Why I Started a Dyslexia Support Group at Summit Ranch
Why I Started a Dyslexia Support Group at Summit Ranch
February 19
When my daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia, I felt like I had been dropped into a maze without a map. Every day was a struggle, homework battles, endless frustration, and tears. I wanted to help her, but I didn’t know where to start. Worse, I felt completely alone, like no one else truly understood what we were facing.
But I wasn’t alone. As I began connecting with other parents, I realized many families were navigating the same challenges. That’s when it hit me, we needed a space where we could support each other, share knowledge, and remind ourselves that we weren’t in this alone. And so, the dyslexia support group at Summit Ranch was born.
Finding Strength in Community
Dyslexia is more than just struggling to read, it impacts confidence, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. And for parents, the journey can feel overwhelming, especially when advocating for a child in an education system that doesn’t always understand learning differences.
I wanted our group to be a place where parents and kids could find understanding and encouragement. A space to swap strategies, ask questions, and share both the hard days and the victories. At Summit Ranch, located in the Kansas City metro area and surrounded by nature and therapy animals, families can take a deep breath and connect with others who “get it.”
Learning Together, Growing Stronger
Like many parents, I dove into research when I learned my daughter had dyslexia. I read books, attended workshops, and discovered experts like Tera Sumpter. I found strategies that worked, structured literacy approaches, executive function supports, and I also encountered a lot of misinformation.
I didn’t want other parents to feel as lost as I once did. Our group focuses on sharing real-life, practical tools that make a difference. We explore ways to support reading, improve school routines, and boost confidence. We also invite guest speakers, educators, advocates, and therapists, to share their insights. Because when we learn together, we all grow stronger.
Creating a Community for Kids
Children with dyslexia often feel isolated, like they’re the only ones struggling. That’s why one of our biggest goals is to provide a supportive, welcoming space where kids can connect with peers who understand what they’re going through. Through group activities, nature-based experiences, and shared challenges, kids build friendships, feel understood, and realize they are not alone. Seeing them laugh, support each other, and form bonds outside of school pressures is one of the most rewarding parts of this group.
Empowering Parents Through Advocacy
Navigating the school system with a child who has dyslexia can feel like climbing an endless hill. IEP meetings, accommodations, and advocating for support can be exhausting. It’s easy to feel discouraged.
That’s why our group also focuses on advocacy. We help parents understand their rights, navigate the system, and learn how to communicate effectively with schools. When one parent shares a success from an IEP meeting, it empowers the rest of us. When another offers a tip on handling a tough teacher conversation, we all gain confidence. Together, we become stronger advocates for our kids.
Looking to the Future
Starting this support group has been one of the most meaningful things I’ve done. Seeing parents breathe a sigh of relief as they realize they’re not alone, watching kids light up as they discover their strengths, these moments remind me why this matters so much.
Dyslexia comes with challenges, but it also comes with incredible strengths. Our children are creative, resilient, and full of potential. If you’re a parent, educator, or advocate in the Kansas City metro area looking for a community that understands, I invite you to join us at Summit Ranch. Come be part of a supportive network that uplifts, educates, and empowers families navigating dyslexia. Reach out today and take the first step toward connection and support.
