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]
November Theme: Gratitude and Appreciation Month 
We’re thankful for every educator, parent, and student championing literacy equity.
Upcoming CT-DAC Events 
| Date & Time | Event | Location/Link |
|---|---|---|
| 11/18/25 6:00 -7:00 p.m. |
Understanding Dyslexia Evaluations | Virtual - Hosted by CPAC Meeting Registration - Zoom |
| 11/06/25 4:00-6:00 p.m. |
ODRD visits Mansfield Public Library Community Dyslexia Discussion | 54 Warrenville Road Mansfield Center, CT 06250 |
| 11/25/25 2:00-3:00 p.m. |
Using Assessment Data to Develop Present Levels of Performance and IEP Goals and Objectives in the Area of Reading and Written Expression (Elementary) | Virtual Registration |
| Month of November | ODRD Podcast: Various CT-DAC Committee Member(s) to represent various roles | Virtual: Streamyard |
| Month of November | SLD: Dyslexia Online Webinars/Modules |
Canvas Modules Register |
Celebrating Past Events 
2025 CT-DAC Kick-Off Event in October
On October 7, 2025, CT-DAC welcomed 143 parents, students, administrators, and legislators from across Connecticut to celebrate the power of collaboration in supporting Dyslexia Awareness. This year’s theme, “Know the Signs, Change the Story,” set the tone for an evening filled with insight, emotion, and inspiration. Dr. Fumiko Hoeft from UCONN Waterbury delivered a keynote that was both informative and enlightening, offering perspectives on early identification and intervention. The panel discussion moved attendees with heartfelt stories and powerful calls to action, while motivational speaker Deon Butler captivated the audience with his relatable energy and empowering message. The impact was undeniable. Here’s how attendees described the event:
"My daughter and I had an unforgettable experience attending, and we can’t thank you enough for all the hard work, time, and dedication that went into making it possible. Every presenter was genuine, heartfelt, and relatable, and their messages gave us a strong sense of validation and inspiration."
"I was moved by Deon Butler's story. He was dynamic and his story is one of persistence and grit that are in dire need of these days of instant gratification."
"I really loved the information that was presented by Dr. Hoeft - it was fascinating for me."
"I found the event to be very uplifting and full of positivity. The stories and presentations focused on moving forward and hope for students and families. The balanced perspectives of Dr. Hoeft and Mr. Butler provided a wide range of learning and direct connection to dyslexia."
We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who contributed to making this event a resounding success. Your support, dedication, and enthusiasm were truly inspiring.
To all who attended—thank you for being part of this meaningful experience. We’re already looking forward to seeing you again next year!
Trumbull Library Visit
Kristin Allen, Associate Education Consultant with the Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities (ODRD), brought Decoding Dyslexia’s mission to the forefront during a special event at the Fairchild Nichols Memorial Branch of the Trumbull Library on October 15, 2025. Her presentation focused on raising awareness and fostering a shared understanding of dyslexia, aiming to promote equitable identification and support for all students.
The event was part of Dyslexia Awareness Month and featured an engaging discussion where Kristin answered community questions, helping demystify dyslexia and empowering families and educators alike. If you want to know where she will be next, check out the Community Outreach and Engagement section!
To see the library displays please go to Decoding Dyslexia CT's Facebook page!
International Culture Day in Waterbury
Washington Elementary School in Waterbury invited the ODRD to celebrate International Culture Day with them. It was a great afternoon of food, dancing and fun activities.
October’s Friday Café
At the event, participants explored "How’s My Child Doing and How Can I Help?"—a conversation focused on demystifying student assessments and empowering parents as partners in learning. The session, co-led by CSDE staff across offices, highlighted how clear, actionable information helps families understand academic progress and strengthens meaningful, equitable engagement between schools and families.
We're excited to share the 2025 Conference Highlights Video — a look back at the joy, collaboration, and inspiration we experienced when working a vendor table at the Family, School & Community Engagement Conference!
Watch the Highlights on YouTube
ODRD RewirED Podcast 
- Giovanni Morales: Connecticut Advocacy Center (CPAC)
- Dr. Megan Alubicki and Dr. Maribel Oliverio: EL/ML Framework
- Various CT-DAC Committee Members
Previously recorded podcasts are listed below:
Video
Audio
Community Outreach and Engagement 
Who’s Made a Difference in Your Dyslexia Journey?
We want to hear from you! Has an educator, family member, fellow student, or community partner made a positive impact on your dyslexia journey? Give them a shout-out!
Send your message in whatever format works best for you — video, email, images, or more — to sde.Dyslexia@ct.gov. Let’s celebrate the people who are making a difference!
ODRD is Out and About
Don’t miss Associate Education Consultant Kristin Allen on November 6th from 4 p.m. to 6 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 Mansfield community at the Mansfield 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
2025 - 2026 Competencies Implementation Collaborative
Educator preparation program faculty members from across the state joined staff from CSDE and SERC to kick off the 2025 - 2026 Competencies Implementation Collaborative. The core goal of this Collaborative is to increase the capacity of educators to implement evidence-based practices in structured literacy instruction. Faculty participants will engage collaboratively during the 2025 - 2026 academic year to discuss the knowledge and practices necessary to effectively teach students at risk for and with dyslexia or other reading difficulties, share ideas and resources, and review and revise Connecticut teacher preparation programming to include instruction in the Connecticut Educator Competencies for Structured Literacy and Dyslexia. Funding support for this work has been provided by CSDE's Bureau of Special Education through federal IDEA funds.