Ava's Story

Meet Ava, a remarkable young woman who is currently pursuing her dream of studying Environmental Law at the College of Wooster. Ava’s journey with us began in 7th grade after receiving a dyslexia diagnosis. At that time, she faced significant challenges with spelling and lagged far behind her peers in reading ability. Reflecting on her time at SLD Read, she shared that she recognized a distinctive difference in the way she learned compared to her peers. However, she held onto an unwavering dream – “I want to be an environmental lawyer.” Unfortunately, by the 6th grade, Ava was reading at a 3rd-grade level, presenting a daunting obstacle between her and her aspirations.

Ava’s tutor, Laura, played a pivotal role in her journey towards success. Laura used SLD Read’s Phonics Fundamentals curriculum as a foundation, ensuring that Ava established a strong base for her reading skills. Initially, Ava found it a bit amusing, saying, “After all, I’ve known my vowels since I was five.” Yet, she quickly realized the vital importance of SLD Read’s structured approach. As she mastered these fundamental skills and progressed to more advanced concepts, she not only gained the ability to read proficiently but also developed the confidence to advocate for herself. By her senior year of high school, she was thriving in several Advanced Placement classes, and she had discovered effective ways to request support from her teachers, enabling her to excel.

“Having dyslexia taught me how to advocate for myself early on, and SLD Read helped me learn to study in a way that was not only efficient but was also tailored to my learning skills.”

With unwavering dedication, personalized support, and access to the right tools, Ava not only caught up with her peers but exceeded all expectations. In her very first semester at college, she achieved a remarkable milestone by making the Dean’s List.

Ava’s inspiring journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of SLD Read’s programs. Your support can help us continue to make stories like Ava’s possible for countless more students. Consider donating today to empower students like Ava on their path to realizing their dreams.