VCU Dyslexia Symposium focuses on empowering underserved students

By Laura O'Brien

Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Education will host its annual Dyslexia Symposium on Saturday, Nov. 9, focusing on challenges faced by underrepresented minorities with dyslexia. The event will feature a keynote by Winifred A. Winston, founder of Dyslexia Advocation, and a series of expert-led breakout sessions.

The symposium offers in-person and virtual attendance options, with participants gaining insights as well as practical tools and networking opportunities. Registration is available until Oct. 31 at bit.ly/DyslexiaSymVCU.

The keynote address, "Unlocking Potential Together: How to Forge Dynamic Alliances in the Dyslexia Journey," will be delivered by Winston, whose experience navigating the special education system as a parent of a child with dyslexia led her to establish a nonprofit focused on improving access to quality interventions for Black and minority students.

"When parents are informed advocates, they can transform the educational experience for their children with dyslexia, especially in underrepresented communities where access to quality resources and accurate information about dyslexia can be nonexistent, limited or incorrect," Winston said.

Keynote speaker Winifred Winston brings 15 years of expertise as an HR and career management administrator in K-12 and higher education. (Courtesy Winifred Winston)

Funded by the Ruth Harris Professorship in Dyslexia Studies, the symposium continues to advance the understanding and support of individuals with dyslexia, particularly within minority communities. Kathleen Rudasill, Ph.D., interim dean of the VCU School of Education, emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to support those affected by dyslexia.

"The Dyslexia Symposium represents a powerful moment for learning and collaboration. We're incredibly grateful for the support of the Ruth Harris Professorship in Dyslexia Studies, which allows us to continue providing this essential platform for research and advocacy," Rudasill said.

The Nov. 9 event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the VCU School of Business, 301 W. Main St. VCU students can attend for free, with discounted rates available for students from other Virginia universities.

All breakout sessions are offered in person, and sessions marked with an * are also offered virtually. Sessions include:

• "Phonics Unlocked: The Power of Explicit Instruction and Flexible Grouping," Megan Siepka and Laurie Gingrich
• "Inclusive and Assistive Technology for Reading and Writing," Amber Butler, Ed.D., and Sharon Jones
• "DYScover Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia," Diane Lewis and Leslie Murphy-Brown
• * "Intensifying Reading Instruction for Struggling Students," Kristin Kane and Mary Murray Stowe, Ed.D.
• "Building Blocks of Words: Morphology for Spelling," Sarah Martin
• "Boosting Classroom Success: Supporting Processing Speed," Beth Petzer
• "Reading Knowledge in General and Special Education: A Case Study," Stowe
• * "Empowering Parents: Building Dyslexia Support Networks," Winifred A. Winston

Established in 2010 through a gift from Dr. Louis and Ruth Harris, the Ruth Harris Professorship in Dyslexia Studies funds critical research and work in reading disabilities, focusing on dyslexia. "The symposium reflects the heart of our mission: to enhance understanding and improve outcomes for individuals with language learning disabilities," Rudasilli said.

"We need more educators who are prepared to work with neurodiverse students. When I was young, that support was lacking, so I lost many years," said Charles A. Harris, whose parents established the professorship in 2010. "Our family's guiding principle is that any gift should have a lasting impact and continue to grow and give back. This is why we emphasize endowments rather than just a one-time gift. It's a significant part of how my parents shaped my thinking."

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