Dyslexia Treatment
The Dyslexia Services Foundation works with qualified clinicians to provide research-based treatment to low-income children with dyslexia at little or no cost to the children or their families. This involves selecting the children, selecting and compensating the clinicians and paying for needed support materials.
Selection of children is done in conjunction with schools and community groups, such as Boys and Girls Clubs, Rotary International and Scottish Rite and can happen anywhere in the United States where there is interest.
Struggling readers are identified by teachers or health care providers, who contact the DSF for assistance. Financial need is then established using objective standards, such as the child’s qualification for free or reduced-price school lunch.
When a child is identified and qualified for dyslexia services, DSF works with the parent(s), community agencies and professional associations to identify the most competitively-priced and convenient qualified provider to provide research-based treatment.
DSF is committed to funding research-based, effective dyslexia services. The International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading is used to guide the selection of qualified providers. In addition, qualified clinicians must have appropriate academic preparation in once of the applicable clinical science professions (e.g., psychology, speech-language pathology, special education), licensing as required for practicing that profession and a professional office facility or, if sessions are provided via telepractice, a secure, online platform.
Dyslexia Awareness
The Dyslexia Services Foundation funds worthy projects that bring about public awareness of dyslexia. Such projects can be documentaries, events and other activities that competently and accurately communicate with the U.S. public about dyslexia.
DSF plans to facilitate public awareness of reading problems to such a degree that the term dyslexia becomes a commonly-understood household term; awareness campaigns that accomplish this on a regional or national scale are given priority.
Projects are chosen based on their reach and cost effectiveness. These projects must be carried out by individuals and organizations that demonstrate ability to successfully manage and execute such activities. For example, in the case of a documentary, the producer would need to have experience successfully producing and marketing documentaries.
How to Apply
The first stage in applying for a Dyslexia Services Foundation grant is to complete the DSF Grant Application Form. Applications will be screened and applicants that appear to meet the Foundation goals will be invited to submit a project proposal for further review and consideration.