Overview
The Monthly Decode
Stay Informed with Updates and Announcements
[ This Month's Theme ] [ Events and Opportunities ] [ Podcast ] [ Ways to Engage ] [ Resources Available ] [ Celebrating Recent Events ] [ Get Help and Stay Connected ]
What Families and Educators Need to Know This Month 
- Join us: Attend An Evening with Jordan Toma for an uplifting and empowering event.
- Tune in: Look out for our upcoming podcast with Dr. Fumiko Hoeft.
- Explore: Access helpful dyslexia resources through your local library and ODRD.
- Show appreciation: Recognize a parent, caregiver, or educator who makes a difference in a child’s reading journey.
May Theme: Honoring the People Who Inspire, Support and Teach Us 
This May, CT-DAC celebrates the many individuals who make a difference in children’s lives and literacy. This includes educators who inspire every learner, caregivers who support reading at home, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) authors, educators, and advocates advancing literacy and equity.
Events and Opportunities 
Dyslexia Awareness Event
May 12 | 5:30 P.M.
Killingly Public Library- Who it's for: Families, caregivers, educators, and community members interested in learning more about dyslexia and available supports.
- Why it matters: Offered in partnership with the Connecticut State Library and Decoding Dyslexia–CT, this event provides information about dyslexia, early indicators, and how families and educators can access resources, guidance, and supports to ensure students receive evidence-based instruction.
- What you can do: Attend the session to learn more, ask questions, and connect with available resources, or share this opportunity with families and educators in your community.
Honoring Those Who Inspire Us: An Evening with Jordan Toma
May 21 | 5:00 P.M.
Coginchaug Regional High School- Who it's for: Students, families, educators, and community members
- Why it matters: Jordan Toma shares his journey navigating dyslexia, ADHD, and dysgraphia, offering an empowering message about resilience and identity as a learner.
- What you can do: Register and attend to hear practical insights and messages of resilience.
- Registration: Honoring Those who Inspire Us: An Evening with Jordan Toma
Throughout May
Dyslexia & Literacy Learning Series (Online)
Virtual (Canvas)- Who it's for: Educators, specialists, and those interested in literacy development
- Why it matters: Strengthens understanding of dyslexia and SLD, with practical application and deeper learning on topics like English learners, advanced learners, and differentiating from speech-language needs. (Note: “SLD” refers to Specific Learning Disability, which includes dyslexia.)
- What you can do: Access modules to deepen your understanding and support student learning
- Link: Dyslexia - State Education Resource Center
Podcast 
ODRD RewirED Podcast Featuring Dr. Fumiko Hoeft
- Who it's for: Educators, families, and literacy leaders
- Why it matters: Shares research-based insights on literacy and brain development
- What you can do: Watch for the release and explore past episodes to learn from experts in the field.
Previously recorded podcasts are available on our podcast page: ODRD Podcasts.
May take up to 60 days from recording to edit and post podcasts.
Ways to Engage 
Thank a Teacher or Caregiver
ODRD invites students, families, and educators to submit notes recognizing individuals who have supported literacy development. Submissions will be included in a shared statewide collection.- What you can do: Submit a note of appreciation to be included in a shared statewide collection.
AAPI Literacy Spotlight
Throughout the month, ODRD will highlight AAPI authors, educators, and advocates who have shaped literacy and equity.- What you can do: Follow along on the ODRD website or listserv and share these stories within your community.
Resources Available 
Statewide Dyslexia Awareness Library Campaign
Available at all 191 Connecticut public libraries- What it is: A statewide initiative, in partnership with the CT State Library and Decoding Dyslexia, bringing dyslexia awareness materials directly into local libraries.
- What you’ll find:
- Easy-to-understand facts about dyslexia
- Curated book lists for children and families
- Linked video resources to build understanding
- How to use it: Visit your local library to explore materials, learn more about dyslexia, and find books to support reading at home or in the classroom.
- Learn more: Decoding Dyslexia: Yearly Library Campaign
Dyslexia Support Kit Book Bundles
- What it is: A curated collection of books available for loan through the CT State Library.
- What you’ll get: Each bundle includes 7 books, such as:
- Dyslexia Advocate! by Kelli Sandman-Hurley
- Dr. Dyslexia Dude! series by Dr. Shawn & Inshirah Robinson
- Molly’s Great Discovery series by Krista Weltner
- How to use it:
- Borrow a bundle through your public or school library
- Keep the collection for up to 90 days
- Use the books to support reading, build understanding, and spark conversation
- Good to know: No time to browse? These pre-selected bundles make it easy to access high-quality resources in one place.
- Learn more: Dyslexia Support Kit
Celebrating Recent Events 
Thank You, Thunderbirds Fans!
A big thank you to the Springfield Thunderbirds for partnering with ODRD for our Stick to Reading night, and to all the families, educators, and community members who made it a success.
Shoutout to the students who completed their reading logs. Your enthusiasm for reading stood out! Thank you as well to student ambassador Luca Bacile for being part of the evening.
Hopeville
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the screening of "Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars" and panel discussion. The evening offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on Connecticut’s literacy journey and the work ahead.
We are grateful to our panelists for sharing perspectives across systems, preparation, leadership, classrooms, and student voice. Special thanks to Harvey Hubbell V and his crew for bringing "Hopeville" to life, and to Central Connecticut State University for hosting.
Get Help and Stay Connected 
The Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities (ODRD) is available to:
- Listen and respond to questions about dyslexia, reading development, and literacy supports
- Connect you to CSDE-vetted guidance, tools, and resources
- Clarify general processes (such as screening, identification, and intervention) to help you understand next steps
Get Help / Contact ODRD
Email: SDE.Dyslexia@ct.gov
Schedule a call: aimee.gauvin@ct.gov | 860-713-6853
Kristin Allen (families/general) | Lisa Gianni (educators/professional learning)
Stay Connected
Subscribe to the ODRD listserv to receive updates, resources, and announcements from our office.To subscribe:
Email listserv@list.ct.gov with no subject and type:
Subscribe SDE_ODRD FirstName LastName
Example: Subscribe SDE_ODRD John Smith
You’ll receive a confirmation email to complete your subscription.