Support dyslexia awareness 365 days a year! Whether through a donation or giving your time, DenCoKID's partnership with ColoradoGives.org makes it easy to contribute to what matters most to you.
Join us today in making a lasting impact on the lives of those with dyslexia—every day of the year.
Welcome
to Our Site
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Our Mission
DenCoKID builds our community's awareness of dyslexia, provides a web of support for the families and educators of students with dyslexia, and advocates for improved learning outcomes for all Denver kids.
Whether you are a parent/guardian of a struggling learner or you are a teacher wondering how you can help, DenCoKID is here for you.
LITERACY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!
ADVOCACY & EQUITY
Advocating for school-based screening and early identification of dyslexia
Promoting the science of reading through structured literacy in all schools
Supporting local, state, and federal policy and legislation
Collaborating with the Denver Public School District and other community partners
Raising community awareness through dyslexia simulation and learning opportunities
Promoting self-advocacy for students and a focus on strengths
DenCoKID builds our community's awareness of dyslexia, provides a web of support for the families and educators of students with dyslexia, and advocates for improved learning outcomes for all Denver kids.
Whether you are a parent/guardian of a struggling learner or you are a teacher wondering how you can help, DenCoKID is here for you.
LITERACY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!
Who We Serve
Family
Schools
Community
DenCoKID is based in Denver, Colorado.
Our group was born out of a statewide organization called COKID, Colorado Kids Identified with Dyslexia.
We are a grassroots group of mostly families and educators dedicated to matching other families and educators, in Denver County, with supports for individuals with dyslexia; advocating for early identification and the most effective, school-based instruction for kids with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in ALL Denver schools; and we seek to
work collaboratively to increase awareness and educate the community about dyslexia and other language-based
learning differences.
Our Services
Community Advocacy and Support
01
Community Support Network
Join us for Community Support Group Meetings and awareness events.
Explore topics such as:
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Common signs of dyslexia
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Ins-and-Outs of an IEP and 504
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Success stories and pitfalls
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What to look for in school selection
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Shared resources for private evaluations and tutors
03
Educator Resources & Scholarships
A guide to classroom resources and curricula based on the science of reading. This guide can assist with recognizing and supporting dyslexia in the classroom.
We are also proud to offer scholarships to Denver educators to attend conferences hosted by the International Dyslexia Association Rocky Mountain Branch. Contact us for more information.
02
Dyslexia Book Donations
Our new program aims to increase dyslexia awareness by providing Denver school libraries and classrooms with books about dyslexia or featuring dyslexic characters. These books help students with dyslexia feel seen and understood, while also normalizing dyslexia for their peers.
04
Dyslexia Awareness Campaign
In October, each year, we provide a variety of opportunities for the Denver community to honor and celebrate Dyslexia Awareness Month.
Past Events:
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Lighting of the Denver City and County Building
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Yard signs
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Fliers
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Rallies and guest speakers
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Letter writing campaigns to school leaders and local officials.
Our
Successes
More than 800 people spoke up for free dyslexia screening for all...and Denver Public School district heard us!
The addition of universal dyslexia screening to DPS board policy is an affirmative step toward early identification of dyslexia for all students and would not have occurred without your efforts
Progress
Many of us wrote to the DPS board, made public comments, or signed the petition in favor of the dyslexia screening policy promulgated by Director Auon’tai Anderson. When the DPS board voted, they opted to make dyslexia screening an “Ends Policy.” That policy reads, in pertinent part:
All students, regardless of home language status, will be screened for dyslexia and other reading difficulties, and will be identified at an early age and begin receiving interventions prior to the completion of second grade to provide a solid foundation for learning. In addition, the district commits to screening new students entering the district.
Our Work Continues
DenCoKID continues to dialogue with DPS to
(1) determine how the district will make the screening a reality provided for in the policy
(2) advocate that the screening take place in kindergarten and first grade
(3) ensure that the district attends to the needs of older students whose dyslexia was not identified and remediated in early elementary grades.
Host an Experience Dyslexia® Simulation
This empathy-building simulation allows participants to experience some of the challenges and frustrations faced by people with attention and language-based learning differences. Participants are guided through six learning tasks commonly encountered in the classroom or workplace. These activities are followed by a group discussion, focussed on experiences shared and lessons learned. Ideal for educators, families, community leaders, youth organizations, and policymakers.
*Note: Participating Colorado educators may receive a certificate worth 2 hours of continuing education credit for recertification.
CONTACT US
DenCoKID’s intent is to help families and educators in creating a web of support with others having similar experiences. This group operates independently of any outside service organization and is not intended to provide educational, medical, legal, or counseling service or advice.
720-222-4704