BRADENTON, FLA (March 3, 2026)—The State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) Disability Resource Center (DRC) has provided support and services to 70 SCF students facing reading challenges and learning disabilities through the Strauss Literacy Initiative. 

The late Patricia Strauss was diagnosed with dyslexia after years of struggling with reading and writing. She and her husband, Ira, established the Ira and Patricia Strauss Fund for Children’s Literacy. The grant program was established in 2018 in partnership with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and helps young learners receive early diagnosis and support to improve their reading proficiency, education and lives. The fund’s services later broadened to include adult learners.

“Originally designed to support children with reading challenges, I proposed expanding the grant to include SCF students, and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County enthusiastically embraced the idea,” said Patricia Lakey, coordinator, Disability Resource Center, SCF. “Many students have lacked a clear diagnosis or full understanding of their learning differences. To empower these students academically and personally, the grant emphasizes the importance of evaluation and understanding how their reading disorder impacts them educationally.”

Students have shared how the tools have helped them become more independent and confident learners, said Lakey.

“This support has been a turning point in my educational journey, and I am incredibly grateful,” said Connor McGuire, student, SCF Venice. “The iPad will help me better comprehend the books for my classes when I use Immersive Reader to listen to the books. I will also be able to use dictation in Microsoft Word to create essays, which will be very helpful.”

McGuire is pursuing a degree in hospitality and tourism and hopes to achieve a dream job with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

As a grant recipient for the past four years, SCF has enhanced literacy, learning and accessibility for students. Services include psychoeducational testing conducted by a licensed psychologist, a detailed diagnosis, and personalized strategies with recommended tools and technology. Participants also receive a one-on-one consultation to review strengths and challenges, along with collaboration with the DRC team to update accommodations and receive hands-on technology training. Technology and tools include screen readers, audio note-taking software, text-to-speech and dictation tools, e-textbooks, and the purchase of iPads, keyboards, Apple Pencils and specialized apps.