The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan

Starred review from August 19, 2013
In a passionate and well-articulated guide that puts to rest the idea that dyslexic people are unintelligent, disabilities advocate Foss (himself dyslexic and the creator of Intel Reader, a text-to-speech device) describes dyslexia as a characteristic and a disability that should be accommodated in the same way as blindness or mobility issues. Foss reframes the use of film, audiobooks, and material read aloud as “ear-reading,” in contrast to the “eye-reading” that is the educational standard. Though, as Foss notes, eye-reading is a useful skill that can be improved by teaching methods like Orton-Gillingham, by mid-elementary school, dyslexic students should be accommodated with auditory materials. He hopes that parents can learn to explain their child’s needs in a way that will win them essential support, and that they can help their child build self-esteem. Foss describes the current state of assistive technology and highlights the availability of material from resources like Learning Ally; he also discusses how to navigate good accommodations in the school environment and determine if a school is inappropriate for your child’s welfare. This extremely practical and motivational book will be welcomed by parents of dyslexic children. Agent: Carol Mann, Carol Mann Agency.

March 1, 2013

One of the 30 million Americans struggling with dyslexia, Foss--founder of the advocacy group Headstrong Nation--offers coping strategies he's learned.

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2013

We live in a text-driven world, whether it appears in print or on the Internet. This makes navigating information difficult for those with dyslexia. Foss, who is dyslexic himself, is the inventor of the Intel Reader, a mobile device that photographs text and reads it aloud, and founder of Headstrong Nation, a nonprofit organization serving the dyslexic community. He is committed, with this book, to "renewing your child's confidence and love of learning." A strong advocate for individuals with the disorder, Foss writes in an accessible and reassuring conversational tone--and, after all, he notes, if he is successful, then there is hope for your child. He explains the myths of dyslexia and exposes parents to the concept of mapping a child's unique abilities using a "strengths star"--putting the focus on the child's unique combination of learning styles as that child's primary tools for processing content. While the idea of different learning styles is hardly new, the graphic representation of a star encourages the reader to think beyond "eye-reading" and consider other ways of receiving information. VERDICT Foss's no-nonsense, practical advice to parents includes testing their children for dyslexia, the individualized education plan (IEP) process, and building community. Most important, he keeps the focus on the individuals with dyslexia, who are not broken; they just learn differently. [See Prepub Alert, 3/1/13.]--Virginia Johnson, Weymouth P.L., MA

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.