Award-Winning Documentary 'Left Behind' Expands Literacy Advocacy

New discussion guide and extended free screening aim to spark broader conversation around dyslexia and literacy equity

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:34pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of blurred hands turning the pages of a book, captured through a hazy, rain-streaked lens and bathed in warm, soft light, conveying a contemplative mood around the film's themes of literacy access and dyslexia awareness.The free virtual screening and discussion guide for the acclaimed documentary 'Left Behind' aim to spark a national dialogue on literacy equity and support for students with dyslexia.NYC Today

The award-nominated documentary 'Left Behind' is expanding its national literacy advocacy efforts with the release of a newly updated discussion guide and a free virtual screening initiative supported by Learning Ally. The film follows five determined mothers fighting to establish New York City's first public school designed specifically for children with dyslexia, and the screening and discussion guide aim to help educators, families, and community leaders engage with the urgent issues the film raises around literacy access and dyslexia awareness.

Why it matters

The film 'Left Behind' shines a light on the systemic inequities that disproportionately impact students of color and low-income communities when it comes to accessing appropriate educational support for reading differences like dyslexia. By providing a free screening and discussion guide, the filmmakers and Learning Ally hope to spark a broader national conversation and drive continued action to ensure all students have the tools they need to succeed.

The details

Directed by Emmy Award–winning filmmaker Anna Toomey, 'Left Behind' follows five determined mothers in New York City who fought to establish the first public school dedicated to children with dyslexia. The free virtual screening, sponsored by Learning Ally, ran from March 13 to March 31 but has now been extended through April 6 due to popular demand. The new discussion guide is designed as a resource for educators, parents, and community organizations, providing tools and prompts to facilitate meaningful conversations about dyslexia, literacy equity, and the systemic barriers many students face.

  • The free virtual screening of 'Left Behind' ran from March 13 to March 31, 2026.
  • The screening has now been extended through April 6, 2026 due to popular demand.

The players

Anna Toomey

The Emmy Award–winning filmmaker who directed the documentary 'Left Behind'.

Learning Ally

A leading nonprofit education organization that empowers learners with reading differences, including dyslexia, by providing innovative solutions and fostering meaningful partnerships to ensure that students with learning differences reach their full potential.

Howard Bell III

The CEO of Learning Ally.

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What they’re saying

“When I realized that 20% of the population is dyslexic and a shocking 50% of incarcerated individuals are also dyslexic, I knew this was a story I had to delve into to understand why.”

— Anna Toomey, Director of 'Left Behind'

“Stories like Left Behind remind us that when parents and educators unite around a shared purpose, real change happens. We're honored to bring this story to a national audience and inspire continued action for students who learn differently.”

— Howard Bell III, CEO of Learning Ally

What’s next

The free virtual screening of 'Left Behind' has been extended through April 6, 2026, providing more opportunities for educators, families, and community leaders to engage with the film and the discussion guide.

The takeaway

By expanding the reach of the award-winning documentary 'Left Behind' through a free virtual screening and a new discussion guide, the filmmakers and Learning Ally aim to raise awareness about the systemic barriers that students with dyslexia and other reading differences face, and inspire continued action to ensure all students have access to the educational support they need to succeed.