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Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders

The Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders serves the community and Nicholls State University students who have been identified as having characteristics of dyslexia and/or a related disorder. College students in all majors are provided support services. A comprehensive assessment is available for children, adolescents, and adults. Screening is available for children, age 5-6. Staff members also provide teacher training through in-service workshops and pre-service classes.

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OUR MISSION

The Dyslexia Center’s mission is to transform the lives of individuals with dyslexia through the provision of support services to college students, educational evaluations to the public, and training opportunities to teachers and parents.

OUR PROGRAM

The Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders offers the following services through a college program for students with dyslexia and/or related learning disorders enrolled at Nicholls State University:

  • Assigned coordinator – Students will be assigned a coordinator to assist with transitioning to college.
  • Support system – Students receive help integrating into the University and the Center.
  • Remediation – Students receive specialized tutoring in English, math, history, government, business related courses, etc.
  • Academic planning – Students receive assistance in scheduling and registration services.
  • Resources – Students have access to computers with special technology to assist with classroom assignments.
  • Classroom and testing accommodations – Students receive the classroom and testing accommodations for which they are eligible based on their evaluation.
  • Distraction limited environment – Students receive a distraction limited testing room for testing accommodations and a distraction limited study room to complete classroom assignments.

ASSESSMENT

We provide assessment for individuals of all ages to determine eligibility for services and academic accommodations during their school years, including college. The comprehensive evaluation includes assessment in the areas of social/emotional functioning, oral language, cognitive processing, and academic achievement. This is typically accomplished through three appointments (each 2 – 2.5 hours).

If you decide to have your child or yourself evaluated, there are several steps you must follow. The first is to download and complete the appropriate packet, the 6-18 year-old packet or the adult packet. The packet contains instructions and materials that need to be completed in order for an interview and evaluation to be scheduled. Please complete/collect all the information listed on the checklist and mail it along with a $50 non-refundable application/processing fee made payable to NSU. The address is included in the packet.

After we receive the completed packet and processing fee (timing is dependent on the length of the waiting list), you will be contacted to discuss the scheduling of appointments. The cost of an evaluation is $825, of which $275 is due the day of the first testing session. A second payment of $275 is collected at the last testing session. After the evaluation report is complete, you will be scheduled to return for a feedback appointment, at which time the remaining $275 is due. Evaluation findings and recommendations will be discussed, and you will receive a thorough written report.

The staff of the Center is here to assist you in any way that we can. If you have any questions, please contact us at (985) 448-4214.

Packets

Assessment_6-18yrs
Assessment for Adults

APPLICATION

The Dyslexia Center seeks highly motivated students who have been diagnosed as having a learning disability and who have been successfully mainstreamed in college prep courses throughout the four years of high school.

Students must complete all steps in the admission process to both Nicholls State University and the Dyslexia Center before an admission decision to the Dyslexia Center can be made. Students must first be accepted into Nicholls State University before being accepted into the Dyslexia Center.

Step 1.

Apply to Nicholls State University. If you have any questions, contact ADMISSIONS at (985) 448-4507

Step 2.

Apply to the Dyslexia Center. ($25 application fee)

Application Deadlines:

  • August 1 deadline/Fall semester
  • January 1 deadline/Spring semester
  • May 1 deadline/Summer semester

Semester Fee Schedule:

  • $525.00 Per Semester (Fall or Spring)
  • $325.00 Summer Semester

Policy Manual:

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the college program offered by the Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders, students must:

  1. Be accepted into Nicholls State University
  2. Complete Application Process by submitting required documentation of dyslexia and/or related learning disorder diagnosis with application

Documentation submitted with the Application to the Dyslexia Center must:

  1. Be completed by a licensed professional qualified to make the diagnosis.
  2. Be typed on official letterhead and signed by the qualified licensed professional including licensing information.
  3. Be completed within the past three years.
  4. Clearly state a diagnosis of dyslexia and/or related learning disorder.
  5. Include the screening tests and scores used to determine the diagnosis.  The screening tests must include but are not limited to the following:
    1. Measure(s) of general cognitive ability
    2. Measure(s) of single word identification and phonological processing
    3. Measure(s) of reading comprehension (preferably timed and untimed)
    4. Measure(s) of written expression
  6. Have verification of average or above average intellectual abilities.
  7. Include complete educational, developmental and medical history relevant to the diagnosis.
  8. Include a list of accommodations appropriate to college.  Provided is a list of suggested college accommodations:
    • Extended time for tests and in class assignments
    • Reader for Tests
    • Use of Calculator
    • Use of Dictionary
    • Use of Recording Device
    • Note-taker
    • Preferential Seating
    • Use of Computer for Written Assignments
    • Provide Additional Directions
    • Provide List of Required Textbooks Early to Obtain Textbooks on Reading Software
    • Read Tests Orally
    • Distraction Limited Testing Room
    • Essay Read Back
    • Omit/Prorate Spelling
    • Avoid Scheduling Consecutive Testing Sessions
    • Test Questions Rephrased

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Reading Remediation

The Dyslexia Center offers reading remediation for students in grades K-5. The focus will be on decoding and/or comprehension as needed. If you would like information on this program, please contact Carole Boos (985) 449-7186 or email carole.boos@nicholls.edu.

OPEN HOUSE!

April 4th and 26th.

Have you or someone you know received accommodations for dyslexia, a different learning disability, or ADD/ADHD in high school and are wondering how to continue these services in college? Are you interested in finding out what the Dyslexia Center has to offer as well as take a tour of the center? Well, here is a perfect opportunity for you! There will be two open houses for students, parents, and teachers. The same information will be presented at each one. At your visit, you will learn about admission requirements and services and technology provided to students within the Dyslexia Center.

Anyone interested in learning more about the LA Center for Dyslexia’s College Program is welcomed to attend. Open house is especially tailored for any junior or senior in high school, present NSU students, and crossed enrolled students and their parents who are interested in what the Dyslexia Center has to offer.

If you have any questions, please call 985-449-7023.

SUMMER PROGRAM

REMEDIATION IN PHONICS & COMPREHENSION

Has your child missed valuable reading instruction due to the pandemic and/or hurricane?

This summer, the Louisiana Center for Dyslexia will be offering remediation in phonics for students entering 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grades and in reading comprehension for students entering 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. Students do NOT have to have dyslexia to participate.

Sessions will be held on the following dates/times:

1st through 3rd grade Phonics Classes:

June 27, 28, 29, 30, July 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
1st grade will meet at 9:00 AM – 9:50 AM
2nd grade will meet 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM
3rd grade will meet 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM

COST: $300 per student

4th through 6th grade Comprehension Classes:

July 11th through 15th
All students will meet 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

COST: $200 per student

MORE INFO

Dyslexia is one of several distinct learning disabilities. It is a specific language based disorder of constitutional origin characterized by difficulties in single word decoding, usually reflecting insufficient phonological processing abilities. These difficulties in single word decoding are often unexpected in relation to age and other cognitive and academic abilities; they are not a result of generalized developmental disability or sensory impairment. Dyslexia is manifested by variable difficulty with different forms of language, often including, in addition to problems in reading, a conspicuous problem with acquiring proficiency in writing and spelling.

Characteristics

  • problems in learning the names of the letters of the alphabet
  • difficulty in learning to write the alphabet correctly in sequence
  • difficulty in learning and remembering printed words
  • reversal of letters or sequences of letters
  • difficulty in learning to read
  • difficulty in reading comprehension
  • cramped or illegible handwriting
  • repeated erratic spelling errors
  • losing ground on achievement or intelligence tests
  • delay in spoken language
  • difficulty in finding the “right” word when speaking
  • late in establishing preferred hand for writing
  • late in learning right and left and other directionality components
  • problems in learning the concept of time and temporal sequencing
  • family history of similar problems
  • late in learning to talk
  • delay in motor milestones
  • slow reading speed
  • error proneness in reading
  • difficulty in foreign language for older students
  • word substitutions in oral reading

Profile under Bulletin 1903

  • Lack of phonological awareness
  • Common error patterns in reading and learning behaviors, such as:
    • Reading decoding inaccuracies in single words and nonsense words (e.g., detached syllables)
    • Slow reading rate
    • Omissions of or substitutions of small words (e.g., a/the, of/for/from, three/there)
    • Reduced awareness of patterns in words
    • Difficulties generalizing word and language patterns
  • Language (oral or written, receptive or expressive) is simplistic or poor in relation to other abilities
  • Errors in spontaneous spelling
  • Spontaneous written language is very simple or poor in comparison to spoken language
  • Spontaneous written expression shows poor organization and mechanics

General Instructional Accommodations and Modifications

  • Opportunity for increased response time
  • Preferential seating
  • Directions given in more than one way (visual, auditory, written, re-explain)
  • Paraphrasing information (repeating, summarizing)
  • Extended time to complete assignments
  • Shortened, modified, fewer, or taped assignments
  • Reduced or altered assignments (homework)
  • Taped answers for homework
  • Homework completed on computer
  • Reduced pencil/paper tasks
  • More frequent opportunity for review
  • Cooperative learning/peer assistance
  • Taped lectures
  • Peer assistance for note taking/assignment keeping
  • Peer note taker
  • Outline or partial outline provided
  • Photocopied teachers notes
  • Taped textbooks
  • Highlighted textbooks
  • Assignment notebook/calendar

The Center can provide training in screening/assessment procedures and remediation techniques (for reading, spelling, writing, organization, etc.) for school professionals. We also offer training in remediation techniques for paraprofessionals and awareness programs for parents.

For information or to set up training in your school or district telephone 985-448-4214.

The Giardina Family Foundation

The Giardina Family Foundation was formed in 1997. One of the goals of the Foundation is to address the needs of people with dyslexia, ADHD and/or similar learning differences. The Foundation has been involved in teacher training, implementation of specific dyslexia programs in public and private schools, adult remediation, student education, and parent and professional education and support. The Foundation has trained thousands of teachers from 6 southern states in numerous multi-sensory techniques.

The International Dyslexia Association

The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with dyslexia, their families and the communities that support them. IDA is the oldest learning disabilities organization in the nation — founded in 1949 in memory of Dr. Samuel T. Orton, a distinguished neurologist. Throughout our rich history, our goal has been to provide the most comprehensive forum for parents, educators, and researchers to share their experiences, methods, and knowledge (taken from the homepage of IDA) .

The Louisiana Branch of the International Dyslexia Association

It is the mission of the Louisiana Branch to provide information and resources to parents, educators, students, and the community in a way that creates a clear and positive understanding of dyslexia and related language learning needs so that every individual has the opportunity to lead a productive and fulfilling life for the benefit of society.

The LD OnLine Report

The leading Web site on learning disabilities for parents, teachers and other professionals (taken from the homepage of LDonline).

The Division for Learning Disabilities of the CEC

TeachingLD is a service of the Division for Learning Disabilities (DLD) of the Council for Exceptional Children. DLD is the largest international professional organization focused on learning disabilities. The purpose of TeachingLD is to provide trustworthy and up-to-date resources about teaching students with learning disabilities (taken from the homepage of TeachingLD).

CONTACTS

Ms. Sue Benoit

Title: Dyslexia Center Administrative Coordinator
Department: Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders
Email: sue.benoit@nicholls.edu
Phone: 985.449.7194
Office Location: 163 Peltier Hall

Ms. Carole Boos

Title: Assessment Coordinator
Department: Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders
Email: carole.boos@nicholls.edu
Phone: 985-449-7186
Office Location: Peltier Hall 166-A

Mary Mercer Miller

Title: Diagnostician
Department: Louisiana Center for Dyslexia & Related Learning Disorders
Email: mary.buquet@nicholls.edu
Office Phone:
Office Location: Louisiana Center for Dyslexia & Related Learning Disorders

Octave Hymel, M.B.A.

Title: Program Coordinator, Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders
Department: Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders
Email: octave.hymel@nicholls.edu
Phone: 985.449.7023
Office Location: 165 Peliter

Ryan LeCompte

Title: Program Coordinator
Department: Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders
Email: ryan.lecompte@nicholls.edu
Phone: 985.448.4766
Office Location: 166A Peltier Hall

Mr. Jason Talbot, S.S.P.

Title: Director/Coordinator of Assessments & Research
Department: Louisiana Center for Dyslexia & Related Learning Disorders
Email: jason.talbot@nicholls.edu
Phone: 985.448.4946
Office Location: Louisiana Center for Dyslexia & Related Learning Disorders

CONTACT INFORMATION

Office Location:
Louisiana Center for Dyslexia, Room 6

Mailing Address:
PO Box 2050
Thibodaux, LA 70310

Phone: (985) 449-7194
Fax: (985) 448-4423
Email: dyslexiacenter@nicholls.edu

LOCATION

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