R.I.S.E., which stands for Reading Intervention & Support for Excellence, is an intensive summer reading skills program offered by the Fairfax County Health Department's Speech and Hearing therapists. The R.I.S.E. program helps school-age children ages 5–21 develop language and reading skills. This multisensory, research-backed program builds essential skills in reading, spelling, and writing for young people who have received a diagnosis of dyslexia.

Led by ASHA-certified Speech-Language Pathologists, our one-on-one, personalized approach begins with the Lindamood Phonemic Sequencing (LiPS)® program to strengthen phonological awareness, then transitions into an Orton-Gillingham-based method to teach the rules of reading and writing effectively.

Highlights of the program include:

• Individualized instruction tailored to the student’s needs
• 30–40 hours of programming lasting between 6 to 8 weeks
• Follow-up support throughout the school year, tracking continued progress
• Affordable options: The Health Department accepts Medicaid and offers a sliding-scale fee for Fairfax County residents

Benefits for your child can include:

• Increased reading confidence and fluency
• Improved spelling and writing skills
• Greater success in school and reduced frustration with learning
• Enhanced self-esteem and a potential new passion for reading
• Stronger foundation for lifelong academic and personal achievement

By providing engaging materials, along with assessment tools for setting attainable goals, the therapist is dedicated to helping each child improve their literacy skills.

Participating in the program is intensive in the beginning, meeting five times per week for 6 weeks. It drops back to two-to-three times per week for the remainder of the academic year, if needed.

The program will take place during normal business hours, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.at the Herndon-Reston Health Clinic. The cost is $96.80 per session. A sliding scale is offered for all Fairfax County Residents who may qualify based on income qualifications. Medicaid is also accepted.

Don’t delay, sign up today to ensure your student's spot in the program. Space is limited To participate, you must register by May 30, 2025, by completing the Speech and Hearing Program request form. Select “Reading Program” in the Service Being Requested drop down menu.

For more information about registration, call 703-246-7120. More information about the Health Department’s Speech, Language, and Hearing Services is available on the Health Department's website.