How Can I Help a Child with Convergence Insufficiency (CI)?

In recent weeks, we have been receiving more than the usual requests for information and resources about an eye condition called convergence insufficiency (CI). Because we have not published an article on this topic since 2012 with Helpful Apps & Resources for Convergence Insufficiency, we thought it was time with the New Year to provide our readers with the latest information, strategies and other resources on this subject of CI.

What IS Convergence Insufficiency? (CI)

Convergence insufficiency is a condition in which the eyes are unable to work together when looking at nearby objects. This condition causes one eye to turn outward instead of inward with the other eye creating double or blurred vision.

Convergence insufficiency is usually diagnosed in school-age children and adolescents. It can cause difficulty reading, for which parents or teachers might suspect the child has learning difficulties rather than an eye disorder.

Treatments are usually effective for convergence insufficiency.

Symptoms and Causes of Convergence Insufficiency (CI)

Not everyone with convergence insufficiency has signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms occur while you're reading or doing other close work and might include:

-Tired, sore or uncomfortable eyes (eyestrain)
-Frequent headaches
-Difficulty reading — words seem to float on the page, loss of place or reading slowly, which might cause one to avoid reading or not complete schoolwork
-Double vision (diplopia)
-Difficulty concentrating
-Squinting, rubbing or closing one eye

The cause of convergence insufficiency is actually not known, but it involves a misalignment of the eyes when focusing on nearby objects. The misalignment involves the muscles that move the eye. Typically, one eye drifts outward when you're focusing on a word or object at close range.

If you or your child experiences the symptoms of convergence insufficiency or problems reading, consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive exam — a developmental/behavioral optometrist or an ophthalmologist.

Diagnosis of Convergence Insufficiency (CI)

Individuals with convergence insufficiency might have otherwise normal vision (20/20), so it is important to mention reading or learning concerns to your eye care provider. To diagnose convergence insufficiency, the eye doctor might:

1. Request a medical history. This might include questions about problems with focusing, blurred or double vision, headaches, and symptoms.

2. Measure the near point of convergence. This test measures the distance from the eyes to where both eyes can focus without double vision. The examiner holds a small target, such as a printed card or penlight, in front of the patient and slowly moves it closer until either double vision is experienced or the examiner sees an eye drift outward.

3. Assess positive fusional vergence (PFV). During this test, the patient is asked to read letters on an eye chart while looking through prism lenses. The examiner will note when you begin to have double vision.

4. Perform a routine or comprehensive (recommended) eye exam. If patient has any other vision problems, such as nearsightedness, the doctor might conduct tests to assess the degree of the problem.

Recommended Treatment of (CI)

Eye coordination problems like convergence insufficiency generally cannot be improved with eye glasses or surgery. A program of vision therapy may be needed to improve eye coordination abilities, reduce symptoms, and alleviate discomfort when doing close work.

The American Optometric Association and the 2008 Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial clearly support the superiority of office-based vision therapy, supplemented by at-home vision therapy (i.e., prescribed eye exercises, etc.), for treatment of convergence insufficiency.

If convergence insufficiency is not causing symptoms, treatment is generally not needed. However, for persons with symptoms, treatment that include eye-focusing exercises can increase the eyes' convergence ability.

Treatment of CI, which can take place in the office of a trained therapist or at your home, might include:

1. Pencil Pushups: In this exercise, the patient focuses on a small letter on the side of a pencil as it is moved closer to the bridge of the nose, stopping as soon as double vision is experienced. The exercise is often done for 15 minutes a day, five or more days a week.
2. Computer-generated Vision Therapy: Eye-focusing exercises are done on a computer using software designed to improve convergence. The results can be printed to share with the eye doctor.
3. About Reading Glasses: Glasses with built-in prisms generally haven't proved effective. If the patient has another focusing or vision problem, such as not seeing well close up (farsightedness), reading glasses might be prescribed.

Recent studies indicate that office-based therapy with home reinforcement is the most effective treatment for convergence insufficiency. Home-based treatment with pencil pushups or computer programs hasn't been shown to be as effective. But home treatment costs less and is more convenient and more readily available.

Treatment for convergence insufficiency might take three months or longer. Treatment can resolve convergence insufficiency, but symptoms might recur after illness, after lack of sleep, or when you're doing a lot of reading or other close work. Discuss treatment options with your eye care professional.

In the meantime, teachers can do much to enable students to manage CI symptoms and other reading challenges in the classroom. Here is a list of practical strategies to help alleviate some of the discomfort and focusing issues of CI:

7 Classroom Modifications to Help Students with Functional Vision Problems

Provide Better Lighting

Many classrooms are poorly lit with flickering fluorescent bulbs. Even when this type of lighting is functioning properly, the glare created by the fluorescent bulbs makes it very difficult for readers with challenges. Schools often need to make the most economical choices, and fluorescent lighting is cheap. However, proper lighting is particularly important for students with vision problems. We suggest providing natural lighting or full-spectrum bulbs whenever possible. On a nice day, a child could sit near the window in the sunlight or at a table with a full-spectrum lamp, especially when doing sustained close work. In addition, to alleviate the "harshness" of fluorescent lighting in a classroom, some teachers drape softly-colored, open-weaved fabric (not flammable) under the lighting fixtures on the ceiling but at a safe distance from them.

Provide Periodic Work Breaks

Sustained near-field work that requires a student to keep both eyes pointed in the same direction (a function known as teaming), follow along the text (a function known as tracking), and focus on text or numbers for an extended amount of time (a function known as “accommodation”) is challenging for children with vision problems. These functions work effortlessly for children with healthy vision systems, but children with vision deficiencies need to put forth extra effort. Allowing students to take breaks regularly gives their eyes time to rest so they can begin working again refreshed.

Provide Oral Testing Options

For children with vision problems, reading and writing causes strain and even headaches; so sometimes these students get distracted or give up while taking a test. If you’ve ever studied with your child for an exam, certain he would ace it, only to find out later that he failed, a functional vision problem could be interfering with his test-taking performance. Bubbling in answer sheets can be a particular challenge. Allowing students to demonstrate knowledge through oral quizzes and tests when possible is often a helpful solution.

Grant More Time for Completion of Work

Often, classroom exams and assignments are either intentionally timed or students are hurried on to the next task due to schedules and general time constraints of the school day. A child with a learning-related vision problem may need more time to learn, complete assignments, and take tests. This has nothing to do with intelligence; it’s simply a matter of the way their vision system functions. Granting extra time can boost their performance.

Use Highlighters

When you were in school, did you ever use highlighter markers or pencils to underline important text? When you’re reading, do you ever slide your finger or pen along text as a guide, especially when you’re getting tired or trying to concentrate on challenging material? Allowing a child with an eye tracking deficiency to use highlighters as they read is a simple but effective classroom modification. Readers with normal healthy visual processing systems can easily move their eyes in a left to right manner across the page without skipping words or losing their place. Highlighters can make it easier for your child to stay on track.

Make Larger Text Available

Children with learning-related vision problems strain to read standard-sized text more so than their classmates with healthy vision systems. Larger print is easier to read, focus on, and follow along, smoothly and efficiently. Text on worksheets and exams can be enlarged simply by using larger font or blowing up the copy size. The school may be required to accommodate your child’s needs by ordering large-print textbooks when available. You can also buy large-print books for your child to read at home or check them out from the library.

Limit Copying From Board

Copying from the board or screen can be difficult for a student with a vision problem, even if he has 20/20 eyesight or wears eyeglasses. When a child has trouble focusing, he may see clearly while looking down at his paper, and clearly while looking up at the board. However, looking up and down, back and forth, from the board to the paper might be where the challenge comes into play. The focus mechanism in a child’s eyes might be weak, slowing down the adjustment period as he looks from one point to the other. Arrange for seating closer to the board for some relief, or preferably provide the child with printed materials from which to copy.

If a child has a learning-related functional vision problem, simple classroom and learning environment modifications can provide much-needed relief as he tries to cope. The first step is to obtain a professional diagnosis by scheduling a functional or comprehensive vision exam with a developmental or behavioral optometrist. Then work with the school teacher and school to ensure appropriate modifications are made available.

These classroom modifications may be temporary, because an individualized vision therapy program can improve functional vision significantly.

Sources

Convergence Insufficiency (Symptoms & Causes) - from Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/convergence-insufficiency/symptoms-causes/syc-20352735

Convergence Insufficiency (Diagnosis & Treatment) - from Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/convergence-insufficiency/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352739

Home-Based Therapy for Convergence Insufficiency-NOT EFFECTIVE!- by Lynn Hellerstein
http://lynnhellerstein.com/home-based-therapy-for-convergence-insufficiency-not-effective/

Dyslexia, Really? Convergence Insufficiency: the REAL Story- by Robin Pauc (Kindle Edition)
https://www.amazon.com/Dyslexia-Really-Convergence-Insufficiency-story-ebook/dp/B0055T3AD0/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1516115126&sr=1-2&keywords=convergence+insufficiency

What is Convergence Insufficiency (CI)? - from Optometrists Network
http://www.convergenceinsufficiency.org/

Convergence Insufficiency - from COVD (College of Optometrists in Vision Development)
http://www.covd.org/?page=Convergence

Doctor Locator Tool - from the COVD (College of Optometrists in Vision Development)
Locate a Doctor in your area who is experienced and knowledgeable in diagnosing and treating convergence insufficiency.
http://locate.covd.org/

7 Classroom Modifications to Help Students with Functional Vision Problems
http://www.visuallearningcenter.com/7-classroom-modifications-to-help-students-with-functional-vision-problems/

65+ Convergence Insufficiency Resources (Many are FREE!)
https://goo.gl/SLsiGV

Helpful Apps & Resources for Convergence Insufficiency
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/11/helpful-apps-resources-for-convergence.html

For more information about tools, strategies and resources for CI and other reading challenges, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image provided by: Brennan Innovators, LLC www.FocusandRead.com

NEW Desktop App Now Helps Even More Struggling Readers

It's no secret that in 2008, we began providing our inexpensive and easy-to-use Reading Focus Cards tools for children and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, low vision and other reading issues. Today, thousands of these physical, low-tech reading aids are in use across the U.S, Canada and in many other countries around the world.

Over the past several years, however, a number of our clients and readers here have asked us if or when there might be a Reading Focus Card APP developed to help even more struggling readers. We always thought it was a great question, and you can be sure that we listened!

Today, it is our great pleasure to announce that we now DO have such an application for use with Mac computers and notebooks as well as Windows PCs and Microsoft Surface tablets. This innovative, overlay-type app can now open new doors and eliminate many hurdles for a great number of challenged readers and struggling learners when they attempt to read web pages, downloaded e-books, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and more. (App download links provided at end of this article.)

A Brief History of the App

The glimmer of this software idea came to us way back in 2003---even before the word app was commonly used for a software program. The idea remained on the drawing board here at Brennan Innovators until 2009 when the first patent was issued for our low-tech reading tools, the Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759). When orders for these physical reading tools began to arrive in increasing numbers, we started saving some of that revenue in preparation for possible app development. At the same time in 2009, a second patent application was submitted---this time, for the Reading Focus Card app idea.

In 2013 when that second patent was issued for this application by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, we felt it was (finally!) the appropriate time to turn our attention to the actual creation of the application. We began working with a clinical psychologist who understood the hurdles faced by challenged readers, a developer of special needs apps and an experienced educator to create a digital version of the physical, low-tech Reading Focus Cards first invented and prototyped in 1998.

The Reading Focus Cards App---Digital Tool to Help Even More Readers

The work of developing this idea born in 2003 has been most exciting, and now we finally have a practical DESKTOP app for Windows PCs, Macs and Microsoft Surface tablets that will provide needed digital READING SUPPORT for children and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, eye strain/visual stress, convergence insufficiency, low vision, Down Syndrome, stroke recovery/TBI issues (aphasia) and other conditions that can affect reading success.

The Reading Focus Cards app (Patent 8,360,779) provides the following:

1. Allows a user to change nearly all features of the digital reading tool. A reader can

increase or decrease the height and/or width of the digital Reading Focus Card itself as well as those of the Reading Window Filter. This means that as much or as little text can be covered or uncovered on a webpage or digital document. It also means that the reader can choose what filter color through which he will read text.

2. Enables the user to change the colors of the tool features, allowing a user to view a chosen card color covering text not to be viewed AND to read text through a selected and more comfortable, colored filter. Other options for tool modification or adjustment are also provided via the application's Toolbox (disappears when reader chooses).

3. Is also compatible with and supports touch-screen technology (where applicable). A reader can interact directly with the digital tool to move it over text on a desktop screen with either fingers, a mouse or the arrow keys. If a user's hardware does not have a touch screen, then the mouse and arrow keys will provide the movement of the digital Reading Focus Card over the text needing to be read--at the speed desired by the reader. Regardless of hardware capability, the application stays on top of the text while in use, which eliminates further frustration by an already-challenged reader.

Now, ALL readers can enjoy more reading success with both the low-tech, customizable Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759) for physical books, documents, etc. AND the high-tech Reading Focus Cards app (Patent 8,360,779) for much more FOCUSED online reading of nearly any digital media (webpages, e-books, PDF files, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets & more!)

Parent Testimonial

Recently, the parent of a teen son provided these comments about the NEW Reading Focus Cards desktop app:

"He chose a dark blue (reading) window with a black card. I like the fact the window can be widened or made smaller to fit an individual word on the screen (PDF). He read words individually that way. Then we widened the window to see the whole sentence and reread. It was much easier than pointing at the screen so he wouldn't lose his spot." ---J.B., London, ON

You, our loyal readers, have been most supportive of our efforts to help challenged readers and learners since this blog's inception in 2010. Hopefully, our re-doubled efforts (along with your continued support) will now go toward helping even more struggling readers---regardless of age, ability or the media format presented. Thank you for that great support!

Happy Reading---NOW for EVERYONE!

Direct links to access and purchase the Reading Focus Cards desktop app ($5.99 per download)

1. For Macs:
Visit the Mac App Store at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12

2. For Windows PCs:
Visit Gumroad at https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards OR visit the Microsoft Windows Store and search for the app called Reading Focus Cards. (No URLs are provided for apps in the Windows Store.)

To learn more about the Reading Focus Cards app (Patent 8,360,779), please visit http://www.focusandread.com/page/488513590.

For more information on customizable low-tech & digital reading tools for all kinds of challenged readers, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

Reading + Color = A Great Combination for Struggling Readers of ALL Ages!

Updated October 2015
During the past several years, we have met many parents, teachers and adults at educational conferences who were looking for solutions for struggling readers. More than a few have asked for strategies and tips to help challenged readers in their children, their students or sometimes even for themselves.

Sometime ago, we actually created a list of such strategies that we provide for the individuals we serve when they order our Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759). However, we also post it (FREE, of course!) on our website for all who might benefit. You can access this list by visiting Strategies and Accommodations for Challenged Learners.

A number of readers who have implemented some of the strategies on the list involving the use of COLOR have shared with us their individual experiences with some of those tips. We always find personal testimonies to be very valuable to others and thought our readers here might benefit from reading just a few of their stories in this week's blog article.

The Woman and the Pink Paper

We sometimes receive calls from around the world from parents and teachers of struggling readers, but most of our requests for phone consultation come from here in the U.S. One such call came to us one day about a year ago. A woman called to ask why she was not able to read for long periods at a time. She mentioned that her eyes tired easily and far too quickly for her to accomplish much reading at all.

We asked the woman (age unknown) if she had tried to modify the page backgrounds of the texts she had been attempting to read. She said she had not yet tried that strategy and asked why this might matter in her situation. We explained that "white" page backgrounds can sometimes cause "visual stress" for many readers. The traditional black text on white ground can often be too stark of a contrast for more readers than one might imagine. Therefore, eyes tire much more easily, reading times are shortened and reading work is often not completed as expected.

We then suggested to the woman that she print or copy documents from her computer using a pastel color (rather than the usual white paper). We also recommended that she try a DIFFERENT pastel color EACH week until she could determine the color that was most comfortable for her and helped promote the most focus and attention. In addition, we mentioned that local office supply stores usually can provide a ream of paper (for about $12.00) with 5 or 6 different pastel colors in the one package. She was intrigued with this new strategy and was ready to try it right after our conversation concluded.

Several weeks later, we received a second phone call from this challenged reader, telling us that our recommended strategy had really worked for her. She then said, "Now, I print everything I can on PINK paper!" Thanks so much for telling me about this tip!" Again, color can unblock brain pathways and improve connectivity in the brain.

"Mom, It Has to Be Green!"

About 3 years ago, we received a phone call from the mother of a gifted child (on the autism spectrum) in St. Louis. She described her 8 year-old son as interested in learning about everything, but he struggled to read. She could not understand why he was challenged in this way. This prevented him from learning about all the things that most interested him. This mother homeschooled her son and also enrolled him in a supplemental program for gifted in the local school district. On the phone, we talked about visual stress and white page backgrounds as possible culprits. She asked if we could meet with her and allow her son to interact or try our Reading Focus Cards. Of course, we made arrangements to do just that on the following day.

At our meeting, this very articulate young boy told us that he liked the green reading tools, but any tool he used would also need to have green filters. We accommodated him and custom-cut 2 green filters for his needs. His mother mentioned to us as an aside that he was in a "green" mood lately and that he wanted everything to be some color or shade of green (specific color, texture and other types of preferences can sometimes be symptoms of an autism spectrum disorder.) At that same meeting, we also recommended that a visit be scheduled with a developmental optometrist in the area for further evaluation of her son's reading issues. An appointment was made with the Pupil Project at the University of Missouri-School of Optometry (specialists in developmental optometry).

Even today, three years later, this young man sometimes uses his green Reading Focus Card with its green filter to read with more comfort, focus and retention. He remembered us at a local educational event not too long ago and said, "You made my green focus card so that I could read!" Color can do some awesome things for some readers!

The "Exhausted" Red Overlay

We will never forget the woman (about 50 years of age) who visited us at an educational conference about 2 years ago. She arrived at our exhibit table with a very large piece of red but transparent plastic sheeting (about 18" x 24" in size). We could see that the red transparency was crinkled in many places, yet the woman held it carefully with her 2 hands. We must have looked puzzled when we saw it, for the woman began to explain that this was one of her most important tools. She could not read without it and so was seeking a replacement for her "battle-worn" reading device. She had been unable to find a red transparency material---anywhere. She asked if we could help her.

Although we occasionally provide specific colors of overlays for our clients and customers, our reading tools of choice are the Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), since they promote more focus AND block out more surrounding text than any other reading tools available. In addition, these tools can change page background colors with the reading window filters included with the Reading Focus Cards. It is important to note that when color is introduced, especially for challenged readers, it can unblock brain pathways, promote more focus and improve reading comprehension. Color was certainly important to this woman who struggled to read.

She had seen our reading tools displayed on the exhibit table, which caused the woman to stop and inquire. We mentioned to her that we would be able to provide her with 2 RED reading filters for a set of reading tools in our Reading Focus Card Combo Pack. A demonstration followed, and it was obvious that this woman became excited about having a possible replacement tool for her wrinkled, red overlay. She immediately purchased 2 Combo Packs plus the special set of 2 red filters (Our Reading Focus Card Combo Packs are always packaged with yellow, deep blue and clear filters, as per recommendation by developmental optometrists,)

Just a few days later, the woman sent us an email about how the Reading Focus Cards with the red filters had helped her focus and read better. She also mentioned how they were so much more portable than her worn-out overlay had been. We were not surprised but very pleased to help her!

Solution Found for This Dad Who Struggled to Read

About 2 months ago at the most recent Greater St. Louis Area Home Educators Expo, one father saw our Reading Focus Cards displayed and immediately stopped and asked if he could try them on the spot. That is why we have our reading tools available at every educational conference we visit, so that anyone who wishes can interact with them and see firsthand how they can help an individual reader.

This dad was about 45 years old and indicated to us that he had been a challenged reader all of his life. However, as he picked up one of our taupe brown Reading Focus Cards with the deep blue filter installed in it, he was so surprised to find that text "stopped moving" when he placed it on a page of print at the table. We were not surprised because we have witnessed this more than a few times. He left our table and the conference with 2 Reading Focus Card Combo Packs to help him focus and read with more success.

Yes, color can make such a difference for challenged readers of any age and at any time.

Color & Focusing Resources for Challenged Readers of ALL Ages

Reading Focus Cards Desktop App (Patent 8,360,779)
NEW innovative DESKTOP app to help challenged readers experience much more FOCUS and VISUAL COMFORT when reading on a Mac or Windows PC. Please visit http://www.focusandread.com/page/488513590 to learn more about this fully-customizable Reading Focus Cards app that enables struggling readers of ALL ages to experience more reading SUCCESS with DIGITAL media!

FREE Downloadable Paper Resources for Writing & Printing
http://www.printablepaper.net/category/lined

For more information on customizable reading tools that employ COLOR for better focus & improved attention, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
GLBT News at http://www.glbtrt.ala.org/news/archives/697
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

Helpful Focus & Tracking Resources for Challenged Readers

Is your child a reluctant reader? If so, do you know why? Are some of your students unable to stay focused when reading in class? Do you know a child whose eyes wander all over a page of text or only "see" the pictures on a page? These are only a few of the reading problems that teachers and parents often describe to us and for which they often request appropriate strategies, resources and apps to help.

If an individual of any age (even an adult) is struggling with focus or tracking, the first step should be to seriously consider visiting a developmental optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam (Please see resources to follow here.) This special medical professional can test, evaluate, diagnose and provide treatment for vision-related problems whose symptoms often manifest in the classroom. These challenges will negatively impact an individual's reading skills (reading fluency, rate, comprehension and retention of what is read) and, as a result, that individual's overall academic success.

Secondly, the right strategies and resources for students with these reading issues can go a long way in helping them manage specific symptoms or even improve the reading experience for them. Today, in our weekly blog article, we are addressing these same needs. Since we at Brennan Innovators are all about reading improvement and academic success, we wanted to provide our readers with some resources specific to focus and tracking. In this way, perhaps we can help to positively affect the level of reading success for many struggling readers.

Helpful Focus and Tracking Resources

5 Simple Concentration Building Techniques for Kids with ADHD
by Dr. Robert Myers, Child Psychologist
Children with ADHD typically have impairment of executive functions such as focusing and memory. Provide them with encouragement and track their progress
with these helpful strategies.
http://www.empoweringparents.com/five-simple-brain-exercise-activities-for-your-adhd-child.php

College of Optometrists in Vision Development
COVD is a non-profit, international membership association of eye care professionals including optometrists, optometry students, and vision therapists. Established in 1971, COVD provides board certification for optometrists and vision therapists who are prepared to offer state-of-the-art services in behavioral and developmental vision care, vision therapy and visual rehabilitation. This website will offer many resources for parents and educators as well as a Locator Tool (accessible via the upper-right-hand corner of each web page on the site) to help visitors find a developmental optometrist in their region/area.
http://www.covd.org/

Eye Focusing, Coordination, and Tracking Problems---from Children's Vision Coalition
A comprehensive list with explanations of vision-related problems whose symptoms often manifest in the classroom and can affect reading and academic success. A thorough (comprehensive) eye exam is necessary for detection and treatment.
http://www.cvcny.org/index.php?s=1&b=4&p=4

Vision and Reading---from Children's Vision Information Network (for Parents)
Important information about why your child might be struggling in the classroom.
http://www.childrensvision.com/reading.htm

Eye Can Learn's Eye Exercises
This is an excellent website with eye exercises to improve learning and visual attention (perception, tracking, focusing, and eye teaming).
http://www.eyecanlearn.com/

TeacherVision's Printables---from TeacherVision.com (for Educators)
Use these FREE printables and resources to help your students focus, keep track, analyze, and get the most from their reading selections.
https://www.teachervision.com/classroom-management/printable/6391.html

TeacherVision's Reading Resources(only)---from TeacherVision.com (for Educators)
Enhance reading skills with this extensive collection of printables, lesson plans, and activities on a variety of skill-building topics. Included you'll find popular resources for reading comprehension, phonics, literature, story analysis, alphabetizing, reading games and puzzles, and more. Plus, use reading in cross-curricular study with lessons that connect reading with science, social studies, history, math, and art. Learning to read well is a vital skill for students to master. Help them achieve that goal with these reading resources.
https://www.teachervision.com/reading/teacher-resources/33727.html

Reading Apps for Children---Common Sense Media (Various prices for Android & Apple)
An assortment of children's apps to help improve various reading skills.
http://www.graphite.org/search/read/subjects/language-reading-19646/subjects/reading-19791/type/csm_app?gclid=CN71uoTWkL4CFQwSMwod3XsAYA

Reading Focus Cards Desktop App (Patent 8,360,779)
This DESKTOP app is the digital version of the low-tech, physical Reading Focus Cards tools (Patent 7,565,759), solutions for struggling readers. This app provides very practical support for children and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, low vision, stroke or brain injury issues, autism and other conditions that can affect reading success. This desktop application promotes more FOCUSED online reading of almost ALL digital media (webpages, PDF files, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets & more.) In addition, the app supports touch-screen technology (where applicable).
1. For Macs (desktops & notebooks):
Visit the Mac App Store and search for Reading Focus Cards or go directly to
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12
2. For Windows PCs (desktops & laptops):
Visit Gumroad at https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards OR visit the Microsoft Windows Store and search for the app called Reading Focus Cards. (No URLs are ever provided for apps in the Windows Store.)

15 Mac Apps to Help You Focus and Work Productively (some FREE)---by Stef Gonzaga
15 Mac apps that help you focus, whether it’s dimming the screen, blocking social networking sites, closing inactive applications, or working in time bursts. You can use one or mix a couple of these apps to fit the way you work.
http://mac.appstorm.net/roundups/productivity-roundups/15-mac-apps-to-help-you-focus-and-work-productively/

Focus Mask---from TenTrip, LLC (Requires: Mac OS X 10.6 or later) Price: $0.99
Focus Mask is another Mac application designed to get rid of distractions while you work. But more than just putting the active windows on stage with the rest behind the curtain, Focus Mask allows you to selectively choose which window to bring to the front and to isolate a part of a window through easy shortcuts. You can do this either through pattern detection or by manually highlighting the chosen portion by dragging and clicking the selection.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/focusmask/id435999818?mt=12

For more information on customizable reading tools for focus and tracking challenges, please visit:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of:
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

Is Your Child Working TOO Hard Just to Read?

Tips & Tools to Help Struggling Readers

Is FOCUSING a struggle for your child or students when they attempt to read? Or is COMPREHENSION more of a problem? Could the root of the issue actually be memory and RETENTION?

Teachers are well aware that from Kindergarten to second grade, children LEARN to READ. However, beginning in third grade, children READ to LEARN. There is a significant difference between the learning objectives for these two stages of a child’s academic development. When children have LEARNED or mastered the skills to READ, they begin to APPLY those reading skills to all other learning. Unfortunately, if a child has not yet mastered the ability to read, all other learning can be quite challenging or even significantly delayed.

As a result, the third grade is very often the time when student reading issues begin to be noticed. If you are a teacher, you may already have some concerns about a few students struggling to read even though it is very early in the new school year. As the parent of a challenged reader, you may have noticed that attempting to read a story or do homework are almost painful for your child---AND you! You may see that your child appears to be working TOO hard just to READ.

What can be done to begin to help a struggling child or student with these focusing and reading challenges? We have gathered a few tips here involving "color" that we think will give you a place to start. We hope they will help your child or students to enjoy much more reading SUCCESS!

Colorful Tips & Tools for Struggling Readers

1. Reading Focus Cards---These customizable tools combine all the features of many other traditional reading tools and more. The Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759) isolate 1 to 2 lines of text on a page (depending on font size) AND block out more surrounding text than any other tool available. In addition, these tools allow the reader to change white page backgrounds with a chosen colored filter (included in each package). Because of these features, the Reading Focus Cards can be especially helpful for:

-ADHD
-Dyslexia
-Convergence insufficiency
-Autism
-Low vision
-Stroke recovery or TBI issues
-Other conditions that impact reading success.

The inexpensive Reading Focus Cards can also be used with e-readers like Kindles, Nooks, etc. (Model #001-Shorter) and e-tablets like iPads, Android tablets, etc. (Model #002-Longer) to promote even more focus and concentration. For more information about these unique reading tools, visit http://www.focusandread.com/products.

2. Colored Paper---When reading printed media such as worksheets and other documents, consider requesting that they be copied on colored paper instead of the traditional white paper. Your local school or office supply store will usually be able to provide a ream of several colors to try in one package. Try a DIFFERENT color of paper each week until the BEST color for reading is determined. This color will promote more FOCUS and EYE COMFORT than the other colors. As a result, not only will the individual reader experience more focus, but better comprehension and retention will also be possible.

3. Colored Overlays---Try placing a colored yet transparent plastic sheet over a page of text to be read. These transparent but colored plastic sheets can be purchased at some office or art supply stores. Consider trying a variety of different colored sheets, one color at a time with a resting interval between each color’s trial. There is a good possibility that one particular sheet color may provide more focus and eye comfort for the reader than other colored sheets. Experiment with pastel colors as well as bright ones. Introducing the best or most helpful color can positively impact the appearance of the printed text for a reader with symptoms of dyslexia or other reading challenges. With the use of the most appropriate color, an individual reader may report that the letters “stopped moving”, “waving out” or “shadowing” on the page of text.

These three tips employ color to change white backgrounds on pages of text. A white background can cause what is often called visual stress for some readers. This can be especially troublesome when the text on the page is black. The contrast between the text and the background can be too stark. As a result, such readers often struggle with focusing, which also affects attention and comprehension. These visually-stressed readers can also experience fatigue much sooner, and their retention is often significantly impacted.

If you try the strategies described above here, and the reading problems persist, consider visiting (or suggesting a visit to) a developmental optometrist. This medical professional can test, evaluate, diagnose and treat children, teens and adults with vision-related reading challenges. Please keep in mind that an individual of any age can have 20/20 vision (determined by a traditional optometrist or optician) and yet still have a vision-related reading challenge. To locate such a developmental optometrist in your area, please visit the website of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) at http://covd.org.

Sources

Press Release - Patented ADHD Reading Tools Can Help ALL Kinds of Readers
http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/patented-adhd-reading-tools-can-help-all-kinds-readers

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC: http://www.focusandread.com/blog/post/3537480

Need Support Services for Dyslexia?

This past week before the Thanksgiving Holiday, we at Brennan Innovators received a call from our area’s Special School District. A representative from the district inquired as to area services for students with dyslexia, namely whom we recommend for dyslexia "testing", diagnosis and treatment.

We should not have been surprised to receive such an inquiry, but it continues to be a concern that this critical referral information is not readily available to every staff member in the district that is the primary provider of special needs services in our region. This further shows the growing need within our schools to appropriately address the reading struggles of ALL students, including those with vision-related challenges like dyslexia.

This one phone call was very telling and caused us to prepare our next blog article here about the much-needed information about support services for children (and adults) with dyslexia---wherever they may live.

Initial Support Services for Dyslexia

Website for the College of Optometrists in Vision Development---Basic information, research and resources to help with the understanding of vision-related reading/learning challenges
http://covd.org/

Locator Tool---Online tool to help locate the appropriate medical professional in your area for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of vision-related reading/learning challenges
From the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD)
https://covdwp.memberpoint.com/WebPortal/BuyersGuide/ProfessionalSearch.aspx

Support Groups for Dyslexia

Dyslexia Support Groups
Access to various online support groups for dyslexia
http://dyslexia.supportgroups.com/

DailyStrength Dyslexia Support Group
Online forum that supports persons challenged with dyslexia
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Dyslexia/support-group

Supportive Media for Dyslexia (Books, Apps and More)

Online Bookstore for Dyslexia---Books about dyslexia and related materials offered at a discount (Sponsored by the International Dyslexia Association)
http://www.interdys.org/OnlineBookstore.htm

FREE Dyslexia Newsletter---This bi-monthly World of Dyslexia Newsletter is received by over 40,000 people. It keeps readers up-to-date with the latest news and research in the field of dyslexia.
http://www.dyslexia-teacher.com/t23.html

The Seven Causes of Reading Difficulty for Dyslexics---Most children and teens with dyslexia experience difficulties with reading. David Morgan’s article here outlines seven causes of reading difficulty.
http://www.dyslexia-parent.com/mag64.html

Other Supportive Resources for Dyslexia

IDA Reading Literacy & Learning Conferences---Information about upcoming conferences
http://www.interdys.org/AnnualConferenceUpcoming.htm

U.S. Branch Locations of the International Dyslexia Association--by State
https://ww2.eventrebels.com/er/Chapter/OnlineChapterByState.jsp?Token=FYLJ8BKH4PXMYSGQBT6Y9USH3J

British Global Partner Offices of the International Dyslexia Association (2)
http://www.interdys.org/GlobalPartnersBritain.htm

Irish Global Partner Office of the International Dyslexia Association (1)
http://www.interdys.org/GlobalPartnersIreland.htm

Australian Global Partner Office of the International Dyslexia Association (1)
http://www.interdys.org/GlobalPartnersAustralia.htm

Link to Other Global Partner Locations of the IDA
http://www.interdys.org/GlobalPartnersList.htm

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: https://twitter.com/DyslexiaSupport

Helpful Apps & Resources for Convergence Insufficiency

What is Convergence Insufficiency?

Convergence Insufficiency is a common vision problem that can make reading or staying on-task quite difficult for school-aged children. The condition is caused by poor eye coordination (eye teaming), which prevents the eyes from working together, especially when viewing small images or trying to read fine print. Convergence insufficiency can also cause problems such as eyestrain, fatigue (or visual stress), headaches, and sometimes blurred or even double vision when reading. One or more of these conditions can then often result in poor focus and attention as well as poor reading comprehension and retention.

In many cases, the condition is often not diagnosed. Routine school vision screening cannot check for convergence insufficiency, and it is frequently missed in regular (non-comprehensive) eye exams. In fact, many children with convergence insufficiency are often misdiagnosed with a learning disability, dyslexia or ADD/ADHD.

Vision therapy sessions administered by a medical professional such as a developmental optometrist are sometimes part of the solution for convergence insufficiency. In addition, eye exercises conducted at home may be involved in the treatment as well.

Special Note: If for some reason it is not possible to access services as described above here (because of one's location or type of health insurance plan coverage), consider the use of colored overlays or other non-invasive and customizable tools such as the Reading Focus Cards (U.S. Patent 7,565,759) to assist with the symptoms of convergence insufficiency or other issues experienced by some struggling readers.

Important: Please remember that only a comprehensive eye examination can evaluate for vision-related reading and learning problems.

We thought our readers might be interested in accessing a few apps that might help with convergence insufficiency. This week, these apps and resources are here for you!

Apps for Convergence Insufficiency

1. Top 5 Smartphone Apps for Your Eyes---2 are FREE (mostly Apple-compatible)
Compiled by La Jolla Lasik Institute
http://www.lajollalasik.com/blog/top-5-smartphone-apps-for-your-eyes/

2. More Apps for Convergence Insufficiency (for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch)
From One Place for Special Needs (may need to register on the site to access)
http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/resources_online/resource_online_results.html?category=&words=convergence+apps

3. Reading Focus Cards Desktop App (Patent 8,360,779) (for Macs & Windows PCs)
From Brennan Innovators, LLC
This DESKTOP app for Windows PCs and Macs provides practical READING SUPPORT for children and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, autism and other conditions that can affect reading success. It improves FOCUS, FLUENCY and VISUAL COMFORT for better CONCENTRATION and RETENTION when reading digital media (webpages, PDF files, Word docs, Excel spreadsheets & more.) The app's innovative technology allows it to float on top AND stay on top of nearly any underlying application. It can be moved over text on a computer screen by the fingers, mouse or arrow keys as needed. In addition, the Reading Focus Card app supports touch-screen technology (where applicable). (This desktop app is the digital version of the physical Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), solutions for struggling readers.)
a. For Macs (desktops & notebooks):
Visit the Mac App Store at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12 or search for the app called Reading Focus Cards.
b. For Windows PCs (desktops & laptops):
Visit Gumroad at https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards OR visit the Microsoft Windows Store and search for the app called Reading Focus Cards. (No URLs are provided for apps in the Windows Store.)

4. Overlays! (App for OS X 10.8 or later---Price: $6.99)
Created by Abbie Gonzalez
Use to help with reading or sometimes to help following large tables and lists of data. Battle the wall of text, eyestrain and distractions with this on screen overlay to help you keep your place!
- Keep your place in huge walls of text, tables and lists.
- Pick the color, height and transparency that helps you read better.
- Use a lightly colored overlay or a completely solid line to help you keep focused. Pick what works for you!
- Easily access preferences from the menu bar icon.
- Works in full screen applications, and even over virtual machines.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/overlays!/id868499627?mt=12

Resources for Additional Information:

1. Information AND additional resources on convergence from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development
http://covd.org/Home/Convergence/tabid/89/Default.aspx

2. Information, Symptoms and References for Convergence Insufficiency from the Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/convergence-insufficiency/DS01146

3. Information and Numerous Resources on Convergence from One Place for Special Needs---Vision therapy exercises a child might do in an office setting (Video) and other related information (may need to register on the site to access)
http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/resources_online/resource_online_results.html?words=eye+teaming

4. Information on Research and Treatment for Convergence Insufficiency
http://www.childrensvision.com/CITT.htm

Happy reading, everyone!

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image provided by: http://www.autism-community.com/reduced-visual-convergence-in-people-with-autism/