PennDOT Releases Audio Version Driver Manual

Harrisburg, PA - Two parents, with the help of State Senator Pat Browne (R- Lehigh), have successfully achieved a victory for teens with Dyslexia. On Friday, April 28, Pennsylania's Department of Transportation (PennDot) released an audio version of the Pennsylvania Drivers Manual. This allows potential drivers with dyslexia and other reading issues to access the driver manual in a way that takes into account their learning issues.

Daphne Uliana and Kathleen Hartos, both of whom have helped teens with dyslexia prepare for the driver test, spearheaded this effort. Uliana enlisted the help of her two sons, Nick and Sam, for research.

Pennsylvania now joins 15 other states, including New York and California, in providing an audio version of the Drivers Manual.

“My son studied for the exam by taking the practice test online numerous times, and although he passed the test, he does not fully know or understand the driving laws in Pennsylvania,” said Uliana, who lives in Northampton County.

Hartos, both a parent and tutor of dyslexia children, saw similar issues with one of her students. “I saw the struggles my student had while he was preparing for his learner’s permit, said Hartos of Allegheny County. “He would have benefited from access to audio assistance, enhances comprehension of the driver’s manual content for all individuals of driving age in our state who struggle with specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Additionally, even those with low literacy skills and English Language Learners benefit.”

Dyslexia is a lifelong, neurological condition that makes reading difficult. It is the most common learning disability and effects 15 to 20% of the population. Most dyslexics have and average to high IQ. Dyslexia can cause problems with reading comprehension, spelling, writing and math.

The audio version of the Pennsylvania Driver’s Manual is available on PennDot’s website: http://www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/Driver-Licensing/Pages/PA-Driver's-Manual---Audio-Version.aspx

Both Hartos and Uliana are members of the Pennsylvania Dyslexia Literacy Coalition, an all-volunteer coalition of parent advocates and education professionals working to raise awareness of Dyslexia and improve Literacy for all children. To learn more, http://www.pennadlc.org

Unfortunately, Daphne is married to Joe Uliana, a lobbyist. They  are only slightly more popular than bottom-feeding bloggers. She should trade him in for a newer model.