Overview
The Monthly Decode
CT-Dyslexia Awareness Collaborative Newsletter
Stay Informed with Updates and Announcements! 
The Monthly Decode at a glance:
[ This Month's Theme ] [ Upcoming CT-DAC Events ] [ Celebrating Past Events ] [ Podcast ] [ Community Outreach and Engagement ] [The Inside Scoop]
January Theme: New Year, New Understanding 
New Year, new opportunities to learn about dyslexia, join us!
Upcoming CT-DAC Events 
| Date & Time | Event | Location/Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1/6/26 2:00 -3:00 p.m. |
Using Assessment Data to develop Present Levels of Performance and Goals and Objectives in the areas of Reading and Written Expression (Middle School) | Virtual - Will be Recorded |
| 1/13/26 7:00 -8:00 p.m. |
Transition Tuesday Equipping High School Students with Dyslexia for Life Beyond | Virtual Registration |
| 1/22/26 6:00 -7:00 p.m. |
Visit to Meriden Public Library | 105 Miller Street Meriden, CT |
| Month of January | ODRD Podcast: Eleanor Farquhar: CT-DAC Committee Member Why You Should Use Your Accommodations and Assistive Technology - AT Insider |
Virtual: Streamyard |
| Month of January | SLD: Dyslexia Online Webinars/Modules |
Canvas Modules Register |
| Month of January | Community Outreach and Engagement: Ask interest holders to comment with something new they've learned about dyslexia. |
ODRD Listserv and Website |
Celebrating Past Events 
Here are some pictures of Megan McCubbin’s presentation.
Images from Jim Rokos' presentation on December 15, 2025.
ODRD RewirED Podcast 
- Dr. Megan Alubicki and Dr. Maribel Oliverio: EL/ML Framework
- Eleanor Farquar: CT DAC Member
Previously recorded podcasts are listed below:
Previously recorded podcasts can be found here: ODRD Podcasts.
May take up to 60 days from recording to edit and post podcasts.
ODRD is Out and About
Don’t miss Associate Education Consultant Kristin Allen on January 22nd from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. In partnership with the CT State Library and Decoding Dyslexia-CT, she will share resources and answer questions about dyslexia and other reading disabilities with families in the Meriden community at the Meriden Public Library.
Thanks to the CT State Library, the Dyslexia Awareness display created by Decoding Dyslexia, which features facts, book lists and linked video resources, is available to all 191 libraries statewide! Libraries will also be able to borrow a curated collection from the State Library that they, in turn, can lend to the public. Books in this collection include the Dr. Dyslexia Dude series by Dr. Shawn Robinson, the Molly’s Great Discovery series by Krista Weltner, and the second edition of Dyslexia Advocate by Kelli Sandman-Hurley.
Learn More:
- Library Campaign — Decoding Dyslexia
- Dyslexia Support Kit Book Bundle # 1 - Middletown Library Service Center CE and Equipment - CSL, Division of Library Development
The Inside Scoop
On December 8th, CT-DAC Student Ambassadors presented their Assistive Technology Toolkit Project to Thompson School District’s elementary special education teachers and literacy coordinator. The pilot provides K–6 students with dyslexia and reading challenges increased access to learning supports through classroom-based assistive technology. Teachers will implement the toolkits, gather feedback, and help ensure students have equitable access to tools that support early academic success, with results shared to inform future implementation across districts throughout Connecticut.
Voluntary Family Reading History Questionnaire
Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.) Section (Sec.) 10-14ee, the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) has approved the abbreviated Adult Reading History Questionnaire (ARHQ-brief) as the required Voluntary Family Reading History Questionnaire to assist in the identification of students in grades Kindergarten through third (K–3) who are at risk for reading proficiency challenges. Districts and Charter Schools shall provide this short questionnaire to families of K–3 students either during the winter universal screening process or parent-teacher conferences during the 2025-2026 school year. Information collected from the questionnaire can be triangulated with data from winter screenings and other sources to determine if further diagnostic testing is warranted. Beginning in the 2026–27 school year and beyond, schools shall give the Voluntary Family Reading History Questionnaire to families when they register kindergarteners or when new students join the district. Inquiries should be directed to Kristin Allen at Kristin.Allen@ct.gov, Candice LaConti at Candice.LaConti@ct.gov, or Caroline Messenger at Caroline.Messenger@ct.gov.