T.K. Martin Center set to host conference on dyslexia and related learning differences

STARKVILLE, Miss.—The T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability at Mississippi State and its IGNITE Dyslexia Clinic are hosting the university’s first Dyslexia and Related Learning Differences Conference next week.

Sponsored by the Brannan IGNITE Dyslexia Fund for Excellence and taking place at The Mill at MSU Conference Center April 4-5, the event focuses on the background and definition of dyslexia, Mississippi dyslexia guidelines, and strategies for emotional, mathematics and technical support that can be utilized in traditional classrooms.

Open to elementary teachers, college and university instructors, speech pathologists, undergraduate education students, parents, family members and individuals with dyslexia, registration is $175 for professionals, $25 for parents and college/university students, and $150 for vendors. Advance registration is available at https://www.ecommerce.msstate.edu/tkmartin/dyslexia/.

The event begins at 7:30 a.m. Thursday [April 4], and the conference concludes Friday afternoon [April 5]. Other sponsors include the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities and MSU’s College of Education.

CEUs are available for $20 through Mississippi State University’s Center for Continuing Education, and a link will be provided at the close of the conference for those wishing to receive credits.

A keynote address by Ryan Walker on Thursday morning will address some scientific discoveries regarding dyslexia. Walker is an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education. The conference also will include a student panel discussion on what it means to have dyslexia.

Dyslexia affects 20 percent of the general population and impacts approximately 8.5 million students across the U.S. Many students with dyslexia also have dyscalculia, dysgraphia, auditory processing difficulty and attention deficit difficulty.

During the academic school year, the IGNITE Dyslexia Clinic works with students to ensure that learners with reading difficulties are able to build a love of learning through reading and writing. Through exposure to learning strategies, reading therapy and assistive technology, these students gain foundations necessary for success. IGNITE also provides assessments to pinpoint strengths and needs of learners who have difficulty with reading.

“When parents and educators understand dyslexia, these students are more likely to thrive within the traditional classroom. Our goal is to provide a greater awareness of not only dyslexia but all the additional learning differences that are often found with dyslexia,” said Kathy Prater, T.K. Martin Center research associate.

“We hope to dispel some of the myths surrounding dyslexia and build well-rounded support systems for these students,” Prater added. “We also would like for this conference to raise awareness of how common these learning differences are and help educators, other professionals and parents feel better prepared to assist these students.”

For more information, contact Prater at 662-325-4557 or kprater@tkmartin.msstate.edu.

Established in 1903, MSU’s College of Education is home to six academic departments, one research unit and numerous service units. For more about the college, visit www.educ.msstate.edu.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.