Location:
Ohio
Date:
Monday, August 3, 2026
Morning Session:
Dysgraphia & Dyslexia: The role of assessment within occupational therapy
Dysgraphia and dyslexia is more than messy handwriting and difficulty with reading. They are a complex barrier to written communication and academic achievement. Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to uncover and address the sensory-motor, perceptual, and cognitive components that contribute to dysgraphia and dyslexia. This session will guide participants through the OT’s essential role in assessment, highlighting how a targeted assessment can transform treatment planning and goal writing. Attendees will learn how to differentiate dysgraphia and dyslexia from other learning challenges, apply evidence-based assessments for handwriting, written expression, and reading to collaborate effectively with educators and families. Participants will leave with practical approaches to help students move from frustration to academic success.
Afternoon Session:
Beyond Writing & Reading: The OT’s role in Supporting Students with Dysgraphia and Dyslexia.
Dyslexia and dysgraphia impact far more than reading and handwriting. They affect confidence, participation, and
overall academic success. Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to address the sensory-motor,
cognitive, and executive functioning components that underlie these learning differences. This session explores
how OTs can turn identified assessment red flags into targeted interventions that complement educational and
therapeutic approaches. Attendees will learn practical strategies for supporting key foundations for reading and written expression. Through case examples and evidence-based practices, participants will leave empowered to
collaborate with educators and families, transforming how students with literacy-based learning challenges
experience success.
Presenters:
Kelli Fetter, MS, OTR/L is a Certified Handwriting Specialist and the founder of Handwriting Solutions, LLC, where she and her team provide world-class handwriting, reading, and spelling tutoring to students virtually across the globe. Beyond her direct work with families, Kelli is a recognized leader in teacher and therapist education, equipping professionals with evidence-based strategies that transform student outcomes. With a career rooted in occupational therapy, Kelli has practiced in pediatric outpatient clinics, early intervention programs, preschools, and private schools, and has also served as an adjunct professor in pediatrics and kinesiology. Her expertise spans handwriting, dysgraphia, and dyslexia, supported by extensive advanced training in these areas. Kelli’s passion is deeply personal, fueled by her own daughter’s journey with dyslexia and dysgraphia. This lived experience drives her mission to empower parents, educators, and therapists with the tools and confidence they need to unlock every child’s potential.
Penny Stack, OTD, OTR/L, COTA, CLT, NBC-HWC is the founder and owner of DyslexiaRx, founder of Dyslexia Center of Tulsa and The Educate to Advocate Podcast. With over 35 years of experience as an occupational therapist Penny is certified in Handwriting Without Tears, received her Master’s in Occupational Therapy at Samuel Merritt College, Oakland California and her Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy at Loma Linda University. Penny has dedicated her current research to Dyslexia and its impact on Occupation: The lived experience. Dr. Stack has honed her expertise in supporting individuals and families with dyslexia across the lifespan. Currently, Penny is an assistant professor and Coordinator of Doctoral Capstone and Research at Wilson College.