5.12 From “Don’t Say Dyslexia” to Right to Read with Nancy Duggan

In this episode, we sit down with Nancy Duggan, co-founder and executive director of Decoding Dyslexia Massachusetts. We talk about how Nancy’s path from parent of a dyslexic child to statewide advocate helped move Massachusetts from “we don’t say dyslexia” to mandated screening and the Right to Read law. Nancy explains how grassroots parent organizing, neuroscience research, and relentless policy work combined to drive real change, and why early identification, evidence-based instruction, and intensive, comprehensive intervention (far beyond phonics alone) are non-negotiable for students with dyslexia.

Whether you’re an educator or a family member, you’ll walk away with practical strategies for IEP advocacy and a clear-eyed look at how systems can actually change.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Decoding Dyslexia Massachusetts
• Decoding Dyslexia (national network)
• International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
• Mass Reads Coalition

• 2015 “Say Dyslexia” Letter (OSERS, U.S. Dept. of Education)
• National Reading Panel 
• Massachusetts Right to Read / High-Quality Curriculum Bill

• Overcoming Dyslexia by Dr. Sally Shaywitz

• Wilson Reading System 
• RAVE-O

We officially have merch! Show your love for the Together in Literacy podcast!

If you like this episode, please take a few minutes to rate, review, and subscribe. Your support and encouragement are so appreciated!

Have a question you’d like us to cover in a future episode of Together in Literacy? Email us at support@togetherinliteracy.com!

If you’d like more from Together in Literacy, you can check out our website, Together in Literacy, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

For more from Emily, check out The Literacy Nest.

For more from Casey, check out The Dyslexia Classroom. 

Let us know what you want to hear this season!

Thank you for listening and joining us in this exciting and educational journey into dyslexia as we come together in literacy!