReader, and Voice Dream Reader, which enhance reading comprehension and reduce reading-related difficulties. - Mind-Mapping Tools: Learn about mind-mapping software like MindMeister and XMind, enabling dyslexic and ADHD learners to organize thoughts, visualize concepts, and create structured outlines for essays or study materials. - Multisensory Learning Apps: Discover the Learning Ally app, offering a vast collection of audiobooks and educational resources to support dyslexic learners in improving reading comprehension. We also explore EquatIO, a tool that helps dyslexic and ADHD students create mathematical expressions digitally, reducing handwriting and formatting challenges. - Gamified Learning Platforms: Explore BrainPOP, an educational platform that utilizes animated videos, quizzes, and interactive games to make learning engaging and accessible for dyslexic and ADHD students. We also discuss Kahoot!, a platform for creating fun and interactive quizzes to reinforce knowledge and enhance retention. - Personalized Learning Platforms: Learn about Khan Academy, a platform providing personalized educational content, adaptive assessments, and progress tracking, catering to the individual learning needs of dyslexic and ADHD students. We also delve into Duolingo, an adaptive language learning app available on iOS and Android devices, offering bite-sized lessons and gamified exercises to support dyslexic and ADHD learners in acquiring new languages.

This week Dr. Terrie Noland sits down with Dr. Molly Ness to dive in to the history and the current impact of Learning Ally's Spotlight on Dyslexia conference. They highlight some speakers and bring to light the energy and the feeling of community that is found at this epic event. Join us! Register at www.learningally.org/SPOD Use coupon code SPOD23PODCAST for $20.00 off --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learning-ally/message

In this episode I chat with the Audio Book Wizard, Richard Rieman about making illustrated children's books accessible to all children. After a long career as a radio news reporter, anchor, and Washington Bureau Chief, Richard turned his storytelling skills to the world of audiobooks. He has narrated and produced hundreds of Indie-published audiobooks and is the author of the award-winning book, “The Author's Guide to Audiobook Creation.” Richard was a volunteer narrator for Learning Ally, reading books for the blind, as well as being a ski guide for blind skiers. Combining both interests, Richard created the “Imagination Storybooks” Nonprofit to make children's illustrated books accessible to all children by creating audiobooks with audio description of the pictures for blind children, and videobooks with captions and sign language for deaf and neurodiverse children with learning challenges. Find Imagination Storybooks at: Website: https://imaginationstorybooks.org Email: richard@imaginationstorybooks.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imaginationstorybooks/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardrieman/ I'd love to hear from you – contact me at Web: https://www.loisstrachan.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loisstrachanspeaker This episode edited by Craig Strachan using Hindenburg PRO – find out more on Hindenburg.com Credits and music by Charlie Dyasi of Naledi Media.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to this podcast community! This week, Dr. Terrie Noland is joined by Elizabeth Zwerg, Community Manager at Learning Ally for a conversation around teacher appreciation. The Learning Ally Educator Community is a place of love and literacy leadership for everyone in it. In the conversation, we discuss: how big of a splash Teacher Appreciation Week is at Learning Ally, some inspirational quotes around leadership and education, stay tuned at the end of the podcast for some very special community member shout outs, and don't forget to join the Educator Community for a week of goodies and surprises! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learning-ally/message

Dr Molly Ness of Learning Ally is our guest about Taking a Broader View of Essential Early Literacy Instruction.  More info at https://learningally.org/Solutions-for-School/Educator-Blog/building-reading-resolutions-for-the-new-year...at Excite Reading: https://learningally.org/Solutions-for-School/Early-Literacy/Excite-Reading and Beyond the Buzzwords: A Guide and Glossary for Brain-Based Reading Instruction https://learningally.org/Portals/6/Docs/Collateral/Glossary_Final_10.12.pdf

Dr Molly Ness of Learning Ally is our guest about Taking a Broader View of Essential Early Literacy Instruction.  More info at https://learningally.org/Solutions-for-School/Educator-Blog/building-reading-resolutions-for-the-new-year...at Excite Reading: https://learningally.org/Solutions-for-School/Early-Literacy/Excite-Reading and Beyond the Buzzwords: A Guide and Glossary for Brain-Based Reading Instruction https://learningally.org/Portals/6/Docs/Collateral/Glossary_Final_10.12.pdf

EPISODE 168 - Richard Rieman, Founder and CEO of Imagination Storybooks - Making Storybooks Accessible to All ChildrenRichard RiemanRichard Rieman, “The Audiobook Wizard,” is an acclaimed authority on audio and video self-publishing. He has narrated and produced hundreds of Indie-published audiobooks. He is the author of the Global eBook Awards Gold Medal Winner in Writing/Publishing, “The Author's Guide to Audiobook Creation.”Richard is a Gold Medal National Ben Franklin Independent Book Publishers Assn. (IBPA) Award Winner for Audiobook Nonfiction, an Audible Approved Audiobook Producer, and a 5-time winner of the EVVY Award for audiobook narration and production.Richard is a former guide and racing instructor for visually impaired skiers, a volunteer narrator for Learning Ally; and a member of the Audiobook Narrators of America, the Audio Description Network Alliance, and the Audio Description Project.https://imaginationstorybooks.org/___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/A podcast is an excellent business card for your book, coaching program or business! Build a community away from the rented land of social media - speak directly to your community and position yourself as the expert that you truly are!Take your passion to the next level - let us help you start and grow your podcast! Podcasts work. Visit https://truemediasolutions.ca/Dave's Audio Book Recommendation for Spring 2023Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling A five-time Moth Grand SLAM winner and bestselling novelist shows how to tell a great story - and why doing so matters. Whether we realize it or not, we are always telling stories. On a first date or job interview, at a sales presentation or therapy appointment, with family or friends, we are constantly narrating events and interpreting emotions and actions. In this compelling book, storyteller extraordinaire Matthew Dicks presents wonderfully straightforward and engaging tips and techniques for constructing, telling, and polishing stories that will hold the attention of your audience (no matter how big or small). He shows that anyone can learn to be an appealing storyteller, that everyone has something “storyworthy” to express, and, perhaps most important, that the act of creating and telling a tale is a powerful way of understanding and enhancing your own life.Dave's Affiliate Link - Support our show by clicking the link belowUS Audible LinkCanadian Audible LinkUK Audible LinkSupport the show!...

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Learning Ally.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.In this edWeb podcast, you hear from a group of researchers and practitioners who have dubbed themselves the “Reading Peaceniks” after meeting for two years and searching for ways to end the divisiveness of the reading wars. The goal of the Peaceniks is to bring together a broad spectrum across disciplines within literacy education to realize that there is more in common than there are differences. There are meaningful ways to present essential direct instruction that provide children with oral language development and the alphabetic coding that research has shown they need to develop into joyful readers and writers.With the recent paper Print-to-Speech and Speech-to-Print: Mapping Early Literacy, published by Reading Rockets, the panelists, who are authors and contributing editors of the paper, have chosen to address essential components of instructional approaches at their earliest roots—PreK to Grade 1 or 2. In this paper, they found consensus with 35 renowned literacy thought leaders and researchers after much discussion and editing. It suggests “good practices” for early literacy that they hope will address that yearning for meaningfulness on both sides. Listen to this edWeb podcast to:Explore the viewpoints, priorities, and commonalities from the many literacy disciplinesDiscuss the importance of including encoding and decoding that leads to reading and writingLearn about actions you can take to promote harmony while spearheading a literacy revolutionThis edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 teachers and school and district leaders.Learning Ally Unlocking Student Potential Through Improved LiteracyLearn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.

Dr. LaTisha Smith, Director of Professional Development at St. Louis Public Schools in Missouri joins this week to share about why she has committed herself to the growth and development of thousands of educators in her district. She understands first-hand the power that comes along with professional learning and why it matters so much in literacy. In this podcast, we will highlight the leader moves that Dr. Smith is making to drive toward educator and student success. Her passion and purpose shines through. Learn more about Dr. LaTisha Smith Learn more about Learning Ally's Professional Learning --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learning-ally/message

For 25 years, Dr. Terrie Noland has put her energy into leadership and literacy; first as a teacher and administrator, and now as a national non-profit Literacy Leader. Terrie mentor's leaders about the latest research around the science of reading. She hosts a podcast, Learning Ally Literacy Leadership, to build a community of literacy champions. Recognized as a national thought-leader, Terrie speaks to crowds to hear captivating stories, leadership principles, research, and best practices in Literacy, which she always delivers with humor, and inspiration.  Terrie is a Certified Academic Language Practitioner and has a Ph.D. in Literacy. She is Maxwell Leadership Certified and a member of the President's Advisory Council. She hosts the Spotlight Learning Series by Learning Ally and builds communities of educators to lead large in Literacy. Terrie's passion runs deep for children and she is truly an advocate for them and the educators who serve them.   Episode 108 of the Better Learning Podcast   Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com.   Who made this episode possible? Terri Noland Learning Ally Connect on LinkedIn! Follow on Twitter! Kevin Stoller Connect on LinkedIn! Follow on Twitter! Kay-Twelve Kay-Twelve Website LinkedIn Profile Twitter Profile Better Learning Podcast Better Learning Podcast Website Follow on YouTube! Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) The Association for Learning Environments Website LinkedIn Profile Twitter Profile Education Leaders' Organization The Education Leaders' Organization Website LinkedIn Profile Twitter Profile Second Class Foundation The Second Class Foundation Website

PARTNERING WITH STATES ON  EARLY LITERACY  Patrick Brennan, the Government Relations Liason of Learning Ally is my guest to discuss  how the industry  works with state and Federal government to make great education happen.contact patrick at pbrennan@learningally.com Educators, join the Consortium  for Equity, FREE ...See all we do for Equity at ace-ed.org

PARTNERING WITH STATES ON  EARLY LITERACY  Patrick Brennan, the Government Relations Liason of Learning Ally is my guest to discuss  how the industry  works with state and Federal government to make great education happen.contact patrick at pbrennan@learningally.com Educators, join the Consortium  for Equity, FREE ...See all we do for Equity at ace-ed.org

 IMPROVING TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS AND RETENTION WITH THE RIGHT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING FOR THESE TIMES   Teaching the Science of Reading and Brain Based Literacy to educators  in an ongoing approach improves their teaching  and their job fulfillment in an age when we must do all we can to help teacher retention with Learning Ally's  Director of Professional Learning  Brent Hartsell. PLEASE SEE ALL WE DO AT ACE-ED.ORG  

 IMPROVING TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS AND RETENTION WITH THE RIGHT PROFESSIONAL LEARNING FOR THESE TIMES   Teaching the Science of Reading and Brain Based Literacy to educators  in an ongoing approach improves their teaching  and their job fulfillment in an age when we must do all we can to help teacher retention with Learning Ally's  Director of Professional Learning  Brent Hartsell. PLEASE SEE ALL WE DO AT ACE-ED.ORG  

This week we will be taking a journey through the history of Learning Ally to discover leadership moves that needed to be made to propel our organization to a multi-solution literacy provider. You will learn about the rich history of the organization as well as how literacy leaders need to pull some levers while leaving other levers unmoved. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/learning-ally/message

Richard Rieman, “The Audiobook Wizard,” is an acclaimed authority on audio and video self-publishing. He has narrated and produced hundreds of Indie-published audiobooks. He is the author of the Global eBook Awards Gold Medal Winner in Writing/Publishing, “The Author's Guide to Audiobook Creation”. Richard is a Gold Medal National Ben Franklin Independent Book Publishers Assn. (IBPA) Award Winner for Audiobook Nonfiction, an Audible Approved Audiobook Producer, and a 5-time winner of the EVVY Award for audiobook narration and production. Richard is a former guide and racing instructor for visually impaired skiers, a volunteer narrator for Learning Ally; and a member of the Audiobook Narrators of America, the Audio Description Network Alliance, and the Audio Description Project. Join me in this episode and learn why Richard Rieman is a Kickass Boomer!    [00:01 - 07:01] Making Books Accessible for Deaf and Blind Children Started in radio and transitioned to narrating for audio books Being inspired by a friend to do rich audio descriptions of pictures Broadcasting videos for free for blind, deaf and neurodiverse children Selecting books that feature children with differences  [07:02 - 13:10] Creating Audio Description Books Accessible  Audio description books is good for all children  Starting a nonprofit organization for the purpose of giving back   Getting the moniker of “Audiobook Wizard” Finding support for the work he is doing  [13:11 - 24:34] Closing Segment  Doing audiobooks for charity  Read to your children and grandchildren Seeing the rise of audiobook listeners    Connect with Richard Rieman: Email: richard@imaginationstorybooks.org Website:imaginationvideobooks.org   Get the audiobook of “The Author's Guide to Audiobook Creation" by clicking here   Tweetable Quote: “Read to your children, read to your grandchildren. That is the most important thing. And then start early. Start when they're three or even two.And just read these story books to them.Open up these worlds that exist beyond the four walls that they live in and have them love books.” - Richard Rieman ----- BEE BOLD, NOT OLD.  LEAVE A REVIEW and join me on my journey to become and stay a Kickass Boomer! Visit http://kickassboomers.com/ to listen to the previous episodes. Also check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.   You can also connect with me by emailing terry@kickassboomers.com

Richard Rieman, “The Audiobook Wizard,” is an acclaimed authority on audio and video self-publishing. He has narrated and produced hundreds of Indie-published audiobooks. He is the author of the Global eBook Awards Gold Medal Winner in Writing/Publishing, “The Author's Guide to Audiobook Creation”. Richard is a Gold Medal National Ben Franklin Independent Book Publishers Assn. (IBPA) Award Winner for Audiobook Nonfiction, an Audible Approved Audiobook Producer, and a 5-time winner of the EVVY Award for audiobook narration and production. Richard is a former guide and racing instructor for visually impaired skiers, a volunteer narrator for Learning Ally; and a member of the Audiobook Narrators of America, the Audio Description Network Alliance, and the Audio Description Project. Join me in this episode and learn why Richard Rieman is a Kickass Boomer!    [00:01 - 07:01] Making Books Accessible for Deaf and Blind Children Started in radio and transitioned to narrating for audio books Being inspired by a friend to do rich audio descriptions of pictures Broadcasting videos for free for blind, deaf and neurodiverse children Selecting books that feature children with differences  [07:02 - 13:10] Creating Audio Description Books Accessible  Audio description books is good for all children  Starting a nonprofit organization for the purpose of giving back   Getting the moniker of “Audiobook Wizard” Finding support for the work he is doing  [13:11 - 24:34] Closing Segment  Doing audiobooks for charity  Read to your children and grandchildren Seeing the rise of audiobook listeners    Connect with Richard Rieman: Email: richard@imaginationstorybooks.org Website:imaginationvideobooks.org   Get the audiobook of “The Author's Guide to Audiobook Creation" by clicking here   Tweetable Quote: “Read to your children, read to your grandchildren. That is the most important thing. And then start early. Start when they're three or even two.And just read these story books to them.Open up these worlds that exist beyond the four walls that they live in and have them love books.” - Richard Rieman ----- BEE BOLD, NOT OLD.  LEAVE A REVIEW and join me on my journey to become and stay a Kickass Boomer! Visit http://kickassboomers.com/ to listen to the previous episodes. Also check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.   You can also connect with me by emailing terry@kickassboomers.com

THE  COALITION FOR LITERACY EQUITY Favorite guest and fellow podcast host Molly Ness is back to speak on book deserts and their effect on learning and what we can do about it. Molly is also the VP of Academic Content at Learning Ally. This podcast is archived where everything we do is located or linked at ace-ed.org

THE  COALITION FOR LITERACY EQUITY Favorite guest and fellow podcast host Molly Ness is back to speak on book deserts and their effect on learning and what we can do about it. Molly is also the VP of Academic Content at Learning Ally. This podcast is archived where everything we do is located or linked at ace-ed.org

Dr. Molly Ness, Vice-President of Academic Content at Learning Ally shares information about the current release of the NAEP Scores (National Assessment of Educational Progress). Rather than looking at the NAEP scores as an alarm with doom and gloom outcomes, Dr. Ness reminds us that they should be merely used to understand the temperature of where we are as a nation and serve as a tool to help us march toward a clear vision of reading instruction for the future. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/learning-ally/message

The Spotlight on Literacy Leadership event hosted by Learning Ally is the basis of this two-part podcast series because I think it's important for us to help define, know, and understand what we mean by literacy leadership. This podcast and next week's podcast will help shape our thinking about what it means to be a literacy leader. This week caps off the two part series by diving into the values of: integrity, trust, and legacy. Who are the people in your world that you would consider to be Literacy Leaders? Who are the people that are leading large around you? Is your name on that list? I hope it is. Register for the Spotlight on Literacy Leadership virtual event to learn from individuals that are leading with courage. Can't make it live- no worries, you will get access to the recordings. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/learning-ally/message

The Spotlight on Literacy Leadership event hosted by Learning Ally is the basis of this two-part podcast series because it's important for us to help define, know, and understand what we mean by literacy leadership. This 2-part podcast will help shape thinking around what it means to be a literacy leader. When you hear the words literacy leader: What comes to mind? What do you think of? Who do you think of? Who are the people in your world that you would consider to be Literacy Leaders? Who are the people that are leading large around you? Is your name on that list? I hope it is. Register for the Spotlight on Literacy Leadership virtual event to learn from individuals that are leading with courage. Can't make it live- no worries, you will get access to the recordings. In Undiagnosed: The Ugly Side of Dyslexia Ameer Baraka must reconcile his past through the misconception that he's unable to learn. This story will tug at your heart strings and leave you without a doubt of the power of having a literacy leader and champion in a person's life. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/learning-ally/message

Dr. Terrie Noland sits down with the Managing Partners, Gina Emdin, Shannon Penrose-Maddux, and Amanda Sink, for an in-depth look at the relationships they are building across the nation with schools and districts. In the second part of this 2-part series, Dr. Noland digs into the unique journeys that led each Managing Partner to Learning Ally, why building relationships with districts and educational stakeholders is necessary, and how a sense of community and belonging are essential to Learning Ally's mission. Guests on this episode: Amanda Sink - Managing Partner, Great Lakes Shannon Penrose-Maddux - Managing Partner, West Gina Emdin - Managing Partner, Northeast & Mid-Atlantic This episode was produced by Eleanor Cotton and edited and engineered by Elizabeth Zwerg. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/learning-ally/message

THE ESSENTIAL LEADERSHIP OF SCHOOL LIBRARIES IN LITERACY: AASL President Kathy Lester is joined by  Dr. Molly Ness of Learning Ally, founder of The Coalition of Literacy Equity, member of the  Board of Directors at ILA . Read the ILA report we spoke about at https://www.literacyworldwide.org/docs/default-source/where-we-stand/the-essential-leadership-of-school-librarians.pdf_  *********************************** Everything we do is linked at the home website of The American Consortium for Equity in Education  at ace-ed.org: 1.Teacher-Retention.com and Teaching Reset Professional Development 2. SELtoday.org 3The Excellence in Equity Awards Program 4.Our online journal 'Equity& Access PreK12

THE ESSENTIAL LEADERSHIP OF SCHOOL LIBRARIES IN LITERACY: AASL President Kathy Lester is joined by  Dr. Molly Ness of Learning Ally, founder of The Coalition of Literacy Equity, member of the  Board of Directors at ILA . Read the ILA report we spoke about at https://www.literacyworldwide.org/docs/default-source/where-we-stand/the-essential-leadership-of-school-librarians.pdf_  *********************************** Everything we do is linked at the home website of The American Consortium for Equity in Education  at ace-ed.org: 1.Teacher-Retention.com and Teaching Reset Professional Development 2. SELtoday.org 3The Excellence in Equity Awards Program 4.Our online journal 'Equity& Access PreK12

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Learning Ally.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.Listen to this edWeb podcast with Rebecca Miles to hear a practitioner's story, an account of the transformation of her school of origin, and her attempt to replicate the success at a county level as an early literacy coach consultant. Through her successes and failures, she has developed The Simple View of Educational Success: A Formula for Equitable Instruction. Rebecca will share what she has learned from schools and their leadership about those that succeed against the odds. This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 teachers and school and district leaders.

James Boehm is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and the Accessibility Coordinator at The Refuge Center in Franklin, TN. James is a passionate leader and an advocate who values empowering others to their fullest potential. His specialties within counseling include, but are not limited to, adjustment to disability, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, suicidal ideation, and addiction. Boehm believes strongly in advocacy and equality for all individuals, including people with disabilities. James serves on the Nashville Mayor's Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, is the former President of the Nashville Chapter and state VP of the National Federation of the Blind, and is Founder and President of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit You Cane Give with his wife, Wendy Boehm. He also founded and served on the TN Association of Guide Dog Users (he has an amazing guide dog named Bogey) and has been a mentor to college students with Learning Ally. In this episode, James shares his story of battling mental illness, becoming blind as an adult and how he's learned to handle life's various chapters with honesty and optimism, and through healing, collaboration and empowerment.

There is a world of difference between disability accommodations in the K-12 system and disability accommodations in the postsecondary system.  Today's episode addresses some of those differences in accommodations that parents and teachers need to be aware of when students with disabilities plan for college.   Just because your child or student had a specific accommodation in high school does not mean they will get the same accommodation in college.   You will also be able to download a tip sheet put out by Learning Ally that shares many examples of common accommodations for K-12 students with dyslexia.  I used the tip sheet to show how many of the accommodations your child might have in K-12  for reading, spelling, writing, math, homework, and testing that may not apply to college. Learning Ally Accommodation Tip Sheet for Students with Dyslexia#57 Math Differences from High School to College with Dr. Paul NoltingGet the latest episode of College, Disabilities, and Success delivered to your inbox!FREE Copy of Mickie Teaches "The Americans with Disabilities Act -Chapter 2" from College & Disabilities: 9 Changes Every Parent Should Know

Facilitators: Terry-Ann and Sandhya Topics: : How to set a reminder; taps not working in Bard app; using Siri to call a business; app for reading text books - Learning Ally; shift enter to enter a hard return in text message; navigating e-mail with lots of links and headings; app; transportation apps - Moovit, All Aboard; trouble downloading a book on BARD; iBUG Bytes - the Clock app; iToys segment - Marty iWalk charger - can charge iPHone and Apple Watch, has built-in lightening cable. using screen recognition to improve access to inaccessible banking app.

This week on Inspirational Journeys, my special guest and I had a fabulous conversation about producing audio/video books for visually impaired and hearing impaired children. We talked about the importance of sharing audio described picture books in audio format to sighted children, so they could enjoy the book alongside their visually impaired peers. Imagination Videobooks Founder and CEO Richard Rieman Ree-man), “The Audiobook Wizard,” is an acclaimed authority on audio and video self-publishing. He has narrated and produced hundreds of Indie-published audiobooks. He is the author of the Global eBook Awards Gold Medal Winner in Writing/Publishing, “The Author's Guide to Audiobook Creation.” Richard is a Gold Medal National Ben Franklin Independent Book Publishers Assn. (IBPA) Award Winner for Audiobook Nonfiction, an Audible Approved Audiobook Producer, and a 5-time winner of the EVVY Award for audiobook narration and production. Richard is a former guide and racing instructor for visually impaired skiers, a volunteer narrator for Learning Ally; and a member of the Audiobook Narrators of America, the Audio Description Network Alliance, and the Audio Description Project. Connect with Richard at the following links: Home - (imaginationvideobooks.org) (19) Imagination Videobooks | Facebook (13) Richard Rieman | LinkedIn (20) Imagination Videobooks (@IVideobooks) / Twitter Subscribe to the Imagination Videobooks podcast: https://anchor.fm/audiobookwizard If you're looking for high quality editing services at reasonable prices, send queries to theplotstitch@gmail.com Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site. Support this podcast with a monthly donation: https://anchor.fm/inspirational-journeys/support or you can give a one-time donation via PayPal at: https://paypal.me/annHarrisonBarnes?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/inspirational-journeys/message

This edWeb podcast is sponsored by Learning Ally.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.This edWeb podcast is a chance to hear from school leaders and agents of change about their experiences in transforming school literacy systems and curricula. As thought leaders from the field pose questions relating to the journey, school leaders each discuss aspects of the shifts in instructional practices within their schools and districts and the positive results they have seen. In their willingness to share both the joys and challenges in switching to an approach based on the science of how children learn to read, this discussion is intended to reflect both the unity and the openness to ongoing learning needed at all levels as the current literacy crisis is addressed. This edWeb podcast is of interest to K-12 school and district leaders.Learning Ally Unlocking Student Potential Through Improved Literacy

We had the privilege of welcoming Michael Kinsey to the show to talk about how the work Learning Ally is doing in Audiobooks is changing the way kids are learning in school and how teacher and parents are finding new ways to help kids with "learning disabilities" succeed!  If you or someone you know has ever struggled in school or work, whether from dyslexia, ADD, visually impairment, there are some amazing tools and methods you can use to adjust how you process information and organize your lives. You don't want to miss this amazing conversation!    PS: Cam has a recording session and missed this episode until the very end. Jason is also in the process of redoing his office so you are going to be stuck looking at the white wall behind his head. 

Assistive technology has come a long way in the last thirty years. In the past, there was a stigma surrounding assistive technology that fortunately isn't seen often today. With technology more accessible and a multitude of tools at our fingertips, students with all kinds of different needs are able to get the assistance they need to succeed.   But what is assistive technology? Today's guest is Avlyn Kotton and in this episode, she not only describes what assistive technology is, but also gives many examples and links to great resources. As an educational therapist during the COVID-19 pandemic, Avlyn transitioned her clients to online learning with strategies and offers academic and emotional support to families trying to navigate the process of educating their children from home, while many parents need to continue to work.    These strategies could be a game-changer for a lot of students and just the key they need to succeed.   Show Notes: [4:09] - Assistive technology is any kind of tool to help a child to compensate for any type of learning deficit a child might have. Avlyn explains that it could be as simple as a pencil grip or as advanced as a software program. [5:06] - As technology has progressed and has become more accessible to students, it has become easier to teach students to use assistive technology. There is less of a stigma of using them because it is common practice. [6:21] - During the COVID-19 pandemic, Avlyn was already familiar with many programs and online platforms. [7:41] - Avlyn describes how listening to an audiobook alongside the physical book with colored highlighters has helped many students with reading comprehension. [9:18] - Audiobooks are also great for students who want a different modality to read. [10:17] - Assistive technology is an equalizer. It gives students an opportunity to learn with the help that they need. Avlyn describes what this means and gives real-life examples. [11:29] - It is also important that parents and teachers are shown how to use assistive technology to best implement them in the classroom. [11:51] - Avlyn highly recommends Notability and Quizlet. She shares what these programs are great for. [13:34] - Avlyn often suggests that some students are given the accommodation to use a calculator. This also relieves anxiety. [15:28] - For writing, there are dictation programs. Microsoft Word also has this feature now. [16:01] - When children talk, they tend to have better vocabulary and details than when they write. Dictation tools are great, but students will also need assistance with editing. [17:11] - Avlyn describes how she uses 4 devices at a time to work with students and what this looks like during the time of remote learning. [18:19] - There are many online learning platforms that offer a lot of different ways to interact through technology, including SeeSaw and Google Classroom. [19:33] - Even for kids who are gifted and really competent learners, it is very difficult to navigate through online learning due to the need for executive functioning skills that are developed enough for their age. [21:29] - Without the structure of school, it is a challenge for many students to transition between activities and lessons. [22:26] - The biggest problem Avlyn is seeing is the higher levels of anxiety in students she works with. She shares her thoughts on why this is. [23:31] - Avlyn describes another helpful site called Learning Ally which gives students with learning disabilities access to digital and audio textbooks. [24:49] - In addition to assistive technology, students need to develop learning strategies. This is what Avlyn does as an educational therapist.  [26:44] - The role of an educational therapist is to help with learning, but also as a support for parents. [27:36] - Avlyn shares an inspiring story from a student applying for college. [29:36] - Often there are times where parents of children with learning difficulties find that they had the same learning problems as children but didn't have the tools to help. [32:27] - The tools and professionals we have now are gifts for students to be able to reach their full potential. [33:51] - One of the most important things is to work together as a team for the child - the parent, the educational therapist, the teacher, the school, etc. About Our Guest: Avlyn has thirty years' experience working with both public and private school students from Kindergarten to High School who have learning differences including Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, ADHD, Executive Functioning Deficits, and other learning differences. Avlyn has been an active member of the Association of Educational Therapists and has presented at national conferences on the identification of learning disabilities and assistive technology skills. Areas of focus also include Test Preparation and Study Skills as well as School Placement. Collaborating as part of a multi-disciplinary team with classroom teachers, learning specialists, support professionals and parents helps to ensure that the needs of a student are being addressed and necessary accommodations can be implemented.    Connect with Avlyn Kotton: Kotton Educational Therapy ChildNEXUS Profile: Avlyn Kotton Kotton Educational Therapy on Facebook Kotton Educational Therapy Center on Twitter Email: akotton@gmail.com  Links and Resources: ChildNEXUS Home Page ChildNEXUS Instagram Assistive Technology for Students with Learning Disabilities Dragon Dictate - Dictation Software Learning Ally Notability App Quizlet