This toolkit helps you learn how to effectively advocate for your literacy needs in school.
You will learn:
- Why self-advocacy is important
- What to advocate for
- How to communicate about your literacy needs
This toolkit includes:
- Online Tutorial
- Infographics
- Tools & Resources
Get Started
What is Advocacy and Why is It Important?
You are your own best advocate! Learn the power of self-advocacy, why it's important, and how it helps you succeed in school.
Explore These Resources to Learn More!
Explore the power of self-advocacy, what it is, what it looks like and how it helps you succeed in school.
Topic: Advocacy


On this webpage, you will obtain the definition of self-advocacy, learn about the way you learn, find out how to maximize your support team, and become familiar with your legal rights.
Topic: Advocacy, Dyslexia


This resource explains how to get what you need as a middle and high school student.
Topic: Advocacy, Adolescent Literacy


Dyslexia Brings Many Gifts
Watch this video, from KidsRead2Kids Jacob Blumenstein, about growing up with dyslexia and how to embrace your differences.
How To Be a Self-Advocate
You deserve advocating for. Embrace your role as an advocate and learn how to speak up for your literacy needs.
Download Important Steps For Self-Advocacy
Explore These Resources to Learn More!
It is common to feel uneasy about entering the workforce when you have a reading disability. Knowing where to turn when you need information or support can help. Learn more by visiting these websites.
This tool can help students convey accommodations needed to learn.
Topic: Advocacy


Learn how to build self-advocacy skills to help you get what they need. Rehearsing common situations can help you know where to start.
Topic: Advocacy, Adolescent Literacy


Active Listening is a key tool in school and in life. However, it is not taught in class and can be difficult to learn. Here are our tips and tricks to get started.
Topic: Advocacy, Dyslexia


Videos of technology tips for students with dyslexia.
Topic: Advocacy, Dyslexia


What types of tests are in a dyslexia evaluation? How is dyslexia diagnosed? Get an inside look as Matthew M. Cruger, PhD, a clinical psychologist and senior director of the Learning and Development Center at the Child Mind Institute, evaluates a child for learning and thinking differences.
Topic: Advocacy, Dyslexia


This fact sheet overviews the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.
Topic: Advocacy


Advocating For Your Needs
Watch the self-advocacy track of this tutorial to learn more about these topics. Gain the strategies you need to take control of your literacy needs!
This tutorial includes a self-advocacy and family track. In the family track, parents and family members will learn why advocacy is important, how to advocate for their child’s literacy needs, and what to do when advocacy is difficult, all in an interactive online experience. In the self-advocacy track, students will learn about self-empowerment, understanding their learning challenge, and advocating for themselves.
Approximate tutorial length per track: 30 minutes
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This toolkit helps parents and educators learn about dyslexia and how to support the literacy development of students with dyslexia.
The research reported here is funded by awards to the National Center on Improving Literacy from the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, in partnership with the Office of Special Education Programs (Award #: S283D160003). The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent views of OESE, OSEP, or the U.S. Department of Education. Copyright © 2023 National Center on Improving Literacy. https://improvingliteracy.org