How to Get Multisensory Reading Supports into Your Child's IEP

If your child has dyslexia or struggles with reading, you've probably heard that multisensory approaches work best. These methods engage sight, sound, touch, and movement together—not just one sense at a time. But getting these powerful supports written into your child's IEP can feel confusing. You're not asking for something extra or experimental. Multisensory instruction is backed by decades of research for students with dyslexia and reading disabilities. This article walks you through what these supports actually look like, why they matter, and exactly how to request them during your IEP process.

Why this happens

Many schools default to the reading curriculum they already use, which may not be designed for students with dyslexia. General education reading programs often rely heavily on visual memory and context clues—strategies that don't work well for dyslexic learners who need systematic, explicit phonics instruction. Multisensory methods require specialized training and sometimes different materials, so schools may not offer them unless parents specifically request them. Additionally, IEP teams sometimes confuse 'accommodations' (like extended time) with 'specially designed instruction' (like Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading). Your child may need both, but only specially designed instruction actually teaches reading in the way their brain learns best.

Quick action steps

1. Review your current IEP and check the 'Specially Designed Instruction' section—does it specify a multisensory reading approach by name (like Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, or Barton)?
2. Ask your school exactly what reading curriculum or method they're currently using with your child, and request documentation of their staff's training in multisensory structured literacy.
3. Request an observation of your child's reading intervention time to see if multisensory techniques (like letter tiles, sandpaper letters, or tapping out sounds) are actually being used.
4. Email the IEP team before your next meeting: 'I'd like to discuss adding multisensory reading instruction to [child's name]'s IEP based on their dyslexia diagnosis.'
5. Bring a one-page summary of what multisensory instruction means—the International Dyslexia Association's website has excellent parent-friendly explanations you can print.

The deeper approach

The most effective long-term strategy is to get specific language into the IEP itself. Instead of vague goals like 'improve reading fluency,' request goals tied to multisensory methods: 'Using a structured literacy approach, [child] will decode multisyllabic words with 80% accuracy.' In the Services section, ask for the method to be named: 'Specialized reading instruction using Orton-Gillingham principles, 5 times per week, 45 minutes per session, delivered by a trained interventionist.' Schools are generally expected to provide instruction that meets the individual needs of students with dyslexia, and research consistently shows multisensory structured literacy is the evidence-based approach. If your school says they 'don't have that program,' ask what evidence-based, multisensory alternative they can provide and request to see the research supporting it. You can also request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) if you believe the school's reading assessments didn't adequately identify your child's need for this type of instruction. According to your uploaded IEP, look for whether current reading goals align with multisensory principles or if they're too general.

In summary

Multisensory reading supports aren't a luxury—they're often the difference between a child who learns to read and one who continues to struggle. You have every right to ask questions, request specific methods, and ensure your child's IEP reflects what the research tells us works for dyslexia. Your next step: before your next IEP meeting, write down one clear request: 'I am requesting that my child receive multisensory structured literacy instruction, and I'd like this specified in the IEP.' That single sentence can open the conversation your child needs.