RewirED: Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities

In this episode of ODRD RewirED, host Kristin Allen sits down with internationally recognized literacy and neuroscience researcher Dr. Fumiko Hoeft to explore what brain science reveals about how children learn to read—and why that knowledge matters for every classroom. Drawing from decades of research in dyslexia, reading development, and neuroscience, Dr. Hoeft explains why reading is not an aut...

In this episode of ODRD RewirED, host Kristin Allen talks with representatives from the Connecticut State Library about a statewide effort to expand access to dyslexia and literacy resources in all 191 public libraries across Connecticut. Together, they explore how libraries serve as trusted community hubs, connecting families, educators, and students with high-quality literacy supports, curated d...

In this episode of RewirED, the Connecticut State Department of Education’s Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities explores how community partnerships can extend literacy beyond the classroom. Featuring a conversation with John Jones of the Springfield Thunderbirds, the episode highlights how initiatives like Dyslexia Awareness Night and the Stick to Reading program create meaningful, engagin...

In this inspiring episode, Malik Champlain shares how a deeply personal experience as a father grew into Pages with Pops, a community-driven literacy initiative designed to engage fathers and father figures in their children’s reading journeys. Through powerful reflections on identity, belonging, and representation, Malik explores how literacy extends beyond skill-building to shape confidence, con...

In this powerful episode, student advocate Eleanor Farquhar speaks openly about growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia, the emotional toll of struggling in school, and the moment assistive technology opened the door to learning. Her story offers families and educators an authentic look at why early, individualized access to tools can shape not only academic success, but self-worth and belonging.

Developed through years of collaboration with educators and families, the Connecticut State Department of Education's EL/ML Framework offers clear guidance for improving instruction and systems for multilingual learners, including those with dyslexia. In this episode, Maribel Olivero and Megan Alubicki, the CSDE leaders who developed the framework, explain its guiding principles, how district...

In this episode of RewirED, host Kristin Allen is joined by Goviana Morales, a bilingual consultant with the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) and a leading voice for family engagement and equity in special education. Drawing from her lived experience as a parent of children with disabilities and her professional work supporting Spanish-speaking families statewide, Morales shares how langu...

In this episode of ODRD Rewired, host Kristin Allen speaks with Dr. Benitez and Mr. Pabón of the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CALAS) to explore how culturally grounded leadership, representation, and community partnership shape stronger, more inclusive schools. They share personal journeys into leadership, the unique strengths Latino administrators bring to...

In the debut episode of RewirED, the Connecticut State Department of Education's Lisa Gianni explores the newly developed Structured Literacy and Dyslexia Competencies. Listeners will learn what structured literacy looks like in practice; how these evidence-based competencies are designed to strengthen educators’ confidence and effectiveness in supporting all learners; how this work moves bey...