A new school year is starting, and for students with a reading disability, this can be a very stressful time. Fortunately, there are many resources available for these students. Some are local to Madison County, while others are online.

• The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled has a subregional library right here in Huntsville! Serving patrons who reside in Madison County, we provide audiobooks in a special format for people of all ages. There are several types of people who qualify for this free service, including “persons certified by competent authority as having a reading disability resulting from organic dysfunction and of sufficient severity to prevent their reading printed material in a normal manner.” Additional information can be found at https://www.loc.gov/nls/about/eligibility-for-nls-services/talking-books-reading-disabilities/
• Overdrive is an online resource available with your HMCPL card. You can download audiobooks, e-books, and more. E-books can be viewed in a special typeface/font called OpenDyslexic. Learn more here: https://opendyslexic.org.
• Hoopla is another online resource that is free for HMCPL patrons. You can borrow e-books, audiobooks, and more to be streamed on a variety of devices. Hoopla also supports OpenDyslexic for their e-books -- in the font section, just select "Dyslexic."
• Bookshare is “an ebook library that makes reading easier.” Because it receives funding from the U.S. Department of Education, they provide free access to students who qualify. No special devices are required. E-books are available in multiple formats, including audio, braille, and large font.
• Learning Ally is a nonprofit organization that lends audio textbooks to students who cannot read regular print for a variety of reasons. There is a registration fee and an annual membership fee. They also have links to many online resources specifically for dyslexic students at https://learningally.org/Solutions-for-Home/Dyslexia-Resources.
• The International Dyslexia Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and treatment of dyslexia and other related reading disabilities. Their web site has a wealth of information for students with dyslexia, their parents, and their teachers. They also advocate at the state and national levels of government for funding to be provided to further study and treat dyslexia. Their local chapter, IDA Alabama, can be found here: https://al.dyslexiaida.org/
• The Greengate School at Randolph is a private, non-profit elementary and middle school in Huntsville specifically for children with dyslexia. They utilize what is known as the Orton-Gillingham approach to education. In addition to the school, Greengate provides testing, teacher training, and a summer reading camp.

Books for Parents and Educators

Basic Facts About Dyslexia & Other Reading Problems -- A must-have guide for any parent or teacher of a child struggling to learn to read.

The Gift of Dyslexia -- A first-hand account of the struggle with dyslexia--and an introduction to the Davis Method, a clear and simple plan for conquering it.

Overcoming Dyslexia -- The most comprehensive, up-to-date, and practical book available on identifying, understanding, and overcoming reading problems--now revised to reflect the latest research and evidence-based approaches.

The Everything Parent’s Guide to Children with Dyslexia -- Learn the key signs of dyslexia and find the best treatment options for your child.

The Dyslexic Advantage : Unlocking the Hidden Potential of the Dyslexic Brain -- Two neurolearning experts reveal the hidden benefits of having a dyslexic brain.

Books for Children

What Do You Know About Dyslexia -- This title helps the reader to understand dyslexia and similar problems, how they affect a person's ability to learn, and what specialized help is available for people with learning disabilities.

The Alphabet War: A Story About Dyslexia -- When Adam started kindergarten, the teacher wanted him to learn about letters….

Let’s Talk About Dyslexia -- Discusses a learning disability of approximately one in every ten people, including Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison, and how to cope with it.

Back to Front and Upside Down! -- This delightful book deals with a common childhood frustration and will remind readers that practice pays off and that everyone has to ask for help sometimes.