A warm welcome to Sarah Thorud!

The Oregon Department of Education has hired Sarah Thorud as the new Early Language and Literacy Intervention Specialist at the Office of Enhancing Student Opportunities.

Sarah brings 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, instructional coach and program coordinator. Motivated by the belief that learning to read is a basic right, Sarah is passionate about teaching all students to become skilled readers and building the capacity of all PK‐3 educators to become skilled teachers of reading in those early years. Sarah and her husband of 25 years are the parents of two adult sons (a first year teacher and a college student/aspiring fermentation scientist).

Sarah received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education from Western Oregon University, with studies done at the early childhood, elementary and middle levels, and has a Reading Endorsement.

Assistive Technology: Student-approved!

For people who have dyslexia, Assistive Technology (AT) provides tools that ease the demands of reading and writing. Assistive technology helps dyslexics save time and overcome challenges, such as slow note-taking, reading agility and poor handwriting, allowing them to demonstrate their abilities in ways that were once unimaginable. 

One caveat: While the following list of assistive technology tools is student-approved, every student will agree that what works for them, may not work for someone else who has dyslexia.

Transitioning from High School to College

Are you a High School student with dyslexia thinking about going to college? Are you a parent of a dyslexic child looking for information on what to do to help transition to college? Are you on an IEP/504 plan in High School and wondering how to make the transition to college? Are you overwhelmed at what steps to take to take to before/after you apply for college? If you answered Yes to any of these questions…you are in the right place! Click below for helpful information!

In addition to the IDA-Oregon Members, Directors, and Officers who serve our communities throughout Oregon and SW Washington, we're fortunate to have individuals who have a wide range of expertise who have agreed to serve on the IDA-Oregon Advisory Council. We are incredibly lucky to include four new members on this council!

Jesse Rapport

Hello, I am Jesse, a dyslexic working professional with a masters degree, and I still hesitate trying to spell dyslexia every single time. Dyslexia never goes away, and although I still struggle with it everyday, I am excited to share my journey with others and give some insight into how I found joy and success despite life long hardships trying to navigate traditional education systems. I spent much of my adolescence with debilitating anxiety because I was never able to measure up in the classroom. I learned that asking for help, building a community of support, and advocating for myself was the only way I would ever find success, and ultimately happiness, in a world that was not made for brains like mine. I am now privileged to work as a Student Affairs professional in higher education, and it is my great passion to help young adults discover who they want to be and realize the dream of a college education despite any challenges they have to overcome. I am so thrilled to be working with The International Dyslexia Association- Oregon Branch to help develop the Professional Dyslexia Network, a virtual monthly live chat, to help build connections among adults with dyslexia to help them discover tools to live fulfilling lives as students or as professionals in the workplace. Learning differences do not disappear at 18, and we want to help people navigate adulthood living with dyslexia.

Jon Potter

Jon is currently an RTI Implementation Coach with the Oregon Response to Instruction and Intervention Project (ORTIi). He previously served as a school psychologist and RTI coach with the Heartland Area Education Agency (AEA) in Iowa, supporting school districts in developing and implementing intervention plans for individual students with a high level of need, as well as building academic and behavior systems to support all students. In his current role, he has worked with dozens of Oregon school districts to help develop and sustain multi-tiered systems aimed at improving reading outcomes for each and every student. His interests include data-based problem-solving, developing positive school cultures that can sustain systems change, and evidence-based instructional practices based in the Science of Reading.

Dalia Avello

Dalia has worked for over 15 years in private, public, and non-profit organizations in the areas of research and organizational development. She has dedicated the last 10 years of her career to Infancy and Early Childhood, with special focus on adversity and mental health policy. A large part of her work includes helping organizations successfully implement programs aiding children’s physical and socio- emotional development.  Trained as a Psychologist, she has also a MA in Education and International Development from University College of London, an AMI Montessori teaching diploma, and Endorsement in Infant Mental Health, Mentor Level. In Oregon, she has led projects in the areas of advocacy, professional development, inclusion and social justice. She shares her time between her work on behalf of the Montessori community, her own consulting company, and volunteering as a NICU baby cuddler in a local pediatric hospital.

Elizabeth Dove



Liz is a native Portlander, growing up in East County. Liz has a degree in Political Science, with a focus on minority studies, from Portland State University. For the past nineteen years, Liz has worked for a variety of children’s nonprofits in Oregon raising funds and awareness. She joined Park Academy in 2015 and is inspired by the school’s impact on the lives of Park Academy students and their families. Liz strongly believes that reading is a civil right and is passionate that everyone should have access to an education that meets their needs. Liz believes that everyone can make a difference in their community. She enjoys helping individuals and organizations discover how their time, talent and treasures can impact others. Liz lives in Washington County with her wife, their son Martin, and their furry son Benny. She loves to read, cook and visit the Oregon Coast. Liz is a season ticket holder for the Portland Thorns and enjoys cheering on the US Women’s National Soccer Team. 





You are invited to join this adventure as members of the IDA-Oregon Student Empowerment Panel talk about the new school year and different ways they plan to open up about dyslexia to their teachers. You'll learn helpful tools and tips and you'll also get to meet the creator of our dyslexic hero, Scarlet Bandit, who is reclaiming the color red one paper at a time.   

When: Thursday, August 19th, 2021 7:00 pm

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Join us each Monday night at 7 pm as Jared interviews a student or community member connected to the world of dyslexia. Missed a past interview? You can watch all past videos on our Youtube channel or on Jared's Instagram page - @jaredsblank!

The IDA Conference, a hybrid experience, is a source of information for anyone affected by dyslexia and other learning based challenges. There is no better time for us to band together over the most relevant and innovative content in the field of literacy, expand your existing network, and gain fresh tools you need to transform the lives of those with dyslexia.

ELIGIBILITY: Educators & administrators at all levels may apply, with classroom teachers especially desirable. Pre-service Teachers currently registered as students are also eligible. 

There will be two (2) $1,000 scholarships awarded to attend the conference and four (4) virtual conferences in the amount of $479.

NOTE: Applicants must live or work within the geographically defined boundaries of the Oregon Branch, Including the southwest Washington counties of Pacific, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, Skamania and Klickitat.

TEACHERS: If you are a teacher at the following institutions, you may use your IDA Institutional Member #.

• Lake Oswego Public Schools, contact Jennifer Schiele
• Portland Public Schools, contact Gretchen Schlag
• Redmond School District, contact Holly Hennessey
• Park Academy, contact Elizabeth Dove
• University of Portland, contact John Watzke
• Vancouver Public Schools, contact Melissa Wolfe
• Battle Ground Public Schools, contact Lynette Middleton

• Others…Check with your school for more information and/or request to become an IDA Institutional Member

Thank you for everything that you do, and have a safe and enjoyable August!