Literacy Toolkit

One out of every five children in the United States has dyslexia, and is not capable of learning inside the public education system. These are smart kids, talented kids, and they possess a whole set of abilities that non-dyslexics don't have, but they are being left behind and made to feel inferior because the public education system only supports the 80% of non-dyslexics in their student population. Parents with kids who have dyslexia feel frustrated that their child is being left behind and that their pleas for help go unanswered. They go to extraordinary measures to get their child the help they need, but too often those measures are out of reach for many families. That's why, the founders of Lakes and Bridges established the first public charter school in South Carolina designed to meet the needs of children with dyslexia and give hope to families who were desperate to give their children the education they deserve.

Sold a Story Podcast - directed by APM Reports and narrated by Emily Hanford (available on Apple, Google, Spotify)

There's an idea about how children learn to read that's held sway in schools for more than a generation — even though it was proven wrong by cognitive scientists decades ago. Teaching methods based on this idea can make it harder for children to learn how to read. In this podcast, host Emily Hanford investigates the influential authors who promote this idea and the company that sells their work. It's an exposé of how educators came to believe in something that isn't true and are now reckoning with the consequences — children harmed, money wasted, an education system upended.

The Right to Read - directed by Jenny Mackenzie

The stories of a courageous activist, a teacher, and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read.

The Big Picture: Rethinking Dyslexia - directed by Robert Redford

Successful leaders reflect on their Dyslexic experiences, as a high school senior must overcome the challenges of Dyslexia to achieve his dream of getting into a competitive college.

Journey Into Dyslexia - directed by Susan Raymond

Growing up and surviving school is tough. Being stigmatized as "learning disabled" can drive a child right to the edge. Giving hope to students whose dyslexia makes them fear the written word, this enlightening and lighthearted film looks at young people living with learning differences as well as adults who struggled in school, and then succeeded in life. The result is a documentary that addresses the public's misunderstanding of the issue and demonstrates the great potential of each dyslexic individual.

Like Stars on Earth - directed by Aamir Khan and Amole Gupte

An eight-year-old boy is thought to be a lazy troublemaker, until the new art teacher has the patience and compassion to discover the real problem behind his struggles in school.

Dislecksia: The Movie - directed by Harvey Hubbell V

Dislecksia: The Movie, dyslexic director Harvey Hubbell V and crew explore Hubbell's own experiences about growing up as a dyslexic while also looking into the latest scientific research and educational developments regarding the condition. They examine how the education system in the US handles students with learning disabilities, and explore ways in which this treatment can be changed to improve the social status of dyslexics. And along the way, they meet a variety of dyslexics from very different backgrounds who share their experiences and demonstrate that dyslexics are not disabled - just different.

Inside Dyslexia - directed by Josh Easdon and Nate Hamlin

Often viewed as a weakness, dyslexia actually means that a person processes information differently, and many with the disorder have learned to see it as a strength. This program illustrates the challenges faced by Amanda, Carmen, and Gio—three young people living with dyslexia—through personal interviews with them and those close to them. Viewers are guided into their unique and often overlooked world, made clear through eye-opening scenes at school and home. Produced by filmmakers who are themselves dyslexic, the film serves as a tool for educating others about dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia, and for identifying a common vocabulary that can bridge the gap between those with and without learning disabilities.

Embracing Dyslexia - directed by Luis Macias

Embracing Dyslexia is a thought-provoking exploration of dyslexia from and insider's perspective, weaving together interviews with parent, adult dyslexics, and experts to provide an accurate portrayal of a learning difference that affects 15 to 20 percent of the population. Parents share emotional stories of their children's struggles with reading, writing, and spelling and the impact the word dyslexia had on their lives. Adult dyslexics speak candidly of the struggles and successes they had in school. And experts define what dyslexia is and illustrate how effective tutoring, classroom accommodations, and recognizing and fostering the natural strengths of a child with dyslexia can take them from feeling stupid and experiencing failure on a daily basis to believing in themselves and knowing that they can be successful.

Read Me Differently - directed by Sarah Entine

Read Me Differently reveals the strain of misunderstood learning disabilities on family relationships. This unique dyslexia movie profiles three generations of women as they explore missed connections, milestone moments, and what it means to be family with dyslexia, ADHD, and processing differences. With surprising candor, vulnerability, and even a touch of humor, Read Me Differently, generates thoughtful discussion whether in a classroom setting, conference screening, work environment, or at home with family members and friends.

Being You - Alex Gomez Garcia

Follow three young people with learning and attention issues as they travel the country to seek advice from TV host Howie Mandel, ice sculptor John Rodrigues, and many more who have transformed their learning and attention issues from a struggle into an asset.