What to do if you suspect dyslexia
Alabama schools won't accept that the
D-word exists
Tuesday, March 08, 2005 By CHALLEN STEPHENS
Times Staff Writer
challens@htimes.com
 Dr. James Irby, special education attorney, offers these tips to
parents who suspect a child has dyslexia:
"Communicate with the special education coordinator of their system so
the school system cannot say they did not know there was a problem." The
school has a duty to educate all children no matter what, he said.
Give the school copies of the dyslexia diagnosis from the Scottish Rite
Foundation or other outside group. This shows that school officials had
reason to suspect a disability.
If diagnostic testing was done by a private company, the parent can try
to recoup the expense, said Irby. "Under certain circumstances the school
system can be made to reimburse the parents."
If you suspect a problem, but don't have a diagnosis, write a simple
two-line note. Tell the principal of the school that you want your child
tested for special education and that your child cannot read. "That
constitutes a parental referral. From that date the school system has 60
days to have that referral completed." A parent referral bypasses long
waiting periods with teacher referrals.
Parents can best advocate for children by forming a support group,
sharing information and staying in contact with the special education
coordinator and principal.
"Document, document, document."
Dr. James Irby, Attorney (Athens)
Area attorney that provides assistance with getting
equal treatment for children in public schools. See:
www.jamesirby.org
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