Educational Advocacy & Consulting

01/28/2026

Join us for the Everyone Reading Illinois Dyslexia Awareness Fundraiser featuring Emmy-nominated actor and dyslexia advocate Ameer Baraka. Hear his inspiring story of transformation—from incarceration and illiteracy to award-winning actor, author, and champion for literacy.

01/28/2026

Stephanie Dawson brings over 20 years of experience advocating for students and families within public school systems.

A Virginia state-certified Special Education teacher and Educational Diagnostician, Stephanie has served as a special education teacher, diagnostician, and designee, giving families clear, informed guidance through evaluations, IEPs, and school-based services.

She specializes in dyslexia and specific learning disabilities and has supported hundreds of families nationwide in securing appropriate accommodations and meaningful educational progress. Her work is grounded in data, compassion, and practical next steps families can trust.

✨ Free 30-minute consultation available
Schedule time to connect with Stephanie through the link in our bio.

01/26/2026

Dyslexia is often discussed only in terms of what feels hard. The reading struggles, the fatigue, the frustration that can build over time. Those experiences are real, and they deserve to be acknowledged.

At the same time, many students with dyslexia process information in ways that bring real strengths, even if those strengths are not always recognized in traditional classroom settings. When learning is approached through methods that align with how their brains work, students are often able to engage more fully and confidently.

Recognizing strengths does not mean minimizing challenges. It means understanding the whole child and responding with instruction and support that truly meets their needs.

When children are taught in ways that make sense to them, both skills and confidence have room to grow.

01/25/2026

https://www.seennetwork.org/events-1/seen-power-hour-dyslexia-for-a-day

⏰ Reminder! One week left to register, and spots are filling fast!

This isn’t another webinar you half-listen to. This is an experience that changes how you'll see kids, forever.

🗓 Wed, January 28th at 7PM via online presentation.

If you want to advocate more effectively and stop second-guessing your instincts — this is for you.

🔗 Register now: https://www.seennetwork.org/events-1/seen-power-hour-dyslexia-for-a-day

01/23/2026

Because the first Walking in Their Words was so impactful, we’re doing it again in the DC/Virginia area!

We’re inviting families, educators, and community members to join us for our second Walking in Their Words: A Dyslexia Simulation & Reception — an interactive experience designed to deepen understanding of what it’s like to live and learn with dyslexia.

This free event offers an eye-opening perspective on both the challenges and strengths of individuals with dyslexia, and creates space for meaningful conversation, learning, and connection.

Space is limited. Registration is required.

https://tinyurl.com/walkingintheirwords

01/21/2026

We’re excited to offer a 30-Day, Self-Paced Wilson Reading System® Introductory Course through Educational Advocacy & Consulting.

This 16.5-hour online course provides a strong foundation in structured literacy and the Wilson Reading System for supporting students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.

Participants will explore dyslexia and reading development, learn how to identify students who need intensive intervention, and gain an understanding of the key components and principles of WRS instruction. The course also includes guided practice with the 10-part WRS lesson plan, with an emphasis on planning and individualizing instruction.

This course serves as the prerequisite for WRS Level I Certification Training and includes an option to earn one graduate credit through Fitchburg State University.

Learn more ➡️ https://educationaladvocacy-consulting.com/dyslexia-center/30-day-self-paced-wrs-online-introductory-course/

01/19/2026

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his unwavering commitment to justice, dignity, and equality. His words remain as urgent and necessary today as they were then.

At Educational Advocacy & Consulting, we’re reminded that justice isn’t abstract. It shows up in classrooms, in meetings, and in whether children are truly seen and supported for who they are.

Educational equity means ensuring every child has access to the services, understanding, and opportunities they deserve...not someday, but now.

Today, and every day, we recommit to advocating for students and standing alongside families in the pursuit of a more just and inclusive education system.

01/18/2026

Join us on the 28th!

Spend a power hour with SEEN + two top experts in dyslexia intervention! Tickets available now, via comments!

01/16/2026

👏 👏 👏

SEAT 2.0 Alumni Spotlight - Kelly Houston

What are you working on since graduating SEAT 2.0?
I am an advocate with Educational Advocacy and Consulting, Inc., where I work with students across all areas of disability to ensure access to appropriate evaluations, services, and supports. As a certified literacy specialist, I partner with families and schools to promote evidence-based instruction and meaningful progress for every learner. Through my involvement with Everyone Reading Illinois, I advance dyslexia awareness and provide professional development to strengthen literacy practices statewide. My work reflects a deep commitment to collaboration, equity, and empowering students to reach their full potential.



ALT - A white background with blue, green, and mustard yellow spirals. Text in blue reads. SEAT 2.0 Alumni Spotlight - Kelly Houston

01/16/2026

EAC is honored to have the opportunity to train local district teachers, special educators, and reading specialists on the art & science of structured literacy implementation 🧠👩🏻‍🏫

This instruction is transformative and changes the lives of struggling readers!🫶

EACDyslexiaCenter.com

01/16/2026

The same questions come up for many families navigating special education, often because the process isn’t clearly explained.

This year, we’re starting a new FAQ series to break those questions down in a clear, practical way.

In this first video, Carol walks through the eligibility categories under special education and explains what they actually mean and what parents have the right to ask for in meetings.

Tune in for more FAQs as we work to empower families through knowledge and advocacy.

01/15/2026

👇👇👇

🌟 Everyone Reading Illinois – Annual Spring Parent Conference 🌟
Two Dates • Two Locations • One Powerful Day of Learning & Connection
Join ERI for our annual Spring Parent Conference, designed for families raising children with dyslexia and other learning differences. This half-day conference brings together expert-led learning, parent connection, and—most powerfully—student voices.
📍 Choose the date and location that works for you:
🗓 March 7 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Gorton Center Lake Forest
400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/everyonereadingillinois/2020820

🗓 April 11 | 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Illinois Wesleyan University
1312 N. Park St.
Bloomington, IL
https://buytickets.at/everyonereadingillinois/2024781

💡 What to Expect
🔹 Dyslexia 101: Understanding, Identifying & Supporting the Dyslexic Learner
A practical, research-informed session covering what dyslexia is (and isn’t), common signs across ages, brain science, identification, and what effective instruction truly looks like—including structured literacy, decoding, spelling, and meaningful supports.
🔹 Building Resilience the Right Way
Learn why grit comes after skill development, how repeated failure harms motivation, and what actually builds confidence and perseverance in children with learning disabilities.
🔹 Student Dyslexia Panel
A powerful and inspiring highlight of the day. Students with dyslexia share their lived experiences—diagnosis, school challenges, accommodations, friendships, confidence, and what they wish educators understood. This session consistently leaves parents feeling informed, validated, and hopeful.
🔹 Parent Networking & Vendors
Connect with other families and trusted community partners throughout the day.

✨ Whether you’re new to dyslexia or deep into the journey, this conference will leave you with knowledge, tools, perspective, and connection.
🎟 Register here:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/everyonereadingillinois/2020820
👉 Space is limited—register early and join us for this meaningful day supporting dyslexic learners and their families.