Closer to the Ocean
The goal of our Closer to the Ocean program is to help students with dyslexia become skilled readers, to know and understand their diagnosis, and to become confident and successful students and adults. The ability to pay should never be a barrier to literacy.
Dyslexia is one of the most common specific learning disabilities (SLD) in the world. According to the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity, it affects up to 20 percent of the population. However, very few are made aware of their learning difference, let alone receive the proper intervention.
Dyslexia does not discriminate, it occurs in every socio-economic group, culture, race, and gender. It impacts males and females equally, and can be found in people who speak every language and in every community.
Simply put, an individual with dyslexia has a brain that processes language differently.
Closer to the Ocean is a program of the INW Dyslexia Alliance that addresses each stage of the dyslexic journey by offering screenings, diagnosis, and intervention services.
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Brief assessment that identifies whether or not someone is at high risk for dyslexia. Stay tuned for more information on this!
In 2021, SB 6162 went into effect in Washington state that requires all public schools to screen K–2 students for dyslexia and other literacy challenges, inform parents, and provide appropriate evidence-based, multisensory structured literacy interventions. Unfortunately, not all schools are providing appropriate intervention and currently the law is only for K-2 students.
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A comprehensive evaluation conducted by a licensed and clinically certified Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) who is able to provide an official diagnosis for special education and placement services.
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1:1 literacy support that uses an Orton-Gillingham based model. To make a significant gain in literacy, two sessions per week are recommended until a certain milestone is reached within the Wilson Reading Program.
These services cannot succeed in isolation. They require teamwork involving parents/caregivers, administration, classroom teacher, and outside resources when necessary. Every person, regardless of learning style, should be given the opportunity to learn how to read.
“When first finding out Jack was struggling and falling far behind his peers in reading and writing, we felt we were swimming in the dark. We were desperate to find answers and find a path to help our son positively move forward with his learning. INW Dyslexia Alliance and Alicia became our lifeline in the dark. Their immediate response to our request for help, their ability to get Jack assessed quickly, and their drive to provide us with the answers and knowledge of how to help our son grow and thrive has been inspiring and greatly appreciated. INW Dyslexia was able to start us on a positive path forward with their assessment of Jack, and Alicia made the process so comfortable for Jack that that he told us it was the most fun he has ever had learning. Our family looks forward to continuing our relationship with everyone at INW Dyslexia Alliance.”
-The Zimmerman Family
Help build up our Client Assistance Fund and give individuals access to dyslexia evaluations and literacy intervention!
Our "donate what you can" model supports families of all income levels. If families are not in a position to give the suggested donation, we ask they give what they can. The Client Assistance Fund (CAF) - built up by donors, grantees and fundraisers - is an instrumental part of providing financial assistance to families. One-time or monthly donations make a significant impact!