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Register now for the 2024 IDA-Florida Annual Conference!


Join us at the beautiful Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld for an immersive two-day event dedicated to enhancing literacy education. The Paving the Pathway to Literacy: Partnering with Professionals and Parents conference offers an excellent opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate, paving the way for improved literacy outcomes.

We look forward to welcoming you to this enriching event!

Registration fee includes Friday dinner, Saturday lunch and access to all sessions, poster sessions, and table talks. Cash bar will be open for Friday night’s event. Participants may choose to attend parts of the conference but must pay full conference price.


Become an IDA member and SAVE on registration!

Early Bird Registration (Sale ends September 13th)

  • IDA Member $199
  • Nonmember $229
  • Student $179
  • Discounted Group Rate (5 tickets or more) $175 each

General Admission

  • IDA Member $229
  • Nonmember $259
  • Student $199
  • Discounted Group Rate (5 tickets or more) $199 each


Book your room by September 13th to take advantage of the discounted rate!

Hotel Accommodations at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
Special conference hotel room rates are available at the link below. Total cost per night with taxes is $223.88 plus a $25 resort fee. Self-Parking is $18 per day. *Both the resort and parking fees represent a 50% discount for IDA-FL.

Please click on the link for more details.

https://book.passkey.com/go/IDAFloridaConference2024


At the conference, you will not want to miss the movie screening of Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars!

Hopeville’s Director Harvey Hubbell V sure didn’t surf his way through school. Growing up with dyslexia, Harvey faced numerous challenges. The worst? Learning how to read! And he’s nowhere near alone. 

America’s reading levels have steadily been on the decline. However, there’s a solution! Implementing evidence-based reading instruction across this country is the answer. We’ve talked to scientists, educators and parents and we have evidence to show, when using the right teaching methods, we can drastically change the course of literacy
in America.

We can’t ignore this issue. We must win the Reading Wars and change reading instruction for generations to come.

This isn’t just a movie. It’s a movement!


Conference Schedule

Friday, October 4th

Registration opens at 4:00 p.m.

4:00-6:00 PM

Mix & Mingle Reception- Explore the exhibit hall, meet exhibitors, table talk facilitators, presenters, and IDA-FL board members

Table Talks (see presenters and topics below)

  • Christy Brekhausen- Bridging the Gap: Leveraging Decodable Texts and Oral Language to Enhance Reading Comprehension
  • Chad Houvouras- AD/HD and Executive Functioning: Strategies for Success
  • Gabriela Mancini- The Dyslexic Brain: Mapping Neural Pathways
  • Heather Webb- The Power of Picture Books
  • Jamie Zimmelman- The Language of Math: Elevating Understanding Through Literacy
6:00-7:00 PM 

Dinner

7:00-8:00 PM 

Special Guest Speaker: Gil Gershoni, “Turning Limitations into Opportunities”

Saturday, October 5th
7:15-8:00 AM 

Check in at the IDA-FL table

  • Explore the exhibit hall
  • Sign up for silent auction items
8:00-8:20 AM

Welcome: Dr. E. Judith Cohen, IDA-FL President

8:20-8:45 AM

Keynote Session: Adrianna Swearingen, “Shine Bright for Florida Students”

8:45-9:50 AM

Keynote Session: Valentina Contesse, Ph.D., “Developing Foundational Reading Skills”

10:00-11:15 AM 

Break-Out Sessions (Choose One)

  • Professional Track: Nancy Coffman, CALT, QI, “Taking Spelling to the Next Level”
  • Parent Track: Sunshine Moss, Ph.D., “Dyslexia Policy: What Parents and Educators Need to Know”
11:30-12:30 PM

Lunch Break- Enjoy the taco/salad buffet and explore the exhibit hall

12:30-1:30 PM

Break-Out Sessions (Choose One)

  • Professional Track: Christine Teahan, M.A. and April Laing, M.S., “The Writing Revolution: Explicit Writing Instruction in Service of Learning”
  • Parent Track: Jesse Steif, Ed.S., NCSP, “Evaluations”
1:40-2:40 PM

Break-Out Sessions (Choose One)

  • Professional Track: Jennie Farrant, M.Ed., “Harness the Power of Games”
  • Parent Track: Lida Grillo, M.Ed., “Building Positive Parent-School Partnerships to Improve Outcomes for Students with Dyslexia”
2:45-4:30 PM

Facilitated Sessions (Choose One)

  • Exclusive Screening of the movie Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars, Facilitated by Dr. E. Judith Cohen
  • Interactive Session, “The Challenges of Dyslexia: How Does it Feel?”, Facilitated by Milaura Spelman, M.S., CCC-SLP
4:30 PM

Fill out conference evaluations

Note: Links to resource packets will be posted on our website at fl.dyslexiaida.org 

Important Conference Links

The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, scientific, and educational organization dedicated to the study and treatment of the learning disability, dyslexia. The purpose of the IDA is to pursue and provide the most comprehensive range of information and services that address the full scope of dyslexia and related difficulties in learning to read and write…in a way that creates hope, possibility, and partnership, so every individual has the opportunity to lead a productive and fulfilling life, and society benefits from the resource that is liberated.      

IDA-Florida’s vision is that students in Florida will receive Structured Literacy instruction, provided by effective teachers, who understand the Science of Reading. Our mission is that IDA-FL will be the state leader in the awareness and dissemination of current knowledge, research, and resources regarding dyslexia and related language-based learning disabilities. We will provide guidance, based on the Science of Reading, that informs appropriate assessment, Structured Literacy instruction, and intervention. This information will be available to all stakeholders, including children and adults with dyslexia, their families, teachers, and related professionals.

We invite you to JOIN OUR MISSION to serve those whose lives are impacted by dyslexia and related learning challenges.

IDA Launches 75th Anniversary Edition of Perspectives

Exciting news! The International Dyslexia Association proudly presents the highly anticipated 75th Anniversary Edition of Perspectives on Language and Literacy. This milestone publication offers invaluable insights into Structured Literacy, a crucial aspect of modern literacy instruction. Within its pages, readers will find contributions from leading experts in the field, providing comprehensive perspectives on the importance and practical application of Structured Literacy instruction.

As literacy practices evolve, it’s essential for educators, parents, and stakeholders to stay informed and equipped with the latest research and methodologies. This anniversary edition serves as a beacon of knowledge, guiding readers through the intricacies of Structured Literacy and empowering them to foster literacy success for all learners.

Whether you’re a seasoned educator or a concerned parent, this edition of Perspectives promises to deepen your understanding of literacy instruction and inspire positive change in educational practices. Join us in celebrating this milestone and explore the transformative power of Structured Literacy. For more information and to view our resource website today at www.dyslexialibrary.org.

Watch Recordings of Previous Webinars on Our YouTube Channel

Dr. Brady’s Presentation Resources:

The Reading Comprehension Blueprint: The Why, The What & A Bit of the How! with Nancy Hennessey

In each episode of Reading Road Trip from IDA Ontario, host and classroom teacher, Kate Winn, explores evidence-based literacy instruction with a fabulous guest. From researchers and authors to educators and advocates, they’re all sharing practical ideas that can be implemented now in your class, school or district!

Check out S2 E8: Dyslexia Facts, Myths and Strategies with Dr. Jack Fletcher! Kate chats with Dr. Jack Fletcher, unpacking all things dyslexia: Risk factors and prevention, dyslexia vs dysteachia, instructional tips, wait-to-fail, and dyslexia myths and misconceptions.


Join IDA!

By joining our organization, you will be in the company of the world’s foremost researchers, teachers, professionals, and parents dedicated to helping individuals with dyslexia, their families and those that support them. Your membership will not only give you exclusive access to this extraordinary community but will also help support Structured Literacy teacher preparation and training required to help thousands of children in the years to come.

Visit the International Dyslexia Association Homepage


What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a language-based specific learning disability, that is neurobiological in origin. It affects the phonological component of language. Characteristics include difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition, spelling, and decoding abilities. Students with dyslexia require Structured Literacy instruction, based on the Science of Reading. Click on What is Dyslexia above for a complete definition and more information.


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