This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine dyslexia—one of the most common, yet frequently misunderstood learning challenges affecting up to one in five individuals. Host Bob Rivard is joined by Jasmin Dean, founder and CEO of Celebrate Dyslexia, a San Antonio nonprofit advocating for better diagnosis, intervention, and public understanding of dyslexia across schools, healthcare, and society.
Drawing on both personal experience and current research, Jasmin Dean discusses the realities facing families navigating the education system and the urgent need for early identification and specialized intervention. Bob Rivard and Jasmin Dean address the evolving legislative landscape in Texas, the challenges of public- and private-sector solutions, and what is being done at the local level—including the opening of Celebrate Dyslexia Schools, a tuition-free public charter dedicated to evidence-based support for dyslexic students.
They discuss:
• What dyslexia is—and isn’t—according to current scientific and medical evidence
• Why early intervention and teacher training are critical, and how local schools are responding to new requirements
• The intersection of dyslexia with equity, economic mobility, and juvenile justice
• Barriers to adult diagnosis, workplace accommodations, and the lack of insurance coverage
• The role of advocacy, nonprofit partnerships, and new models for curriculum access
• Ongoing efforts in San Antonio to change the narrative, build resources, and improve outcomes for children and adults with dyslexia
For parents, educators, and community leaders, this episode provides context and updates on a complex issue impacting thousands of San Antonians—highlighting both the challenges and the progress underway to support local families.
For more information on Celebrate Dyslexia, visit their website: https://celebratedyslexia.org/.
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