Dyslexia and Related Disorders 

Definition: 

The International Dyslexia Association defines “dyslexia” in the following way:

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.

RESOURCES

Updated Dyslexia Handbook 2024  

TEA Texas Dyslexia Academies

TEA Student Accommodations

Scottish Rite

TEA Information for Parents

Need More Information?

Leslie Coody – Dyslexia Consultant

Curriculum and Instruction

Lesli Coody is the Dyslexia Consultant of Region 18 Service Center. Before being named Dyslexia Consultant in July 2021, Lesli was a Dyslexia Therapist in Ector County ISD. Lesli was also employed bv the JPW Learning Center in San Angelo as an Instructor of Certified Academic Language Practitioners and trained teachers all over the State of Texas. She is a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist by the State of Texas as well as a Certified Academic Language Therapist. During her career as an educator, Lesli has served as a Dyslexia Therapist, Trainer of Take Flight for ECISD, presenter at various professional development on Reading, Reading Recovery teacher, classroom teacher, and TPRI trainer of trainers. Her professional experience includes service in Alice ISD, San Antonio ISD, and 30 years in Ector County ISD. Regardless of the challenges, Lesli loves training teachers as well as working with students with dyslexia. Lesli earned her teaching credentials through Texas Tech University.

E-mail
lesli.coody@esc18.net

Work Phone:
(432) 567-3260

Contact Suzanne Blume for Evaluation Information

Suzanne Blume

Child Find & Evaluation, Special Education Support, 504, SHARS, Dyslexia, Legal Framework

Special Education Support

Suzanne Blume joins Region 18 with a deep-seated passion for special education.   

She is a certified Special Education Teacher and Educational Diagnostician with over 20 years of experience. Her passion for special needs individuals and their families is deeply rooted in her love for her own sister, who is an adult with special needs. She specializes in Behavior Disorders, Life Skills, Evaluations, and Dyslexia.  Suzanne assists and trains educators on Special Education Policies and Procedures, the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Meeting Process, and Evaluations as well as the Next steps in students' academic success. 

Suzanne has mentored many new diagnosticians and case managers while serving as a district trainer on various platforms to support Special Education Teachers, Coordinators, and Administrators. She has worked in Districts throughout  Conroe, Houston, Austin, and Dallas. She has served on many school committees throughout her career and is a volunteer for many different organizations.

Suzanne holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education with a minor in Art from Sam Houston State University (SHSU). She furthered her education at Texas State University (TSU), earning her Master’s in Autism, Emotional & Behavioral Disorders with a minor in Adult Education. In 2014, she acquired her Educational Diagnostician Certification from SHSU and completed the Leadership Program from Region 6. 

E-mail
suzanne.blume@esc18.net

Work Phone:
432.567.3224