In pursuit of teaching ALL students to read.
Supporting innovation in the Science of Reading.
This site is a free resource developed from my 2023 master’s thesis focused on identifying the most effective research-based reading interventions for students with complex learning profiles and intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD).
A warm welcome to parents, caregivers, and educators interested in helping all students gain the essential reading skills required to lead engaged, healthy, and safe lives in our modern world.
In 2021, 2.8% of U.S. 8th graders with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities tested as proficient in reading.
Afacan, K., & Wilkerson, K. L. (2021). Reading outcomes of students with intellectual disability on statewide assessments. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 26(1), 195–210. https://doi.org/10.1177/1744629521991409
Learning Activities
Explore evidence-based best practice activities for phonological, phonemic awareness, morphology, spelling, and fluency tailored to students with mild to moderate intellectual or developmental disabilities and those who haven't shown improvement with standard reading interventions.
Reading can enhance independence for students with complex needs. Given the value of time and resources, it's advisable to refer to scientifically proven resources on reading disabilities and intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Useful Reading Intervention Websites
About Me
Cy Simonsgaard, CALT, soon-to-be M.Ed.
I'm a Reading and Academic Language Therapist, as well as a mom to a wonderful young adult who faces the challenges of comorbidities, intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and severe reading difficulties.
Contact
Feel free to contact me with anything you’d like to discuss.
Email
simonsgaards@me.com