Dyslexia Resources to Use Now

FREE & Low-Cost Dyslexia Resources for Parents & Teachers on a Limited Budget

Quite a few U.S. and global economists have recently stated that we are in the fourth year of an economic recovery from the Great Recession. However, for many families this recovery has been elusive at best, as they continue trying to stretch every dollar earned and watch expenditures with a careful eye.

At the same time, parents do want to meet the needs of their children at all levels---physically, emotionally and academically. They want their children to succeed both in the classroom and in life. When a child struggles to read or learn, however, the cost of helping that child can be more than a little challenging, especially when the school may not be able or willing to address the unique needs of that child. Unless a family lives in a state where there are dyslexia laws on the books, it may be particularly difficult to get the needed help when dyslexia is (or may be) the cause of a student's reading difficulties.

While we await further dyslexia legislation in the U.S., Brennan Innovators has been making a significant difference for many parents, their families and teachers of struggling readers by bridging the gap between no services for students with dyslexia and expensive methods or treatments for dyslexia often not covered by health insurance plans. Brennan Innovators designs and provides inexpensive, customizable reading tools to help challenged readers of all ages to focus and read better. These tools can be especially helpful for dyslexia, ADHD, autism and other issues that can impact reading success.

The company also provides consultation services as well as FREE printed and online resources for parents and teachers wanting to help challenged readers of any age. So for our blog readers this week, Brennan Innovators has gathered a list of FREE and low cost resources for children and teens with dyslexia. We hope that these links to specialized websites and resources will assist parents and teachers with limited or no budgets help the struggling readers they care for---at a time like this!

FREE and Low-Budget Dyslexia Resources

Resources to Support Dyslexic Pupils---from the British Dyslexia Association (BDA)
Resources and strategies are listed here to support pupils with dyslexia at primary and secondary levels. Resources, products and suppliers are also provided. This site also includes an online dyslexia test.
http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/about-dyslexia/schools-colleges-and-universities/resources-to-support-dyslexic-pupils.html

Desktop APP---Reading Focus Cards (Patent 8,360,779) (Price: $5.99)
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.)

Dyslexia Links---from 3D Learner Systems
An extensive collection of websites and other online resources to help teachers and parents of children with dyslexia
http://www.3dlearner.com/dyslexia-resources/

Supporting students with dyslexia: tips, tricks and tech for teachers---by David Imrie
This is an article written by a biology teacher and special educational needs coordinator at Ashcraig School in Glasgow, Scotland. With 1.2 million children in the UK with dyslexia, it's important that teachers understand how to support pupils with the this learning difference. Mr. Imrie shares his techniques and insights in this article.
http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2013/sep/09/supporting-students-with-dyslexia-teachers-tips-pupils

Dyslexia Resources
FREE printable teaching resources to accompany the book Progress in Learning by Kim Morris
http://www.sparklebox.co.uk/special-needs/dyslexia/#.Uv2Xe4ViNfg

Teacher Strategies for Dyslexics
A PDF file booklet with strategies to help children challenged with dyslexia http://www.visd.com/depart/specialPrograms/dyslexia/dyslexia_handbook_teacherstrategies.pdf

Beating Dyslexia.com
This is a FREE "Dyslexia Help" website for people who want to beat dyslexia, not just cope with it.
http://www.beatingdyslexia.com/

For information on customizable reading tools for ADHD & other reading challenges:
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

Why Are They NOT Reading at Grade Level?

Did you know that over 68% of America's 4th, 8th and 12th graders are not reading at grade level?(Source: National Center for Education Statistics) Yes, this current statistic indicates that we actually have a “reading crisis” in our country today. Why is this?

If you are a parent or teacher, there is a very good chance that when you were growing up, you engaged in different play activities from what children engage in today. You enjoyed more physical activities such as running, jumping, bike riding, playing hop-scotch, building make-shift tents or forts and much more. Those activities not only provided physical activity and healthy exercise, but they also helped you develop good, vision-related skills---proper balance, good eye-hand coordination, appropriate tracking of an object, peripheral vision skills, left-to-right discrimination and eye progression and more.

Today, children often do not have the same opportunities to develop these skills, certainly not to the level required for the building of good reading skills. Where you may have played dodge ball in the street at age 10, today’s 10 year-old boys and girls are often spending long periods of free time in a very different way. Television viewing and playing video games are at the top of their list of “activities” today. When this is the case, not only do youth obesity rates increase, but the vision skills needed for appropriate development of good reading skills may not properly develop.

Current statistics show that the average child in the U.S. spends 1,480 minutes per week watching television (more than 24 hours per week). Even more disturbing, when asked to choose between watching TV and spending time with their fathers, 54% of 4-6 year-olds preferred watching television. As a group, children under age eight spend an average of 25 minutes per day playing video games. (Sources: Statistic Brain, 2012 and Media Statistics - Children’s Use of TV, Internet, and Video Games by Dr. Brent Conrad, Clinical Psychologist for TechAddiction)

So, if you have a young child, seriously consider finding appropriate ways to increase the amount of time your child spends engaged in good, physical activity. Frequent walks to the park or just kicking a ball in the backyard are great, yet simple promoters of good balance, peripheral vision skills and much more.

If your child is of school age and actually experiencing reading challenges, there are options that can help in addition to encouraging increased physical activity. First, rule out the possibility that a vision-related reading challenge is causing the issues experienced. To do this, consider making an appointment with a developmental optometrist who is the preferred medical professional for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for these vision-related reading challenges (visit http://covd.org/ to locate such a medical professional in your area).

You might also want to check out helpful resources such as http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/05/strategies-tools-apps-more-for.html and other articles here that can offer good tips, strategies and resources (apps, etc.) to help struggling readers.

In the meantime, please also keep in mind that reading to your child no matter the age will also enhance his development and attitudes toward reading and literacy in general. It will do much to develop your relationship with your child, too! What a great plan of “action” that is!

Happy reading, everyone!

Sources: Statistic Brain (2012) http://www.statisticbrain.com/television-watching-statistics/ and Media Statistics - Children’s Use of TV, Internet, and Video Games by Dr. Brent Conrad, Clinical Psychologist for TechAddiction --- http://www.techaddiction.ca/media-statistics.html

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

Jan. 29, 2013 ONLY! iPad Mini GIVEAWAY by Smart Apps for Kids http://www.smartappsforkids.com/2013/01/celebrate-our-second-birthday.html

Photo courtesy of: Liberty Books Blog at http://libertybook.wordpress.com/2012/09/26/parents-and-children-prefer-reading-print-books-together-over-e-books-study-finds/

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

BEST Tools for Dyslexia

There is no doubt that our blog visitors are always looking for resources and tools for dyslexia. These are the number one, sought-after items according to our blog analytics' reports. This continues to be the case week after week.

Many of these visitors are teachers who seek practical and usable information about dyslexia not provided by their school districts and professional organizations. Others are parents who desperately want to help their children succeed in school, despite the struggles with reading those children face daily in their classrooms. Still others are adults who have been challenged with reading issues most of their lives and continue to search for tools and strategies to improve focus, concentration, comprehension and retention.

Because of this continuous demand and the increasing number of phone requests we consistently receive, we have gathered again a new list of tools (both low- and high-tech) to manage the symptoms and effects of dyslexia, allowing challenged readers to focus and read with more success. Additional resources for dyslexia are listed immediately to follow. These tools, resources and information are from both Yale University and the University of Michigan.

Low-Tech & High-Tech Tools for Dyslexia

Technology for Dyslexia
Review of several tech devices specifically helpful to persons with dyslexia
From Yale University
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/Technology.html

Software and Assistive Technology
Description and information about various technologies to help accommodate for challenges and increase self-confidence at home, in the classroom, or on the job
From the University of Michigan’s University Center for the Development of Language & Literacy
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/software-assistive-technology

Assistive Technology at School (Info about Low- and High-Tech Assistive Technology)
A Charter School's Journey into Assistive Technology ---article by Joshua Jenkins
From Yale University
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/EDU_schooltechnology.html

The Reading Focus Card to Help Students with Dyslexia & ADD/ADHD (Low-Tech Tool to Help with Dyslexia)
Review from University of Michigan’s University Center for the University Center for the Development of Language & Literacy
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/latest/reading-focus-card-help-students-dyslexia-addadhd

Apps for Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities-(Collection of both Android and Apple-compatible apps)
List compiled by the University of Michigan’s University Center for the Development of Language & Literacy
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/apps

Other Resources for Dyslexia

Tips from Dyslexic Students for Dyslexic Students
by Nancy Hall
From Yale University
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/DYS_Student2Student.html

Book Scanning Services
As dyslexics struggle with reading, pouring over pages of small, tightly-printed text may not be the best option. Luckily, book scanning has become a viable option for transferring printed text into PDFs and e-Book formats to help dyslexics read.
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/book-scanning-services

Learn About It—What is Dyslexia and Debunking the Myths—Quiz
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/primary-links/learn-about-it%E2%80%94what-dyslexia-and-debunking-myths%E2%80%94quiz

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

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 courtesy of: http://bookivoremidwest.blogspot.com/2010/07/sustained-silent-reading.html

The Struggling Student at Conference Time

Can it be that the first grading period has arrived already? Yes, and with it come the annual or semi-annual, parent-teacher conferences. This realization usually causes one of two parental reactions ---“I can’t wait to see how Evan is doing!” or “I’m worried about what Ms. Jackson is going to tell us about our Emma.”

From a teacher’s standpoint, this first conference with parents can also be a stressful event. At conferences, educators often meet students’ parents for the very first time. These conferences usually occur right after the hard work of term test taking for students followed by the time required to prepare report cards with individual performance comments. All the while, these teachers continue to plan lessons, correct papers for the second term already begun, and reply to emails and phone calls from parents and colleagues. It can be a very overwhelming time of the year!

If the scheduled conference is for the benefit of a struggling student, the level of concern on the part of the parents may be even greater, and the teacher may need to prepare even more carefully in order to best help the student. Parents can do much to help make the first conference a very positive experience for all involved, particularly for their child:

• First and foremost, show respect for the educational professional seated before you. She likely spends more hours per week with your child than you do during the school year. She knows your child and will provide valuable information to enable the child to enjoy more learning success.

• Secondly, when constructive criticism about your child is offered, listen and remember what is said. If needed, jot down a few notes regarding the suggested areas of needed improvement.

• Normally, the teacher will make suggestions or offer resources to help with those improvements. Continue the note-taking. However, if none are offered, “gently” request her recommendations, tools and strategies or other resources you might consider to help your child develop more skill in a specific area.

• Finally, remember to be appreciative. Make it known to this teacher that you are grateful for the time and efforts she gives to help your child read and learn. Teachers are human beings in the work of service, hard work that very often is not always appreciated by those who are served. Be grateful for their dedication and commitment.

For educators, you most likely have a preferred format for conducting conferences. No matter which conference “template” you use, there are a few good ideas you might want to keep in mind:

• Try to describe student weaknesses in constructive ways---with some degree of gentleness. Of course, never compare one student with another.

• For every shortcoming or struggle a student may be experiencing, be kind enough to provide a possible strategy to help bring about improvement.

• Always remember to share at least one positive comment about each child. Every child has at least one talent, gift or characteristic that makes him or her special. Share these good comments with parents.

• Finally, offer encouragement to parents who may be struggling to guide their challenged children.

Once again, we have taken the time to gather some resources here to help both parents and teachers at this special “conference time” of year. We hope you will find them beneficial as you work together to help a child improve and experience more learning success!

Resources for Parents

FREE IEP e-book---To help parents plan for a child's IEP meeting! (from the NCLD---National Center for Learning Disabilities)
http://info.ncld.org/free-e-book-iep-meeting-planner-?utm_source=LDOnLine.org&utm_medium=Twitter

What Is a 504 Plan? (Video)---Excellent 5 min. video that clearly explains a 504 plan (from the NCLD)
http://www.ncld.org/learning-disability-resources/videos/video-what-is-a-504-plan

40 Winning Accommodations---New, FREE ADHD Printable! (from ADDitude Magazine)
Increase the odds of your ADHD child succeeding in school with ADDitude's FREE printable, 40 Winning Accommodations.
http://www.additudemag.com/RCLP/sub/9109.html

10 Top Tips for Dyslexia---Tips parents can use to help their children challenged with dyslexia to enjoy more learning success in school
http://www.teach-our-kids.co.uk/10-top-tips-for-helping-your-child-with-dyslexia/

The Top 50 Apps for Kids (2012)---In education, music, art and more
http://www.babble.com/kid/kids-products/50-best-kids-apps-family/

Resources for Teachers

Parent–Teacher Conference Tip Sheets---both English & Spanish (from Harvard Family Research Project)
http://www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our-publications/parent-teacher-conference-tip-sheets-hojas-de-consejos-para-las-reuniones-de-padres-y-maestros

Parent-Teacher Conference Resources---These resources will help maximize the benefits of parent-teacher collaborations to serve each child's educational needs. (from TeacherVision.com)
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/teacher-parent-conferences/resource/3713.html

Family Involvement Publications & Resources---Articles and other resources to help with conferences (from Harvard Family Research Project)
http://www.hfrp.org/family-involvement/publications-resources

The Best Resources on Parent/Teacher Conferences---Some of the most useful materials to help with parent-teacher conferences (from EduBlogs.org)
http://engagingparentsinschool.edublogs.org/2011/10/29/the-best-resources-on-parentteacher-conferences/

Happy learning, 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://edusavvyparents.com/parenting

New Dyslexia Resources--Fall 2012

At the literacy and vision conferences attended during the past two weeks, we were asked many questions about dyslexia. In fact, we received more questions from teachers, tutors and parents about dyslexia than about any other topic at both events.

Current statistics show that nearly 15% to 20% of school-aged children in the U.S. may be affected by some form of dyslexia. Yet only 5% are recognized (often because the dyslexia is severe) and receive assistance.

Approximately 60% of individuals diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) also have dyslexia. However, their learning and language differences are often unrecognized because only the behavioral aspects of ADHD are addressed. Without the proper diagnosis and help, many of these individuals with dyslexia and ADHD are only functionally literate, and are part of the 44 million adults with only the lowest level of literacy. This limits their ability to find jobs and function independently in their communities. (Source: The Dyslexia Research Institute)

With this data, it is easy to see why we received so many recent inquiries relating to this particular reading challenge. We felt it was just the right time to offer some updated information and a few more resources for these teachers and parents as well as for our regular blog readers here.

Animation Video---To Help Explain Dyslexia
From BrainPOP
http://bpopne.ws/OYPAyt

7 Activities Affected by Dyslexia (Blog article)
From ChromaGen Vision’s blog
http://wereadbetter.com/7-activities-affected-by-dyslexia/

The Upside of Dyslexia (Opinion Article)
By Annie Murphy Hall---Published: February 4, 2012
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/05/opinion/sunday/the-upside-of-dyslexia.html?ref=dyslexia&_r=0

Signs of Dyslexia Start Before Reading, Study Finds (from ABC News--& VIDEOS)
By Mikaela Conley (@mikaelaconley)---Published: April 5, 2012
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/visual-attention-lead-dyslexia-children/story?id=16078380#.UHh7oK61ySo

Online Dyslexia Testing
From Lexercise---Company in Raleigh, NC, offers services to help children with reading, writing and spelling disorders such as dyslexia and dysgraphia.
Disclaimer: This is a FREE dyslexia test to see if your child is having trouble reading and processing words. This online test determines if your child needs a full evaluation in order for the best individualized treatment plan to be developed. This online test is NOT a replacement for such an evaluation.
http://www.lexercise.com/dyslexia-services/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Microsoft%2BPPC

10 Top Tips for Helping Your Child with Dyslexia
From Teach Our Kids
http://www.teach-our-kids.co.uk/10-top-tips-for-helping-your-child-with-dyslexia/

Spell Trekking in Schools: the New App for Literacy Tuition---New, multi-sensory iPad literacy app
From CENTRA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LIMITED
Blog article about the app: http://centradyslexia.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/11-using-the-new-app-for-literacy-tuition-in-schools/
Access to app: FREE download at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spell-trekking/id547625622?mt=8
Website: http://www.spelltrekking.com/

Dyslexia Research Institute Information and resources about dyslexia
http://www.dyslexia-add.org/

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://classroomclipart.com/clipart-search/page-189/all-phrase/school/

Able Apps for Dysgraphia

Updated November 2016

Do you know a child or adult with dysgraphia? Do you know what it means to have this disorder? Perhaps it is related to the approaching new school year, but we have been noticing more keyword searches on both our website and blogsite here that include the term dysgraphia.

NINDS (National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke) describes dysgraphia as “a neurological disorder characterized by writing disabilities. Specifically, the disorder causes a person's writing to be distorted or incorrect. In children, the disorder generally emerges when they are first introduced to writing. They make inappropriately sized and spaced letters, or write wrong or misspelled words, despite thorough instruction.

Children with dysgraphia may have other learning disabilities; however, they usually have no social or other academic problems. Dysgraphia in adults generally occurs after some trauma. In addition to poor handwriting, dysgraphia is characterized by wrong or odd spelling, and production of words that are not correct (i.e., using "boy" for "child"). The cause of the disorder is unknown, but in adults, it is usually associated with damage to the parietal lobe of the brain.”

In simpler terms, dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects a person's writing abilities. It can manifest itself as difficulties with spelling, poor handwriting and challenges with putting thoughts on paper. In addition, dysgraphia is often common in children with ADHD and related disorders. The disorder affects approximately 10% of the population. Some medical professionals and educators recommend that children and adults with dysgraphia use computers and other tech devices to avoid the problems of handwriting.

Here are some of the symptoms of dysgraphia:

• Illegible writing
• Cramped or unusual pencil grip
• Writing from the wrist instead of dynamic hand
• Mixing uppercase and lowercase letters in the same word
• Omitted words, unfinished words or misplaced words
• Difficulty thinking and writing at the same time
• Talking to oneself while writing
• Random or non-existent punctuation
• Difficulty with syntax and grammar
• Writing that may be legible but is laboriously produced

With the apparent and noted need for information on this topic, we thought it might be helpful to provide our readers with a list of good apps for dysgraphia, especially as we quickly approach the new fall semester. After some research, we located the following apps that we hope will help a child or adult you know challenged with dysgraphia:

Apps for Dysgraphia

1. A collection of 6 apps specifically for dysgraphia---Ecosystems and Interactions blog
http://wandadawnleanne.blogspot.com/2012/06/useful-apps-for-students-with.html

2. Text Grabber-Version 5.4.7 -- This app allows the user to take a picture of a document with text, the app performs OCR, activate Voice Over, and it will read it to the user---by ABBYY -- Price is $4.99 - Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/textgrabber-+-translator/id438475005?mt=8

3. mobile112 This app is a full-featured Android app for users with dyslexia, literacy or word finding problems, aphasia or dysgraphia. It can also be used to capture (OCR) and translate any written text in any European language (and soon also Cyrillic/Japanese/Chinese/Korean). (Trial edition available from Google Play---free for 30 days.)
http://mobile112.net/download.html

4. Apps to Help Students with Dysgraphia & Writing Difficulties---Academic Therapy Center
https://academictherapycenter.com/2014/05/apps-to-help-students-with-dysgraphia-and-writing-difficulties/

Special Note: It has been found that individuals with dysgraphia can often benefit from regular use of the Pages application on an iMac to complete most “written” work. Also, it can be helpful to use the speech recognition features built into the Mac OS to navigate the screen, because the fine-motor movements required to use the mouse can often be hard to control. As a student moves into higher grades and the number of written assignments increases, using the iMac will save time and make it easier for teachers to review the student’s work than if written by hand.

Other Resources
A variety of helpful articles on dysgraphia (from Scoop.it!)
http://www.scoop.it/search?q=dysgraphia&type=post&page=1&limit=24&x=26&y=14

The NINDS (National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke) web page for information on dysgraphia---treatment options, research, clinical trials and more
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dysgraphia/dysgraphia.htm

Sources for this article:
1. Information on the Pages application of iMas and Mac OS speech recognition features
http://www.apple.com/education/docs/L419373AUS_L419373A_AppleTechDisabilities.pdf

2. General information on dysgraphia from blog entitled A Mom’s (and Dad”s) View of ADHD
http://adhdmomma.com/2011/04/adhd-and-dysgraphia.html

3. The NINDS (National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke) for dysgraphia definition
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/dysgraphia/dysgraphia.htm

4. The dyslexia A2Z website
http://www.dyslexiaa2z.com/learning_difficulties/dysgraphia/dysgraphia_what_is.html

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

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.dyslexiaa2z.com/learning_difficulties/dysgraphia/dysgraphia_what_is.html

Helpful Videos & Other Resources for Dyslexia

It is more than obvious that our blog and website visitors are eagerly looking for resources to help with the challenges of dyslexia. Articles on the topic are the ones most readily sought on our sites for struggling readers of all ages.

This past spring, the words of one St. Louis clinical psychologist were all too accurate: “The schools are burying their heads in the sand, when it comes to dyslexia.” She was referring to the fact that when many teachers and most schools learn of a child’s dyslexia diagnosis, they very often believe that this condition is one that does not require their providing classroom accommodations for that child.

Although what can be written in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) varies from state to state, many times, dyslexia is not even addressed. However, sometimes, if this reading challenge called dyslexia is approached or presented as a reading disability or a processing disorder, THEN the schools may be more willing to work with parents.

In the meantime, we've once again put together here a collection of additional dyslexia resources for parents AND the teachers who wish to genuinely help their struggling learners with dyslexia. If just one teacher takes a look at what is offered here, it could translate into at least one step forward for one child. Let’s hope that more teachers and their schools become both interested AND motivated to DO something about and for these children--- very soon.

Genius Within---Innovative online training for adults that will transform your dyslexia and bring out your inner genius. FREE informative videos & an online Dyslexia Profile Test are included here.
http://www.geniuswithin.co.uk/index.php/site/whatisdislexia

Dyslexia: Types of Dyslexia-Video by expert Dr. Diane Sawyer who provides basic information about dyslexia, including the 4 different types of the condition
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n95g4YiKiY&feature=fvwrel

Teaching Children with Dyslexia-What Accommodations Should My Child Have at School? A GOOD list of classroom accommodations specifically for dyslexia
http://athome.readinghorizons.com/research/accommodations.aspx

‘I AM DYSLEXIC’: A Short Documentary-Video with various individuals (of different ages) who have dyslexia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCf0JOhPV64&feature=related

decoding dyslexia (short)-Several segments from a 3-D animation of a TVNZ documentary entitled “Decoding Dyslexia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKekE10b82s&feature=related

Spelling Technique for Dyslexic-Video (parent) presentation of special technique based on the phonics of “i-g-h” to help those with dyslexia to spell with success
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CpZAH6elIc&feature=related

The Tutor Crowd - Blog and article containing the 10 Top Dyslexia Blogs for 2012
http://blog.thetutorcrowd.com/?p=55

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

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.clipartheaven.com/show/clipart/kids_stuff/images_%28a_-_f%29/children_with_picture_book-gif.html