Everyone Reading Illinois

Dyslexia is a language processing disorder with a neurological basis. It affects people’s ability to recognize and match sounds with written letters and words. It may affect not only reading, but also writing, spelling, word recall and the ability to solve mathematical word problems. Dyslexia is characterized by unexpected reading difficulties in children and adults who otherwise possess the intel

ligence, motivation and education to develop accurate and fluent reading skills. About Everyone Reading Illinois
Everyone Reading Illinois (ERI) is one of the state’s leading organization’s in dyslexia awareness and education. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1978, ERI partners with schools, teachers, parents and other experts to eliminate educational inequities and promote research-based instructional approaches. ERI’s programs include conferences, workshops and training for educators and parents. ERI also provides informational resources and referrals to diagnosticians, tutors and more. Members of ERI’s board of directors are available for teacher training, parent conferences and media interviews. We’re the go-to resource for parents who suspect their children have dyslexia or who want to know how to secure effective IEPs for their students. We’re an ally for teachers who strive to support struggling students who otherwise possess the intelligence, motivation and education to develop accurate and fluent reading skills. With your help, we can eliminate the “research-practice gap” between what science tells us is effective and what many schools use to teach struggling readers. This gap has created a culture of “haves and have-nots” in Illinois. Not all parents can afford to hire private diagnosticians, tutors and advocates to help their students succeed. These children become part of the 66% of Illinois students who the NAEP reports can’t read proficiently at the fourth grade level. Research and clinical literature show that children who struggle to read in third grade often still are struggling to read in middle school and high school. These children have a higher risk of dropping out of school, less success in college and markedly less occupational success. The well-documented emotional toll on children who struggle to read begins well before third grade. When you support ERI, you’re changing the course of Illinois children’s lives. Please join or donate today via our website, everyonereadingillinois.org.