Understood holds this weekly Twitter chat that aims to keep the momentum going and raise awareness of learning and attention issues. Follow along with hashtag #LDCHAT and follow users @understoodchats & @understoodorg. Experts will be available to answer your questions and concerns and share resources from Understood.org.
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Welcome to today's #LDchat! This is Cece with the Understood team. Today, we're thrilled to welcome parent and advocate, Kristin Kane (@KristinMatzKane) to discuss how to become an #LD and #ADHD advocate.
Hello! I'm Hollie, an English Teacher from SE PA and a Red Flag Parent with a dyslexic and ADHD child. Looking forward to learning more about ADHD and how I can support my son.
#ldchat
Edie, academic therapist from Washington DC. Building an international tribe of teachers and parents of teens and young adults with ADHD. Snowed in, but my house is warm. #LDchat
Hi all, long time no chat! Kerri, ADHD/learning issues diagnosed as an adult. We never get snow days in Winnipeg, I had 2 before grade 3 and then never again. #LDchat
A1 – in the practical sense of advocating its time to begin to tell your child’s story. Your experiences with your child are a valuable piece of information when advocating. #ldchat
Hello. I am Lisa and I am co-founder of Decoding Dyslexia MA. I have quite a bit of experience advocating for my children + helping others. #ldchat#dyslexia#SpecialEducation
A1. Know what the student’s own goals are and what motivates them. No matter how young they are, they need to stay at the centre of the process of getting what THEY need, not what a formula suggests “should” work for them. #LDchat
A1) I was a veteran Inclusion T & thought I knew everything I needed to know about LD. Then I had a child that's LD & realized I knew NOTHING! So now, I advocate advocate & do some more advocating because T's don't know what they don't know.
#ldchat
Understanding what your student with #LD and #ADHD may be going through is the first step. Read a mom's story about how understanding her child's #dysgraphia helped her be a stronger advocate: https://t.co/pGMh9cuKho#LDchat
"The most successful advocates, parent advocates, that I've encountered have been persistent but they've also been collaborative." A superintendent shares what he saw in the parents who were the most successful at advocating for their kids. https://t.co/aAgcn9LDPT#LDchat
A1. Also believe teaching developmentally appropriate self advocacy skills is one of the most important ways adults can advocate for kids. So many adults w/ don’t know how to ask for what they need. It has to start early. #LDchat
#LDchat a1) I think it's important to get some information from reliable sources - (like Understood!). You should be sure that what you're sharing is correct - I find there's some questionable info out there. Don't want to spread misinformation.
Yes!! I am constantly reading and learning. It makes me a better parent and a better professional. @ADDitudeMag and @UnderstoodOrg are my go to sites! #ldchat
Parenting and teaching can be so different! I have a recently diagnosed child, and it's been a definite struggle the last 3 years, even though I've been in sped for more than 12. #ldchat
A1. Being in the fields (classroom) is the best way to become an advocate for older kids with ADHD and LD. I taught alone, co-taught, and was a special educator. Content: math, English, reading. Getting to know parents and colleagues are other good ways to begin too. #LDchat
To get started in advocating for a child you must learn about the child’s disability, how it impacts him or her and federal + state laws that incl. the child’s rights. #LDChat#dyslexia#dysgraphia#dyscalculia#FAPE#IEP
A2 – Another great question. Advocating for systemic change is a great way to help make change for other children and families who may be experiencing similar struggles #ldchat
A2. As an adult undiagnosed until university, my ADHD/LD affects me as much outside the classroom (or workplace) as it does inside of it. Important to realize that we learn everywhere and accommodations may have to be made everywhere, too. #LDchat
A1. Being in the fields (classroom) is the best way to become an advocate for older kids with ADHD and LD. I taught alone, co-taught, and was a special educator. Content: math, English, reading. Getting to know parents and colleagues are other good ways to begin too. #LDchat
100% agree. The parent emails from @ADDitudeMag with quick easily accessible articles on discipline, food, medicine, & strategies have been invaluable to me. #ldchat
In reply to
@echamblet, @ADDitudeMag, @UnderstoodOrg, @ADDitudeMag
Outside of your student's school, you can #advocate for policy change and do community outreach. Check out our Action Center to get more information: https://t.co/OGQjgvSP3r#LDchat
Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, traits of ADHD, and many wonderful advocates I’ve met along the way! Empathy for children whom struggle with these issues, and general experience with life with the challenges of lack of reading skills. Other than that a will to do more than survive!
A2: One of the biggest helps I've seen in my own family is awareness and a willingness to talk about learning and attention issues. Through talking, my family has made great strides in the last few decades. #ldchat
#ldchat
Q2: check for local agencies or community resources that specialize in either adhd or ld. Great opportunity for networking and advocacy. Saves on ‘inventing the wheel again’.
A2 – Looking at systemic advocacy boils down to telling your story again. School boards receive public comment or elected officials need to hear from their constituents. #ldchat#drivechange
A2 To advocate outside of school, you need to put yourself out there both in person and on social media sharing not only your story but quality information to resources that can help others like https://t.co/jHJoVnr86p . #LDchat#Sped#IEP#advocacy
A2) As a T, I have a large PLN that affords me the opportunity to advocate about LD. I'm also involved in some outstanding organizations like @PAECT which let me run a PD workshop about supporting LD S with tech & @PTACVoice which published my esssay on dyslexia.
#ldchat
A2 To advocate outside of school, you need to put yourself out there both in person and on social media sharing not only your story but quality information to resources that can help others like https://t.co/jHJoVnr86p . #LDchat#Sped#IEP#advocacy
A2 share your story with members of your state departments education and legislative members, find your community of support that can help others with your story. #ldchat
A2. As well, small or widespread (systemic) issues for people with ADHD/LD can be brought to the attention of your elected representatives. You’re their boss. #LDchat
A2. Self-advocacy is critical for teens and young adults with ADHD and LD. Understand IEP, accommodations, and learning preferences to prepare for work, further education. They lead teacher and IEP meetings. #LDchat
A1: Helping to educate others to the struggles children with #LD and/or #ADHD face. Additionally start teaching children at an early age to advocate for themselves and support them when they do.
#LDchat a2) I think it also helps when parents tell others about their student's struggles - I think it helps destigmatize disabilities and lets others know there is a community for them. Of course, you have to be comfortable doing this; not everyone is.
A2. Don't forget about coaches, dance teachers and the like! :) Collaborate with them, share the diagnosis and strategies to ensure your child has a successful experience in extra-curricular, too #LDchat
Talking about what you know or have experienced with family and friends can be a great place to start. Here are tips on how start the conversation about #LD and #ADHD: https://t.co/RgwWdZSBzU#LDchat
While I have not spoken to him about LD/ADHD (outside of #NationalPharmacare discussions), my Member of Parliament and staff have been phenomenal re #advocacy issues I’ve brought. I didn’t expect it, but found a great advocate in him. Impt to ignore party lines here, too. #LDchat
#ldchat. I kept asking teachers if they thought my kids had #dyslexia No one knew. I finally found an admin at school that knew signs. Then the school wouldn't do anything to help because my child was not doing bad enough. As a atty I had to research the law
Speaking of libraries, check out any advocacy or support groups that are using their space--you might find some great local advocacy groups that meet there! #ldchat
A3: knowledge is powerful & creates positive changes! The more schools realize families are equipped with strong but positive advocacy tools the more positive changes we will see #LDchat
#LDchat a2) I think it also helps when parents tell others about their student's struggles - I think it helps destigmatize disabilities and lets others know there is a community for them. Of course, you have to be comfortable doing this; not everyone is.
As a coach of athletes with autism/down syndrome/ID, it is HUGELY helpful for coaches when parents share info they have about what helps their athlete. LOVED when a dad brought me his kid’s PT report; sparked us to do more balance activity with all our kids. #LDchat
A2. Don't forget about coaches, dance teachers and the like! :) Collaborate with them, share the diagnosis and strategies to ensure your child has a successful experience in extra-curricular, too #LDchat
A3) I recently ran a PD segment on advocacy at #PETE2019 for #KTIfamily in which I taught them how to develop their advcocacy/narrative in case they found themselves in a position to deliver a 2 minute elevator pitch to an educational decision maker.
#ldchat
A2 Through my child’s diagnosis of dyslexia, I have found my voice and passionately advocate for dyslexia awareness + providing families with quality resources to information about how to effectively advocate for their child’s needs. #Ldchat
#LDchat a2) I think it also helps when parents tell others about their student's struggles - I think it helps destigmatize disabilities and lets others know there is a community for them. Of course, you have to be comfortable doing this; not everyone is.
Q3 #ldchat
I find that parents who have been through the system can be among the strongest advocates. Alliance-building with aware professionals is helpful for coordinating more robust advocating.
This can be difficult, too. A lot of times coaches and extracurricular teachers are students or parents themselves w/ no skill set to work w/ kiddos with differences! You have to speak up and give guidance. #ldchat
A3 Start conversations to let others going through struggles that they are not alone! Sometimes we can get caught up looking inward when dealing with school issues, it can fall into a very isolating experience. #wearenotalone
Social media, blogs and other tools can be useful in advocating for changes at your school. Download our free out-of-the-box #advocacy guide: https://t.co/XK9z8m5ELo#LDchat
A3 – We can support other families by listening, we can encourage them by participating with them. If a parent decides to give public comment stand beside them or stand in support. #LDchat
A3. Many people want to advocate but they don’t know “how”. Important to help them realize that advocacy is individual and looks different for everyone. #LDchat
A2 Through my child’s diagnosis of dyslexia, I have found my voice and passionately advocate for dyslexia awareness + providing families with quality resources to information about how to effectively advocate for their child’s needs. #Ldchat
#LDchat a2) I think it also helps when parents tell others about their student's struggles - I think it helps destigmatize disabilities and lets others know there is a community for them. Of course, you have to be comfortable doing this; not everyone is.
I have a blog:
https://t.co/hzTEAHLoWq
Publishing this helped me to get my friends and family to understand what our family goes through. Once I got their understanding, I felt empowered to take bigger and more powerful steps.
#ldchat
A3. It is not all meetings with elected reps (but it can be) or meetings with school boards (but it can be) and it is not yelling at people (never). Many people have dissonance with what advocacy is vs. what they think it is. #LDchat
A1. The best way we can become advocates for our students is to learn more about their individual learning and attention issues; must be personalized according to students. #LDchat
A4. Ensure students understand their own dx, they already know how their brain works from being inside it, but maybe not why. Help them find (or create) words or pictures to communicate that experience to help others understand. #LDchat
A3. HS and college students with ADHD and LD should start advocacy focusing on strengths. What are your best classes? Who are your favorite teachers? Collaborate on rubrics. Use technology only if it's a strength. #LDchat
A4 – We decided my son was able to begin attending IEP meetings when he was in 5th grade. He stayed for the first 10 min and shared some thoughts about how things were going. #LDchat
A4: I coach students to advocate for themselves (I'm at the HS level). I let them know I have their back, yet I don't force them into doing something they aren't ready for. #ldchat
I tell everyone how much my kids have changed since I started advocating for them. Teachers tell I taught them more about #dyslexia and #dysgraphia than they knew. I leave info sheets when I have conf. The teachers have in turn helped others.
A4) I work to develop trusting relationships with my S early in the year, so that I can eventually have open conversations with them about their struggles. In those talks, we discuss how there is no shame in their game and encourage them to be leaders for younger kids.
#ldchat
A4 – We added a list of his accommodations from his IEP to the front of his folder so he could reference it and share with his teachers. Made sure he #understood ;) #LDchat
A4. We cannot help our students become self-advocates without becoming advocates ourselves as educators. Students must have a comprehensive understanding of their diagnosis. #LDchat
A4. Also, work toward the goal of knowing parent will not always be there to advocate for student (and student will not WANT them to be). If you have a young dx, one day that student may have to meet with a #HigherEd axs team and be able to communicate what they need. #LDchat
Even students who feel uncomfortable speaking up can learn strategies to help them get the help they need. Here are 10 ways to help students self-advocate: https://t.co/sfHGiMiKAG#LDchat
A4 – At the beginning of each year we sit down with all the teachers for about 15 min, my daughter and son share a little bit about their strengths and challenges and what works for them to learn best in the classroom. #LDchat
Q4 #LDchat
Tough one for many adolescents, especially if they feel like the only ones around them with their experiences. Peer connections with mentors is a good early step.
"What would make it better?" Natalie reflects on the question her parent's asked about her #dyslexia that helped her become a better self-advocate: https://t.co/RQAwOu2ArF#LDchat
A4: I coach students to advocate for themselves (I'm at the HS level). I let them know I have their back, yet I don't force them into doing something they aren't ready for. #ldchat
A4. Also establish a way for students to discreetly communicate needs w/ teachers. My university had an intro note for instructors that did not divulge dx but noted what acccoms a student needed in the classroom. Just giving it to prof “broke the ice” + started convo. #LDchat
