Registration closed. Visit the IDA-GA YouTube Channel to view this presentation.  

All registrants will have an opportunity to earn a Certificate of Attendance upon completion of a knowledge check/request for COA form after viewing the webinar. Registrants will receive that form link on Monday, January 27, around 3:00 pm ET. 

Dr. Odegard’s Reference Slides

During this presentation, Dr. Odegard mentions Eye to Eye: https://eyetoeyenational.org/
Georgia’s very own David Flink is one of the founders of this amazing mentoring organization. Read about how Eye to Eye was started and the mission: https://thendalliance.org/mission/

Dr. Odegard also suggests attendees listen to the Dyslexia Uncovered podcast* episodes with Stephanie Goff and Rebecca Gottlieb:   

• In Conversation with Rebecca Gotlieb on Identity and Transcendent Thinking (April 2024)
  In the conversation, Dr. Odegard and Rebecca Gotlieb touch on the topic of identity and the role that story creation and narratives can play in helping children and others form their understanding of themselves. We also touch on the topic of neurodiversity and chat about how this concept can help us create a community as we seek to define how we want the world to understand us and our needs.
  

• In Conversation with Stephanie Haft – Stereotypes and Mental Wellness (May 2024)
  In this episode, Dr. Odegard and his guest dive deeper into a theme that resonates strongly with our community—the intersection of identity and the social-emotional realities faced by those with learning differences. Dr. Stephanie Haft, a newly minted Ph.D. and clinical psychologist, has dedicated her research to exploring the impacts of learning differences and ADHD on individual well-being. Dr. Haft’s work extends beyond the often-discussed realms of childhood and adolescence, focusing on underrepresented groups. Her insights shed light on the broader psychological factors affecting our community and others, highlighting the diverse challenges and resilience among those living with dyslexia and related conditions.  (See links to Dr. Haft’s articles.)

  *The Dyslexia Uncovered podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, etc. 

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In this first of the four 2025 Spotlight on Structured Literacy webinars hosted by IDA-GA and TRL-GA, Dr. Tim Odegard discusses Dyslexia’s impact on literacy and well-being. 

Dr. Odegard brings both personal experience and professional expertise to his talks. His presentations are known for their depth, clarity, and practical insights, making complex topics accessible to a wide audience.

In our evolving understanding of dyslexia, recent insights reveal a complex risk-resiliency model that underscores the interplay between individual factors and environmental influences on dyslexia and its severity. Beyond its impact on reading and writing, dyslexia’s primary characteristics significantly affect mental health and overall well-being. These modern realities challenge us to consider how we define, approach, and address dyslexia. This webinar explores the implications of word-level difficulties characteristic of dyslexia on mental health. It also examines research that has aimed to address the mental health challenges prevalent among individuals with dyslexia.

Tim Odegard is a Professor of Psychology holding the Katherine DavisMurfree Chair of Excellence in Dyslexic Studies, and he leads the Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia at Middle Tennessee State University. He contributes significantly to advancing the Science of Reading in key leadership roles. He currently serves As Editor-in-Chief of Annals of Dyslexia and consulting editor for the Journal of Learning Disabilities. He is a past editor of Perspective on Language and Literacy. He was a contributing author on the IDA’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading. He is a past Vice President of the Texas Dyslexia Licensure Advisory Committee and has served as a member of the International Dyslexia Association’s (IDA) Educational Training Initiative.

His commitment to enhancing educational opportunities extends beyond students with dyslexia, and Tim works on broader literacy initiatives throughout the United States. His service has included serving as a technical consultant for several state initiatives around foundational literacy skills and reading disabilities. He contributed to online training for several state departments of education and has provided technical support to some of the largest school districts in the U.S. He currently serves as a member of the California Reading Difficulties Risk Selection panel and several advisory boards for nonprofit groups making meaningful impacts in communities across the nation.

Tim’s accolades include the Founders Award from the AIM Institute, the Innovator Award as an Outstanding MSLE Professional from the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council, the Luke Waits Service Award from the Academic Language Therapy Association, the Massey-Sexton Dyslexia Advocacy Award from the Tennessee Branch IDA, the Roland H. Waters Teaching Award from the University of Arkansas, and the Research Excellence Award from the University of Texas, Arlington.

Expert Minutes: Dr. Odegard provides an overview of dyslexia in this short Expert Minutes video provided by the Center for Dyslexia MTSU.

About Dr. Odegard’s Dyslexia Uncovered Podcast: Embark on a journey through the layers of dyslexia with “Dyslexia Uncovered,” a podcast that delves into the historical roots, scientific insights, and personal realities surrounding dyslexia. Join Tim Odegard, your guide through this exploration, as we unravel the complexities of dyslexia, challenge preconceptions, and dispel common misconceptions.

Article: Dr. Odegard has authored many articles, including the 2024 Annal of Dyslexia article, “The Gift of Dyslexia: What’s the Harm in It?”

Information about the Spotlight on Structured Literacy Series: https://ga.dyslexiaida.org/2025-spotlight-on-structured-literacy-webinar-series/