Ohio State dyslexia screenings unlock kids’ potential
Professor Terri Hessler helped 9-year-old Harper get reading help and build confidence. This video shows how, when reading feels impossible, answers can change everything.
Video run time: 1 minute, 44 seconds
On a recent sunny fall day, Harper, a 9-year-old fourth grader, beamed with joy as she read aloud from a book while seated next to her mother, Ashley Edwards, at the kitchen island of their east Columbus home.
While the activity may seem like an ordinary one, reading with confidence is a hard-won accomplishment for Harper — one that took a lot of persistence from Edwards and support from The Ohio State University.
Harper’s reading has improved as a result of a screening that determined she has symptoms associated with dyslexia. The screening was conducted through a free service provided by Terri Hessler, professor of special education at Ohio State. Research has found that early identification of dyslexia and targeted remediation can reduce the potential negative impact.
“It means change, it means breakthroughs, it means additional resources for our children,” Edwards said of Hessler’s dyslexia screening service. “Ohio State has helped us break down barriers, and we appreciate Dr. Terri and Ohio State for the opportunity.”
Says Harper: “I don’t feel as frustrated. I got more help, and it worked.”
Read the story
Ohio State’s early dyslexia screenings help families like Harper’s access support and give kids the confidence to succeed—one reader at a time. See how early dyslexia screening is opening doors.
