It's Dyslexia Awareness Month!

  Accessible Instructional Materials (AIM)  Make a point to find more information this month about dyslexia and other learning disabilities that result in print disabilities. Learn about readily available accessible instructional materials that students with learning disabilities need to succeed in the classroom. Visit AIM-VA to learn more about accessible print materials for eligible K-12 students in Virginia.

Real Life Examples "Like a Dyslexic," is a video by a 12-year old girl, Isley, who has dyslexia. In this video she highlights the amazing accomplishments of famous individuals who have dyslexia. She raises awareness and expresses a personal hope to "fly" like one of her heroes, Richard Branson.

Here are some additional inspiring videos about individuals with dyslexia:

"Exclusive Sir Richard Branson on Dyslexia," a video (3.44 min.) by Friends of Quinn and the National Center on Learning Disabilities on YouTube

"When Struggling with Dyslexia Makes You A Better Entreprenuer,"  on the Fast Company website.

"An Index of Successful Dyslexics," on the website of the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity

"Success & Inspiration Stories," on the University of Michigan website

"Star Power: Celebrities With Learning and Attention Issues," by Amanda Morin on the Understood.org website.  

Students with dyslexia respond well to alternative book formats and specialized reading instruction. Here’s how you can get started with AIM-VA:

SOAR with an AIM-VA Account An account provides Virginia educators with a “one-stop-shop” to request accessible instructional materials (AIM) for eligible Virginia K-12 students. With an account, you can:

• Search for aim through the AIM-VA library, including books available from DBVI, Learning Ally, Bookshare and Amazon;
• Order textbooks and reading materials in multiple accessible formats unique to your student’s needs;
• Add new materials to the AIM-VA library by sending documents you have created for your students that you would like to convert to an alternate format; and
• Request technical assistance and training.

For more information about accessible instructional materials (AIM) in Virginia, visit the AIM-VA home page. In other states, contact a special education teacher or school administrator to learn about eligibility and mention the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Follow AIM-VA on Facebook ., Pinterest ., and Twitter at @AIMVirginia. Subscribe to AIM-VA's new monthly newsletter. Sign up here.