Supporting Children with Dyslexia: Navigating Assistive Technology and the Threat of Medicaid Cuts6/3/2025
 By the end of this year, my latest teacher resource book will be out. Published by Stenhouse, the book’s topic is dyslexia. Its goals, designed with classroom teachers in mind, are fourfold: 1) To generally educate folks about dyslexia, 2) to help educators teach students with dyslexia to read, write and spell, 3) to give ideas on how students with dyslexia can be made to feel more comfortable in classroom settings, and 4) to show how knowledge gained about teaching students with dyslexia can be used to teach all students to read, write, and spell. Because I’ve been doing a good deal of reading, researching and writing, I haven’t kept up with my blog. Thankfully, Robin Johnson, outreach director at DisabilityAdvice.org recently contacted me and as we conversed., we agreed that she would write a guest blog. Regarding the mission and actions of DisabilityAdvice.org, I am impartial. But I recognize that the organization might provide a useful service to some or many and certainly Robin is concerned about the well being of parents and children, including those impacted by dyslexia. So, without further ado, here's Robin's blog post!
Supporting Children with Dyslexia: Navigating Assistive Technology and the Threat of Medicaid Cuts Robin Johnson Outreach Director | DisabilityAdvice.org Parenting a child with dyslexia presents unique challenges and rewards. Dyslexia, a specific learning disability, affects reading, writing, and spelling abilities, often leading to academic struggles and emotional stress. However, with appropriate support, including assistive technology and educational accommodations, children with dyslexia can thrive. Yet, proposed cuts to Medicaid and related programs threaten to undermine these critical supports, placing additional burdens on families. Understanding Dyslexia and Its Impact Dyslexia is a neurological condition that impairs the ability to process written language. Children with dyslexia may struggle with decoding words, spelling, and reading fluency, despite having average or above-average intelligence. These challenges can lead to frustration, low self-esteem, and academic difficulties. Parents play a crucial role in identifying signs of dyslexia early and advocating for their child's needs. Early intervention, tailored instruction, and emotional support are essential components of effective management. The Role of Assistive Technology Assistive technology (AT) offers valuable tools to help children with dyslexia access educational content and demonstrate their knowledge. These technologies can compensate for specific deficits and promote independence. Some effective AT tools include:
These tools can be integrated into Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans, ensuring that students receive appropriate accommodations in the classroom. The Threat of Medicaid Cuts Medicaid plays a vital role in supporting children with disabilities, including those with dyslexia. It provides funding for evaluations, therapies, and assistive technologies that are often unaffordable for families. However, recent legislative proposals threaten to significantly reduce Medicaid funding. The House Republican budget bill, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill," includes deep cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), potentially stripping healthcare and food assistance from millions, including children in vulnerable states like New Mexico, Louisiana, and West Virginia. These cuts could result in the loss of essential services for children with dyslexia, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and access to assistive technology. Without these supports, students may struggle academically and socially, exacerbating the challenges associated with dyslexia. Navigating the Challenges In light of these potential cuts, parents must be proactive in seeking resources and advocating for their children. Organizations like Disability Advice offer guidance on accessing benefits and understanding legal rights. Additionally, schools are required to provide accommodations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Parents should work closely with educators to develop and implement effective support plans. Conclusion Children with dyslexia can achieve academic success and personal growth with the right support systems in place. Assistive technology and educational accommodations are critical components of this support. However, proposed Medicaid cuts threaten to dismantle these systems, leaving vulnerable children at risk. It is imperative for policymakers to recognize the importance of maintaining and enhancing support for children with disabilities. Families, educators, and advocates must unite to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of learning differences. Please not that disabilityadvice.org is not affiliated with Social Security or the government. Comments are closed.
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Mark WeaklandI am a teacher, literacy consultant, author, musician, nature lover, and life long learner.
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