What Dyslexia Is, What It Isn't, and Why It Matters

Voyager Sopris Learning’s Dyslexia Awareness Week begins with a powerful, myth‑busting session led by Dr. Kelli Sandman‑Hurley, one of the nation’s most trusted voices in dyslexia education. In this kickoff presentation, Dr. Sandman‑Hurley will give educators a clear, accurate understanding of what dyslexia really is—and what it is not. She’ll dispel common misconceptions, share real stories from students and adults with dyslexia, and demonstrate how these experiences can reshape the way teachers recognize and respond to reading difficulties.

The session opens with a fascinating dyslexia simulation that helps educators experience what struggling readers often feel. From there, Dr. Sandman‑Hurley will explain why accurate knowledge matters: how misunderstandings can delay support, how early identification changes learning trajectories, and how effective intervention across all tiers ensures students with dyslexia get what they need to thrive. Her insights, grounded in years of work with learners of all ages, highlight the urgency of getting dyslexia right—and the hope that comes when we do.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, specialist, or school leader, this session will equip you with practical strategies, renewed clarity, and a deeper understanding of how to support students with dyslexia through effective instruction and intervention.

What You’ll Learn

• What dyslexia actually is—and the most common myths that get in the way
• How dyslexia feels for students through an interactive simulation
• How to recognize dyslexia in real classroom situations
• Why early identification matters for long‑term reading success
• How accurate understanding improves intervention and prevents students from slipping through the cracks