6 minute read
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT:MICHIGAN DYSLEXIA INSTITUTE (MDI)
BY ANGELA ARLINGTON
Michigan Dyslexia Institute (MDI) is a nonprofit organization that serves as a resource for instruction, training, and information relating to dyslexia. MDI envisions a world where individuals with dyslexia feel empowered and look forward to the future with hope and confidence. They offer testing, one-on-one tutoring for people of any age, teach educators how to teach reading/writing to students with dyslexia, and provide information and resources. MDI uses the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach which is a proven language-based, multi-sensory technique that helps students learn written language.
“Developmental dyslexia is the most common form of learning disability (we like to say difficulty instead of disability!). It has many facets, but affects one’s information and language processing. If ignored, dyslexia can disrupt educational and social development, causing a wide range of difficulties. Our organization addresses these issues through one-on-one instruction, training teachers and advocating to local and state government for educational policies that support those with dyslexia,” Lauren Chance, MDI staff member, explains.
“We specifically focus on dyslexia and the language processing difficulties that come with it. Having success with instruction can also support the emotional and psychological effects that we often see with those with dyslexia who have been told they are “dumb” or “will never learn to read or write.” We strive to teach them that they are smart, capable, have a purpose, and matter in the world. I think all five of our centers are safe spaces for those with dyslexia that often times have not felt safe in their school classroom or social situations.”
Most of MDI’s funding comes from donors. MDI is in desperate need of more instructors willing to be trained and provide tutoring to those seeking help, both in-person or virtually. They welcome and praise volunteers at any of their 5 centers throughout Michigan.
Lauren shares, “We care deeply for all of our students and the families that walk through our doors. We often get phone calls from frustrated parents with no one left to turn to. The hardest thing about our nonprofit is having to put people on a waiting list because we are understaffed. As a dyslexic myself who learned to read and write through MDI when I was young and now hold a Master’s degree, I know how they change everyone’s life who walks through their doors.”
Learning disabilities (or learning difficulties) are hard but also a gift. Those are words we repeatedly tell our students and stand by.
TESTIMONIALS:
This course is amazing! It is very intense, but the learning is so powerful. This was easily the most useful professional development I have ever attended, and what I have learned will have a direct impact on my students' success. Every elementary school teacher should have this training! NATALIE 4TH GRADE TEACHER, INGHAM COUNTY
This is the BEST training I have ever had in my 11-year career. I wish I had had this training in my first year of teaching. I have a master’s degree in K-12 Reading and Literacy and, although some concepts were review, it was extremely beneficial. I feel like I FINALLY understand what and how I need to teach my students. I kept thinking of my students during this training and how this is exactly what they need to be successful. I truly feel that every educator should have this training! Thank you! EMMALEIGH INTERVENTIONIST- INGHAM COUNTY
This is a testimonial from a woman on Facebook who started to receive tutoring at one of our centers when we diagnosed her with dyslexia and ADD at 30 years old. She had never known until then. Like she said, “it’s never too late”. It goes to show how intelligent and strategic people with dyslexia can be to get through obstacles even when not able to read or write above an elementary school level or sometimes barely at all. We love the ending where she talks about how learning disabilities (or learning difficulties) are hard but also a gift. Those are words we repeatedly tell our students and stand by.
On my long run Tuesday in MI, I happened to pass this WONDERFUL house. Michigan Dyslexia Institute. MDI was where I was first diagnosed (at 30 years of age) with Auditory Dyslexia and ADD. Where I found out I was not “stupid” or “lazy”... just processed things differently than most people. What a gift these women gave me in understanding why I had issues learning. The confidence it gave me to succeed in life. I was tested in grade school, and told I was just lazy and “ not college material”. My mom thought differently. She gave me a tape recorder and my sister gave me a Franklin Speller and sent me to college. MDI was amazed I got through college and praised my family for giving me the tools I desperately needed to succeed. Parents, I say to you, give your kids the gift of understanding if they have trouble learning. Get them tested, and help them in any way you can. It is never too late. If people can’t count change or take a bit longer to process something, there is a reason. Have patience. Learning disabilities are hard, but are also such a gift because of the empathy you have for others who have issues too. Thank you, MDI for helping me to understand my brain and how it works. Such an incredible gift. – KRISTEN- HARBOR SPRINGS, MI
My granddaughter had her life changed after tutoring when she was in grade school. Now she is an A student, outgoing and very full of self-confidence. She will be going to high school next year! – KATHLEEN, FORMER MDI PARENT
