Nelms Dyslexia Center opens in Fayetteville

Fayetteville nonprofit Nelms Dyslexia Center recently opened in a 10,500-square-foot building that was formerly a guitar store. The center provides dyslexia assessments, reading therapy, teacher training and information for families.

According to a news release, the center at 2781 N. College Ave. in Fayetteville is a project of the Don and Millie Nelms Foundation. It’s a way for the Nelms family to give back to the community. Don Nelms has dyslexia and wants to help children and adults with challenges similar to those he had growing up.

“Approximately one in five students has dyslexia,” said Pam Henley, director of the Nelms Dyslexia Center. “We are thrilled to work with our educational community to bring such a high level of support to students, families and teachers.”

Dyslexia affects about 20% of the population and causes difficulty in reading and spelling. It is neurological in origin and not related to intelligence. Students with dyslexia struggle to become proficient in reading and spelling with traditional reading instruction. Through early identification, instruction by certified dyslexia therapists and high-quality dyslexia curriculum, most students with dyslexia can read at or above grade level.

Following are the resources the center will provide:
• Dyslexia assessments and reading therapy for students and adults.
• Training for teachers to become certified academic language therapists and qualified instructors.
• Professional development training in dyslexia and reading science.
• Information and support for families, businesses and community.
• Research on dyslexia curriculum and methodologies.

The center has four staff who see students for assessments and therapy daily. As enrollment rises, it will add dyslexia therapists and has plans to have at least 20 staff. Student capacity is more than 100 students.

The center was formerly home to the upscale guitar store Sunrise Guitars, which closed in 2023. Previously, it was the location of Adventure Subaru, which is owned by Don Nelms and located at 2269 N. Henbest Drive in Fayetteville.