Decoding Dyslexia – Let’s Talk About It! An SLP-Led Conversation about Dyslexia

Course Number: ABIO2613

When: Recorded playback is available between June 10, 2026 – June 10, 2031.

Where: Available under “Course Content” at the bottom of this page.

Description: In this course, participants address the common challenge of feeling underprepared to support students with dyslexia. Participants define dyslexia, identify key characteristics observed through the SLP lens, and describe evidence-based strategies to improve academic and language outcomes. The session also introduces the Orton-Gillingham Approach and its relevance to clinical practice.

Who This Course Is Good For:

ASHA members, CCC holders,licensed Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and SLPAs working in school-based or pediatric settings
Clinicians who support students with reading, language, or literacy challenges
SLPs who feel underprepared or want more clarity on their role in dyslexia
Professionals interested in practical, language-based strategies to support reading outcomes
Clinicians curious about the Orton-Gillingham Approach and how it connects to SLP practice

Who This Course Isn’t Good For:

Professionals not currently practicing or planning to practice in speech-language pathology or related clinical fields
Clinicians seeking advanced, intensive training in structured literacy or full Orton-Gillingham certification
Professionals outside of speech-language pathology looking for a general overview without clinical application
SLPs already highly specialized in dyslexia intervention or certified in Orton-Gillingham who are seeking advanced-level content

Presenters:

Venita Litvack, M.A, CCC-SLP (SHE/HER)

Venita is an Assistive Technology (AT) Consultant in south Florida. She has a passion for using AAC, AT, and literacy to support individuals with complex communication needs, autism, and other disabilities. Venita has delivered poster presentations on several topics related to AAC at ASHA and co-presented several ASHA CEU accredited courses. Venita co-authored two articles published in ASHA Leader’s online publication, as well as the Lou Knows What to Do book series published by Boys Town Press. Recently, Venita started utilizing the power of social media to empower and motivate educators across the country through the Speechie Side Up podcast, blog, Instagram account, and YouTube channel.

Tasha Wisehart, M.S. CCC-SLP(SHE/HER)

Tasha Wisehart is a mission-driven educational leader and licensed speech-language pathologist with over 20 years of experience supporting students. She spent 10 years at The Schenck School, a renowned remediation school for students with dyslexia, where she served as Co-Director of the Speech-Language Pathology Program. Tasha has strong expertise in K–5 child development, literacy, and oral language development. She is a member of the International Dyslexia Association and is Orton-Gillingham Associate-level certified.

Disclosure Statements

Venita Litvack has the following relevant relationships to disclose: ownership interest in Speechie Side Up, LLC and Tassel Learning, LLC; royalties from the Lou Knows What to Do book series. Venita is a member of the ASHA Special Interest Group 12.

Tasha Wisehart has the following relevant relationships to disclose: the presenter is employed at The Schenck School, where she serves as Accreditation Coordinator Lead and a Director of the Speech Language Pathology Program; she receives an honorarium for this podcourse; she reports no additional financial or nonfinancial conflicts of interest.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this activity, participants will:

Define dyslexia and explain 2 ways it can impact professional practice and personal perspective as a speech-language pathologist.
Identify 3 common characteristics of dyslexic students observed through the speech-language pathology lens.
Describe 2 evidence-based strategies SLPs can use to support academic and language outcomes for students with dyslexia.
Define the Orton-Gillingham Approach and describe the relevance of associate-level certification for speech-language pathologists working with dyslexic learners.

Agenda

5 min	Introductions and Backgrounds
10 min	Understanding Dyslexia
15 min	Dyslexia Through the SLP Lens
10 min	Supporting Dyslexic Students in Practice
15 min	The Orton Gillingham Approach
5 min	References & Closing