Dyslexia Initiative  |  Committees and Workgroups

Committed to understanding and educating students with dyslexia

What is dyslexia?

The word dyslexia comes from two Greek roots – dys, meaning poor or inadequate and lexia, meaning verbal language. Hence, the literal definition: poor or inadequate language. Dyslexia is not a disease to have and to cure. Rather, it describes a kind of mind – often a gifted and productive mind – that learns differently. As many as one in ten people may be considered dyslexic. For them, learning language by traditional means can be very frustrating.

In order to learn, children with dyslexia need a structural linguistic approach which includes individualized, multisensory learning techniques. The curriculum materials and teaching methods should address both academic and behavioral goals and are matched to the unique learning style of each child. The ultimate goal is to return students with dyslexia to mainstream classrooms prepared with required academic skills and with full confidence in themselves as competent learners, and also to give children a foundation of skills they will utilize throughout their adult life.

United Way wants to ensure that dyslexic children in Luzerne County are receiving the education they need. Through a collaboration with United Way of Wyoming Valley, Allied Services, King's College, Children's Service Center, and several interested families and individuals, this dyslexia initiative was created.

Mission:

To provide dyslexic students with structured, multisensored and individualized education in order to prepare them to return and succeed in a conventional school setting.

Goals:

Develop an education facility where students can learn fundamental skills necessary for a productive life.

Provide dyslexic children with the most beneficial education possible at a minimal cost to parents.

Provide dyslexic children with a positive and supportive learning environment.

Develop individualized curriculums which match the learning style of each child.

Provide the proper training necessary to produce a high-quality staff.

Increase awareness and educate the community about dyslexia.

Tax Credit Program

Fund-raising efforts are underway through a partnership with Allied Services and United Way of Wyoming Valley.  Currently, we have been approved by Department of Community and Economic Development, as a Scholarship Organization which businesses can receive tax credits for their donation.  Entities eligible to apply for Educational Improvement Tax Credits are businesses authorized to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that are subject to the following taxes:

An eligible business that submits an application to the Department and that agrees to make a contribution to our  scholarship organizations shall be awarded Educational Improvement Tax Credits to the extent that such tax credits remain available for the fiscal year in which application is made.  A business will be approved for a tax credit equal to 75% of its contribution(s), up to a maximum of $100,000 per taxable year. The tax credit may be increased to 90% of the contribution(s) made, up to a maximum of $100,000 per taxable year, if the business agrees to provide the same amount of contribution for two consecutive tax years. In order to receive and retain the 90% tax credit, the business must make the same amount of contribution in each of the two consecutive tax years.

To receive a tax credit application or for more information on our Dyslexia Initiative
Please Contact:

United Way of Wyoming Valley
8 West Market Street, Suite 450
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18711
Phone: (570) 829-6711
Fax: (570) 822-0522