Visual Language LLC

Writing and Design by Ellen M Shapiro

International Dyslexia Association

Every Child Reading!

Know a child who’s having trouble learning to read? We did, and won an ”Ideas That Matter” grant to develop a campaign of materials for teachers and parents in the nation’s most disadvantaged school districts. The purpose: Help them learn how to recognize learning disabilities in young children and get access to testing, support, and remediation.

The project began with a logo refresh, creating the campaign theme, and developing the color palette and typographic style. Charming illustrations by Steven Guarnaccia make formerly dull academic presentations into friendly, helpful booklets.
The Parent Guide encourages moms (and dads) to be their child’s advocate, to form partnerships with his or her teachers, and to point out words, sounds, and spelling when reading out loud. A key message is “Having a learning difference doesn’t mean that your child isn’t smart.”
The Teacher Guide includes checklists for K-3 classroom teachers, a Q&A about common misconceptions, and information about how to talk to parents, and where to find multisensory reading resources and programs.
The packages sent to schools contained several booklets for each teacher, a poster to hang in every classroom, and information about the IDA.
Tee-shirts as well as booklets and posters were sold at IDA conferences.