A new PBS show, "A Chance to Read," highlights new strategies that special education teachers across the country are using to help students find success.  Students traditionally thought to be more or less unteachable to read, such as those who have Williams or Down Syndromes or Autism, are making surprising gains.  This in a program devised by a researcher at Southern Methodist University.

"A Chance to Read" also profiles a revolutionary program for deaf and hard of hearing students; highlights the importance -- and difficulty -- of learning Braille; follows an unusual program for students who are "twice-exceptional;" and highlights emerging assistive technologies.

 The show is hosted by actress Molly Ringwald, who grew up reading to her jazz musician father, who is blind.

Starting this fall, check your local listings.

This comes from Laurie Fry of Reading Rockets, (503) 399-7999, e-mail: lfry@weta.com