Stephen Gaynor School was honored to participate in the 10th Anniversary of Dyslexia Advocacy Day at the New York State Capitol in Albany on May 14, 2025. Hosted by Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, the day brought together students, parents, educators, and legislators from across the state to raise awareness about dyslexia and promote evidence-based solutions that support students with language-based learning differences.
Among those who spoke on the iconic Million Dollar Staircase were Simone G., a Blue Cluster student, and Liora R., from the Silver Cluster, who represented Gaynor by sharing their personal journeys with dyslexia and how their experiences at Gaynor transformed their outlook on learning.
“I wish every child like me had the chance to go to a school like Gaynor,” said Liora during her speech. “It makes a big difference to be understood and taught in a way that your brain learns best. I feel lucky to be there and hope that kids no matter where they live in New York can have a school that understands them and teaches them well. I don’t know why it is so hard for every school to do this because the research is clear on how kids like me learn. We want to learn, and we want to love learning!”
“I wish every child like me had the chance to go to a school like Gaynor… I hope that kids no matter where they live in New York can have a school that understands them and teaches them well. …The research is clear on how kids like me learn. We want to learn, and we want to love learning!” —Liora R., Silver Cluster
Simone also shared how Gaynor’s teachers helped her understand that dyslexia isn’t a limitation, but a different way of learning. “I learned that dyslexia is just a different way of learning—and that it doesn’t define my intelligence or my future,” she said. “The teachers at Gaynor helped me understand my learning profile and gave me tools that actually work.”
Their speeches were part of a broader message from advocates and legislators focused on improving teacher training in the science of reading—an essential step to supporting all learners. Elected officials in attendance included Assemblymembers Robert Carroll and Al Taylor, as well as Senators Robert Jackson, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and John Liu. Assemblymember Simon was specially honored for her decade of leadership organizing this event and advocating for students with dyslexia.
Simone in particular was inspired to speak at Dyslexia Advocacy Day after she participated with fellow Blue Cluster students Bella L. and Shalev S. in an episode of the Gator Gab podcast featuring alumna Stephanie Brown, Class of 2013. Stephanie currently serves as Communications Coordinator and Community Liaison for Assemblymember Simon. The students interviewed Stephanie about her journey as a person with dyslexia at Gaynor and beyond. The experience left a deep impression.
Stephanie spoke about the inspiration behind Dyslexia Advocacy Day, saying, “We’ve brought a lot of awareness over the last 10 years to dyslexia, but now we really want to advocate for the bills and [for students like you]. [On May 14,] we’re going to talk about the … new state action plan that will have teachers trained in the science of reading. You guys are really lucky, most of your teachers [at Gaynor] already have trained in the science of reading, but we want to make sure that people across the state have the same education.”
“Most of your teachers [at Gaynor] already have training in the science of reading, but we want to make sure that people across the state have the same education.” —Stephanie Brown ’13
Director of Outreach and Innovation Emily Barnes attended the event in Albany, and said, “I felt so proud to be at the Capitol with our amazing Gaynor students to celebrate Dyslexia Advocacy Day. Simone and Liora were so poised and courageous in telling their stories in front of such a large group. They both made an impression on the attendees as stellar advocates for themselves and for other students with learning differences.”
Dyslexia Advocacy Day underscored the importance of student voices in shaping educational policy. Thanks to students like Simone and Liora—and the teachers who support them—those voices are being heard loud and clear.
