DVFriends Speaker Series
Tim Odegard, Ph.D.
Unpacking the New IDA Definition of Dyslexia: What It Means for Families & Educators
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 -- In-person at DVFriends in Paoli, PA
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Admission is free, registration required
ABOUT TIM ODEGARD, PH.D.
Tim Odegard, Ph.D., is a Professor of Psychology and the Katherine Davis Murfree Chair of Excellence in Dyslexic Studies at Middle Tennessee State University, where he leads the Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Annals of Dyslexia and a consulting editor for the Journal of Learning Disabilities, and he previously served as an editor at large for Perspectives on Language and Literacy. A contributing author to IDA’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading, Dr. Odegard is committed to advancing literacy as a human right and supports U.S. and Canadian initiatives through service leadership. His recognitions include the Innovator Award from IMSLEC, the Luke Waits Service Award from ALTA, the Massey-Sexton Dyslexia Advocacy Award from the Tennessee IDA, the AIM Institute Founder's Award, and the Research Excellence Award from the University of Texas at Arlington. He is an honorary lifetime member of IDA in recognition of his sustained service and commitment to IDA and individuals with dyslexia.
About DVFriends Speaker Series
DVFriends annual Speaker Series brings experts in the world of learning differences to our community. These speakers and the insights they share provide information and resources to our families, faculty, and staff. We also invite educators, professionals, and families outside of our school community to join these presentations as part of the outreach component of our school’s mission. In order for these sessions to be accessible to all, our speaker series events are always free and open to the public.
Past speakers include:
- Larry Silver, M.D. on Dyslexia and ADHD
- Journey Into Dyslexia film with Alan and Susan Raymond, and panelists: Tracy Johnson, Jeff Adams, Damien Fozard, Mary Katherine Ortale, Bill Keeney
- Nancy Cushen White, Ed.D.
- Drs. Sally and Bennett Shaywitz
- Rosalind Wiseman, Ph.D. on anti-bullying
- Philip Schultz, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and author of My Dyslexia
- Screenagers film with panelists: A. Michael Blanche, Bob Sager, Jason Seggern, Julien Crowe, Lisa Adams
- Russell Barkley, Ph.D. on ADHD
- Katherine Dahlsgaard, Ph.D. on student anxiety
- Sarah Ward, MS, CCC/SLP on executive function (2014, 2016, 2021)
- Sam Goldstein, Ph.D. on executive function
- Anne Ford and John Richard Thompson on raising a child with a learning difference
- Toby Tomlinson Baker, Ph. D. on college accommodations for LDs
- Jerome Schultz, Ph.D. on ADHD and anxiety
- Megan Fairchild, CALT on Orton Gillingham language remediation
- Khalil Munir, one man show 1pound, 4Ounces
- Dr. Edward (Ned) Hallowell on Unlocking the Strengths of the ADHD Brain
- PBIDA Experience Dyslexia: A Simulation
- Max Stossel on Social Media and Your Kids
- Elizabeth Hamblet, Preparing Students with Learning Disabilities for Successful College Transition
- Angela Tucker, Closure: Centering Adoptee Voices in Adoption Stories
- Dr. Edward (Ned) Hallowell: ADHD 2.0
- André Bradford, a.k.a. SC Says, Kinsukuroi: Building Empathy