Empowering Educators & Transforming Lives
Dyslexia and Orton-Gillingham
1 in 5
Dyslexia affects approximately 20% of the population
80%
80% of students with learning disabilities have dyslexia
30%
Only 30% of teachers feel confident using specific interventions to support dyslexic students
90%
With early intervention, 90-95% of young children with reading difficulties can reach grade-level reading.
About Us
Empowering Teachers To Close The Literacy Gap and Transform Lives
Because your students are counting on you!
Close the Gap is dedicated to empowering educators to close the literacy gap and transform students' lives through targeted training on dyslexia and The Orton-Gillingham Approach.
By equipping your team with the necessary tools and knowledge, we ensure that your educators are successful in supporting students at risk for reading deficits- especially those with dyslexia.
10+
Years Experience
Our Specialists can come help your teachers
become more effective in the classroom
What we offer
Our Services
Teacher
On-Site Training
This training is designed to equip school principals and their teachers with the foundational knowledge and tools to better understand dyslexia, its impact on students, and the use of the Orton-Gillingham approach to boost reading outcomes.
Certification
This 9-month comprehensive and in-depth online course is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills needed to support students with dyslexia or reading difficulties effectively.
On-Site Speaker
Empower your audience with expert insights on dyslexia and the transformative power of the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Afterschool
Our TK-8 after-school reading program utilizes the evidence-based Orton-Gillingham curriculum combined with comprehensive training specifically designed for your after-school staff.
Attend our one-day TEACHER Workshop
Join us at Literacy Empower-
Dyslexia Summit
Where educators come together to tackle dyslexia and close the literacy gap. This one-day, hands-on event is designed to equip teachers, principals, and school leaders with practical tools to identify and support students with dyslexia, using the proven Orton-Gillingham approach.
Your progress and growth is our focus
Our dyslexia training provides educators with:
A deep dive of dyslexia and the brain
Tools and know how to identify dyslexia in the classroom
An understanding of the importance of Orton-Gillingham
READY TO GIVE US A TRY?
Take our Free Dyslexia Needs-Based Assessment
Mini Courses
Assessment Course
Bridging Understanding: Dyslexia Assessment Insights for Special Education Teams and Parents
By Amanda Powell
90 minutes
I am glad you’re here
I'm Amanda Powell
Your partner in closing the literacy gap on your campus.
I am the CEO of Close the Gap-
I am dedicated to empowering teachers to close the literacy gap with the tools and knowledge necessary to support students with dyslexia. Through trainings and programs, I provide teachers with strategies to transform lives of struggling readers on your campus.
With a deep passion for closing the literacy gap, my mission is to educate others on effective methods for teaching students with dyslexia. My expertise in dyslexia and Special Education, backed by extensive qualifications, underscores my commitment to making a difference.
Qualifications:
~Bachelor's degree in Special Education
~Administrative Credential
~Certifications in Dyslexia
~Certifications in Autism
~Training in Behavior Modification
~Applied Behavior Analysis Levels 1 and 2
~Alternative Dispute Resolution Training
Testimonials
What They Say
"Amanda totally shifted my perception. I have a deeper understanding and empathy. Her perspective and experience as an individual, parent, and educator of dyslexia allowed us to learn from all facets- Incredible!"
Megan Van Groun /Reading Specialist
"Amanda was amazing at presenting. There were many ah-ha's that got me excited to go back to my classroom to work with students."
Victoria Duran /Reading Specialist