Las Vegas families gathered this week at the Rio Hotel & Casino for DyslexiaCon26, the International Dyslexia Association’s annual reading, literacy and learning conference. The event put a local focus on the growing reading crisis in Nevada schools, a crisis that has been sharpened by recent budget cuts and a decline in student enrollment.

Reading proficiency slipping as schools tighten belts

State data show that between 41% and 59% of Nevada students struggle with reading proficiency, depending on grade level. At the same time, about 4.9% of children ages five to seventeen have been diagnosed with a learning disability such as dyslexia. With school districts forced to trim programs, many parents worry that essential reading interventions are disappearing just when they are needed most.

Parents hear from experts and fellow families

Among the conference speakers was Carla Rayacich, founder and CEO of BrainScience Works and mother of dyslexic twins. Rayacich told News 3 that early identification and tailored instruction are critical, and that “traditional one‑size‑fits‑all approaches often leave children falling behind.” She urged families to seek out evidence‑based strategies, such as multi‑sensory instruction, and to advocate for school resources that address the unique needs of children with learning differences.

What Nevada families can do now

The conference offered practical steps for parents facing school cuts:

• Ask for assessments. Nevada law allows parents to request a formal evaluation of their child’s reading skills. An official diagnosis can unlock specialized services.
• Explore community resources. Local nonprofits, tutoring centers and faith‑based groups often provide supplemental reading programs at low or no cost.
• Engage with school boards. Parents are encouraged to attend board meetings, voice concerns about budget decisions and push for the preservation of reading specialists.
• Leverage technology wisely. While digital tools can support learning, Rayacich cautioned that they should complement, not replace, direct instruction from trained educators.

State leaders urged to protect education funding

Several Nevada legislators were in attendance, signaling bipartisan recognition that literacy is a cornerstone of the state’s future. While the conference did not feature formal policy proposals, speakers repeatedly called on lawmakers to safeguard funding for reading interventions, especially in districts most affected by enrollment declines.

Hopeful signs amid challenges

Despite the grim statistics, conference attendees left with a sense of optimism. Rayacich highlighted recent research showing that early, intensive reading support can dramatically improve outcomes for children with dyslexia. She emphasized that “when families, schools and communities work together, we can turn the tide for our children.”

For Nevada parents seeking guidance, the conference website lists a directory of local reading specialists, support groups and upcoming workshops. As school districts continue to navigate fiscal pressures, DyslexiaCon26 reminded the community that the fight for literacy is both a parental responsibility and a public‑policy priority.

Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.