Our Mission
To advocate for effective multi-sensory education of individuals with dyslexia;
to facilitate appropriate education of professionals; and to provide support to those affected by dyslexia.
Live Webinar
Seriously,
Syntax Matters
The Role of the Sentence in
Constructing Comprehension
Join us for a 90-Minute Virtual Workshop with Nancy Hennessy, Author of The Reading Comprehension Blueprint
Nancy Lewis Hennessy, M.Ed.
Structured Literacy emphasizes that comprehension relies on many language skills. A critical but often overlooked factor is syntax—how sentences, from read-alouds to complex texts, convey meaning.
Understanding grammar categories (words, phrases, clauses) is necessary, but learners must also see how these parts support comprehension. Equally important is recognizing how ideas within and across sentences connect to form a cohesive whole. Join us as we explore why, what, and how of sentence comprehension—and its link to writing.
Nancy is the past president of the International Dyslexia Association, author of The Reading Comprehension Blueprint and co-author of LETRS with Louisa Moats. A nationally recognized speaker and trainer, she has earned top honors, including IDA’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Date: Wednesday, November 5
Time: 6:30-8:00 PM
Cost: $25
Recording Available
Free Online Live Event
Interactive Dyslexia Simulation
What if You Could Experience Dyslexia for an Hour?
Go beyond the books and clinical descriptions. Our immersive dyslexia simulation puts you directly into the experience, revealing the daily processing hurdles that can make reading, writing, spelling, and learning a challenge.
This is not about theory; it's about building understanding and empathy. Our session is structured around hands-on simulations followed by guided group reflection. You will feel the frustration, the perseverance, and the unique way of thinking that defines the dyslexic experience.
We will conclude with a 30-minute Q&A with dyslexia experts to answer your questions and deepen your understanding. You'll leave with a powerful new perspective that will change the way you support, teach, and advocate for your students and children.
To understand, you have to be there. This special event is a live experience only and will not be recorded. Please note, participation is for adults only. Register today to better understand the children you champion.
Date: Thursday, October 23
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Cost: Free
Parent Support Group
November 18, 2025. 6:30-8:00pm.
Online via Zoom.
Nebraska Dyslexia Association is a 100% volunteer-led organization, dedicated to providing support and resources for families affected by dyslexia. We know firsthand the challenges families face when trying to get a diagnosis, navigate the school systems, find a tutor, and more. Join with other families to learn, get and give support, and to know that you are not alone.
Past Event
Free Book Study!
The Nebraska Dyslexia Association and author Dr. Kelli Sandman-Hurley were joined by parents across the state to discuss how to support our children and students with dyslexia, how to secure the educational services they're entitled to, and how to coordinate successfully with the school.
Please join our newsletter to stay informed of our next book study event.
The book is available on Amazon:
Dyslexia Advocate! How to Advocate for a Child with Dyslexia within the Public Education System
Also available as a follow-along computer-read audio book on Bookshare.org
And as a human-read audio book on LearningAlly.org
Please complete this form if you would like to be added as a tutor to the list
How Teaching Kids to Read Went So Wrong
New episodes February 20th, 2025
There's an idea about how children learn to read that's held sway in schools for more than a generation — even though it was proven wrong by cognitive scientists decades ago. Teaching methods based on this idea can make it harder for children to learn how to read. In this podcast from American Public Media, host Emily Hanford investigates the influential authors who promote this idea and the company that sells their work. It's an exposé of how educators came to believe in something that isn't true and are now reckoning with the consequences — children harmed, money wasted, an education system upended.
NDA Newsletter Archive
Resources
Helpful information, guides and resources from expert sources.
Teaching Reading Is Rocket Science, 2020
National Reading Panel Report
Science of Reading Resource Library
IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading
Special Education
Eligibility
Early Literacy Activities
This specialty certificate from the University of Nebraska Omaha is open to any student with a bachelor's degree that is seeking additional expertise in Dyslexia.
Orton-Gillingham Based
5-day Structured Literacy Workshop
Lincoln, NE, July 22-26, 2024
Registrations due June 16, 2024
This Structured Literacy 5-day training, is designed for teachers, tutors, and parents wanting to learn to help dyslexic students and all students who struggle with reading, writing, and spelling. This methodology is appropriate for individual, small and whole group instruction. PRACTICUM experience with students will be offered on the afternoons of July 24, 25, and 26
