The Accidental Advocate: How Parents Are Driving Change for Dyslexia

We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Missy Purcell. In our conversation, we looked at what drives her dedication and discussed the impact of effective intervention and the power of community in shaping literacy success. Whether you're a teacher seeking better strategies, a parent looking for hope, or a student finding your way, this conversation will inspire and equip you with the tools to move forward.

Missy holds a degree in middle school education with 15 + years of experience in the classroom, specializing in inclusion. She is both a speaker and a passionate advocate for the science of reading. After successfully advocating for her dyslexic son’s right to read, Missy devoted the bulk of her time volunteering to support countless families of kids with learning differences. 

Missy is co-founder of Gwinnett Advocates for Dyslexia, a grassroots organization that advocates for evidence-based instruction in Gwinnett County. Additionally, she serves as the Education Chair with Decoding Dyslexia Georgia, DDGA, which advocates for change at the state level. Recently, she co-founded The Science of Reading for Advocates, which aims to resource and equip leaders committed to ensuring every child can read. 

When your child is struggling in school and not getting the support they need, it feels like an injustice. That’s how many parents find their way into the world of dyslexia advocacy, not because they planned to, but because they had no other choice.

For Missy, it all started when she connected with a group of moms who became her North Stars in this journey. They introduced her to Decoding Dyslexia Georgia, and suddenly, she wasn’t navigating this alone. What began as a desperate search for answers for her child turned into a full-fledged passion for systemic change.

From Frustration to Action

Missy often calls herself an accidental advocate because, like many parents, she didn’t set out to take on this role. She wasn’t an expert in education policy, dyslexia laws, or school intervention strategies. She was simply a parent who saw her child being failed by the system.

At first, her advocacy looked like many parents’, endless IEP meetings, emails to teachers, research on special education laws, and late-night Google searches. But the deeper she got into it, the more she realized that her child’s experience wasn’t unique. Countless families were facing the same struggles, and that lit a fire in Missy!

Through Decoding Dyslexia Georgia, Missy met other parents who had been fighting this battle longer than she had. They taught her the ropes, how to write effective emails, navigate school policies, and push for real change. She quickly realized that advocacy had to extend beyond just her own child. If we want lasting change, we have to work at the district and state levels to make sure no more children fall through the cracks.

Advocacy in Action: Showing Up and Speaking Out

Advocacy isn’t just about passion, it’s about persistence. One email isn’t enough. One meeting isn’t enough. Change happens when parents and community members keep showing up, keep speaking up, and keep educating decision-makers.

Missy started small, writing emails, attending school board meetings, and learning about IDEA laws and parental safeguards. But soon, she was taking her advocacy to the Capitol, meeting with legislators, testifying in committee meetings, and pushing for policies that would improve literacy instruction.

One of the most effective things her group did was find creative ways to get attention. They made custom T-shirts with the names of literacy bills they were supporting. They attended every hearing, every meeting, and every rally that they could. And guess what? Legislators noticed. One of them even said, “We know this issue matters because a group of moms keeps showing up in matching shirts.”

This is how grassroots change happens, not with a huge budget or professional lobbyists, but with determined parents who refuse to back down.

The Power of Community

One of the most important lessons Missy learned and shared with us is that no one should advocate alone. This work is exhausting, emotional, and often frustrating. Having a strong support system makes all the difference.

Missy found my people through advocacy, and they have lifted her on the hardest days. Whether it’s celebrating small wins, venting after an IEP meeting, or brainstorming the next step, her community keeps her going. 

There are so many ways to advocate, and not everyone has to be on the front lines. If you’re uncomfortable speaking at board meetings, you can:

• Write an email to your local school board
• Share social media posts to raise awareness
• Sign petitions supporting new legislation
• Wear a T-shirt promoting literacy reform
• Talk to other parents and spread knowledge

No effort is too small, and change happens when we all do our part.

Creating a Safe Space for Families

Being a parent of a child with dyslexia can be overwhelming. You are constantly battling misinformation, pushing for the right interventions, and dealing with the emotional toll of watching your child struggle.

That’s why advocacy isn’t just about changing policies, it’s also about supporting each other. Missy works with families as if they were her own because she knows how isolating this journey can be.

She listens to parents’ stories and immediately recognizes their struggles because she’s been there. She’s been in IEP meetings that made her feel powerless. She’s watched her child break down in frustration. She’s fought for basic accommodations that should have been given without question.

And that’s why she keeps showing up.

You Can Make a Difference

If you’re feeling helpless, know this: anyone can be an advocate. You don’t need a degree in education law or a background in policy. You just need a voice and the willingness to use it.

Start small. Ask questions. Connect with other parents. Learn about dyslexia laws in your state.

Because here’s the truth: change is happening. We’ve seen it. It’s slow, and it’s frustrating, but it’s real. And it’s happening because parents, moms, dads, and caregivers, are refusing to stay silent.

If we keep pushing forward, we can ensure that no child has to struggle the way ours did. We can build a system that recognizes, supports, and empowers students with dyslexia.

And that’s a fight worth showing up for.

For the full discussion, check out our latest episode of the Together in Literacy podcast. If you like what you hear, don’t forget to rate, leave a positive review, and subscribe!

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