How We Made It Happen!

Dyslexia Institutes of America was founded in 1997 by Dr. Elaine B. Jett, a graduate of the University of Illinois with a doctorate in early childhood education and a minor in reading and psychology. Dr. Jett, author of three basic reading programs for Sylvan Learning Systems, recognized a dyslexic problem in clients she observed as owner of her three Sylvan Learning Centers.

By observation, study, and research with actual clients, Dr. Jett developed a program, which successfully diagnosed and treated dyslexics in a clinical setting. Her first DIA model clinic was launched in November 1999, in Springfield, Illinois.

Children graduating from the DIA program are functioning well in school, able to cope with homework and class assignments. Many are reading for pleasure and enjoying school for the first time. Many parents have subsequently enrolled their children into academic programs, as offered by Huntington Learning and Sylvan Learning Centers. Parents report that academic programs are successful now, as their children's DIA experience has helped improve memory skills, cognitive processing skills, and phonological skills.

Adults graduating from the DIA program report increased visual and auditory memory skills, including immediate, short, and long-term. They also report increased ability to read with comprehension and to spell accurately. Most of the enrolled adults are reading for pleasure for the first time. Many psychologists, teachers, doctors, and hospitals are now referring clients to DIA for therapy and/or testing.