Looking for help with reading difficulties or dyslexia? This resource directory brings together books, podcasts, free library services, English learner resources, and school support information for families. It also includes state-specific resources and potential financial assistance for families in Ohio, Florida, and Georgia.
Whether you’re concerned about your child’s reading progress, navigating a dyslexia diagnosis, or looking for ways to support a multilingual learner, these resources can help you find your next step.
Bookmark this guide and share it with parents, teachers, and caregivers who may find it helpful.
Books for Parents
These books cover dyslexia, how children learn to read, effective instruction, and building confidence.
- Overcoming Dyslexia — Sally Shaywitz, M.D.
A research-based introduction to dyslexia, reading development, and effective support. - Marva Collins’ Way— Marva Collins
Shares how she helped students who had struggled in school become confident, successful learners. She shows how high expectations, patience, and a belief in every child’s ability can make a lasting difference in the classroom. - Equipped for Reading Success — David A. Kilpatrick
A more detailed look at foundational reading skills and intervention.
Where to start: Try Overcoming Dyslexia for a deeper understanding of dyslexia.
Websites and Articles
These organizations offer free information, practical advice, and guidance for working with schools.
- Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity — Early signs, assessment, parent guidance, and helping children thrive.
- Reading Rockets — The Dyslexia Toolkit, reading strategies, videos, and family resources.
- International Dyslexia Association — Research-informed information about dyslexia, structured literacy, and accommodations.
- Understood — Practical advice about learning differences, school support, and parenting.
- University of Michigan Dyslexia Help — Information about identification, intervention, and assistive technology.
- The Reading League — Resources about the science of reading and effective literacy instruction.
Recommended starting points:
Podcasts
Listen while commuting, walking, or doing household tasks.
- Sold a Story — An investigative series examining reading instruction and why some widely used approaches have failed children.
- Teaching, Reading, and Learning — Conversations about literacy research and effective teaching.
- Science of Reading: The Podcast — Discussions about how children learn to read and what research tells us about instruction.
Where to start: Listen to Sold a Story to learn more about reading instruction and the importance of evidence-based teaching.
English Learners and Multilingual Families
Children learning English may need both language-development support and reading intervention. Learning English does not cause dyslexia, and persistent reading difficulties should not automatically be attributed to language acquisition.
- Colorín Colorado — Bilingual family-literacy resources, reading tips, and guidance for English learners.
- WIDA — Information about language proficiency and multilingual learners.
- U.S. Department of Education — Guidance on English learners, disability evaluations, and school responsibilities.
- Reading Rockets — Resources on literacy, vocabulary, phonics, and reading instruction for English learners.
- Ohio Dyslexia Resource Guide for Families — A family guide available in multiple languages, with audio resources.
Questions to Ask Your Child’s School
- How are you distinguishing English-language development from reading difficulties?
- What reading intervention is my child receiving?
- How are you accounting for my child’s home language and previous schooling?
- Can school meetings and notices be provided in a language I understand?
Libraries and Free Reading Resources
Your public library can be one of the best places to find free books, audiobooks, literacy programs, and reading support.
- Libby — Borrow ebooks and audiobooks through participating libraries.
- hoopla — Access digital books, audiobooks, comics, and other media through participating libraries.
- Bookshare — An accessible digital library for eligible readers with print disabilities, including some people with dyslexia.
- Learning Ally — Human-narrated audiobooks and reading support for eligible students.
- Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library — Free books mailed to enrolled children in participating communities.
What to Ask Your Librarian
- Do you have decodable books or early readers suitable for children with dyslexia?
- Can we borrow audiobooks and ebooks with accessible reading features?
- Do you offer bilingual books or materials in our home language?
- Are free tutoring, homework help, or family literacy programs available?
- Do you offer accessibility services or reading apps?
Audiobooks can help children enjoy stories and build vocabulary while they receive direct reading instruction. They complement reading instruction rather than replace it.
State Resource Directories
The following sections focus on Ohio, Florida, and Georgia. Each includes official school support information, potential financial assistance, and library resources.
Ohio Resources and Scholarships
Dyslexia and School Support
- Ohio Department of Education and Workforce — Dyslexia
State guidance on dyslexia screening, intervention, and teacher training. - Ohio Dyslexia Resource Guide for Families
Family-friendly information, school communication tools, translations, and audio resources. - Ohio Parent Mentor Project
Help understanding special education, IEPs, and school procedures. - Ohio English Learner Resources
Guidance on language services and educational support for English learners.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
- Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship
Financial assistance for eligible students with disabilities receiving qualifying services. A dyslexia diagnosis alone does not automatically qualify a child. - Ohio Autism Scholarship
For eligible students with autism; not a general dyslexia scholarship.
Libraries
- Ohio Public Library Services — Find local libraries, digital collections, audiobooks, and literacy programs.
Where to start: Use Ohio’s family dyslexia guide, then ask your school about screening, structured literacy instruction, and available parent mentors.
Florida Resources and Scholarships
Dyslexia and Reading Support
- Florida Department of Education — Just Read, Florida!
Reading instruction, literacy initiatives, and family resources. - Florida Statutes § 1008.25
Student progression requirements, including reading intervention and support for students with substantial reading deficiencies.
Free Books and Financial Assistance
- New Worlds Reading Initiative
Free books for eligible VPK–grade 5 public-school students who are reading below grade level. Check current eligibility and enrollment details. - Florida School Choice Scholarships
Information on scholarship programs, including disability-related options. Eligibility and covered expenses vary. - New Worlds Scholarship Accounts
Check the current status and rules for existing accounts. This scholarship-account program is separate from the New Worlds Reading Initiative.
Libraries
- Florida Electronic Library — Digital learning resources and research materials.
- Florida Library and Archives Services — Find library systems and literacy services.
Where to start: Check eligibility for free books through New Worlds Reading, ask the school for a written reading intervention plan, and investigate scholarship eligibility separately.
Georgia Resources and Scholarships
Dyslexia and Reading Support
- Georgia Department of Education — Literacy and Dyslexia
State dyslexia guidance, family resources, and literacy information. - Georgia Department of Education
Official information on literacy initiatives, school support, and state education policies.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
- Georgia Special Needs Scholarship
For eligible students who meet the program’s disability and other requirements. Dyslexia alone does not automatically qualify a student. - Georgia Promise Scholarship
School-choice funding for eligible students and approved education expenses. Check current eligibility, application windows, and covered services before relying on it for tutoring.
Libraries
- Georgia Public Library Service — Find public libraries, digital collections, children’s books, and literacy programs.
Where to start: Read Georgia’s dyslexia guidance, contact the school about screening and reading intervention, and review both scholarship programs independently.
Federal Education Rights
These resources apply to families in all three states.
- IDEA — Individuals with Disabilities Education Act — Special education evaluations, individualized education programs (IEPs), and services for eligible children.
- U.S. Department of Education — Disability Discrimination — Information about Section 504 and disability-related protections.
- English Learner Education Rights — Guidance on language access and educational opportunities for English learners.
- Center for Parent Information and Resources — Find parent training and information centers that help families navigate special education.
Schools should not delay an appropriate disability evaluation simply because a child is learning English. Families can ask how language proficiency, previous schooling, and reading development in the home language will be considered.
A Checklist for Parents
If you’re unsure where to begin, take these steps:
- Gather information. Keep examples of reading and spelling work, teacher feedback, and previous assessments.
- Talk with the school. Ask which reading skills are difficult and what intervention is being provided.
- Ask about evaluation. If concerns persist, find out how to request an appropriate evaluation.
- Check financial assistance. Review the programs for your state and confirm eligibility directly with the official administrator.
- Visit your library. Look for decodable books, audiobooks, bilingual materials, and free literacy programs.
- Keep reading positive. Share stories, listen to audiobooks together, and let your child choose books that match their interests.
A Final Note
Resources, scholarship rules, funding, and state requirements can change. Always confirm current details with the linked official agency. This directory is for educational information, not legal advice.
If you know a parent who is trying to navigate reading difficulties or dyslexia, please share this guide. Finding the right support can make a real difference for a child and family.