LEAP

Program and outreach committee of The Reading Group

  • What is LEAP?

    LEAP (Linking Educators and Parents) is a group of educators and parents in Central Illinois whose mission is to increase awareness and provide knowledge about dyslexia and other learning differences.

  • What does LEAP do?

    We provide information on topics of interest for parents of children who show signs of dyslexia, adult dyslexics, educators, and other professionals. We offer panel discussions, advice from experts, and camaraderie among families and educators dealing with dyslexia and learning differences. We provide workshops and forums for parents, educators, and the general public. These meetings are free and open to the public. Are you an educator? The Champaign-Ford Regional Office of Education provides credits for educators attending our workshops.

  • What can you learn at a LEAP forum or workshop?

    Our events cover methods and strategies that help students with dyslexia, reading disabilities, and other learning differences. We also explore ways to deal with the frustrations and tensions that so often accompany dyslexia.

    Recent topics have included:
    • Helping struggling readers
    • Navigating high school and college with dyslexia
    • Community leaders addressing strategies to support students who learn differently
    • Multi-sensory approaches to help dyslexic children

  • How do you attend a forum or workshop?

    Event announcements are shared on the LEAP Facebook page and to over 200 individuals and schools on our LEAP email list. To stay informed about these upcoming free events, like our Facebook page.

  • What resources does LEAP provide?

    Download our “Resources for Learning Differences and Dyslexia” handout for a list of local and online resources and recommended books. Videos of several previous LEAP workshops are available on our YouTube channel. The videos are about 30 minutes each.
  • Current video topics include: Getting to Know You Dyslexia and Anxiety PerspeThe LEAP collection of books and materials is housed at The Reading Group. These resources are available for review by parents, teachers, and college students by calling Marilyn Kay at 217-367-0398 to schedule an appointment.

  • Our Advisory Committee:
    LEAP is directed by an advisory committee who meets several times a year to organize workshops and discussion panels.

    Marilyn Kay – Founder of The Reading Group and LEAP

    Topper Steinman – Educational Consultant

    Kevin Seymour – Educator, Chair of LEAP Advisory Committee

    Cynthia Johnson – Educator, University of Illinois

    Nancy Parker – Educator, Dyslexia Tutor/Screener, Educational Consultant

    Kristin Feddersen – Parent of dyslexic child

    Jaclyn Johnson-Cross – Educator, Champaign Unit 4 Schools

    Michael Marks – Dyslexia Tutor at The Reading Group

    Sara Cassel – Parent of dyslexic child

    Questions about LEAP? Contact us LEAP@readinggroup.org

© 2019 The Reading Group