FREE Literacy Apps for ALL Kinds of Struggling Readers

The month of October is always an "active" month for us, and this October 2014 definitely did not disappoint! It has been a very busy week here at Brennan Innovators with quite a number of parent phone consultations, the continuous packing and shipping of Reading Focus Card orders and the finalizing of preparations for a new product launch! Yes, a new product (unlike anything we've offered previously)! Next week in our blog article, we'll be telling you all about it, too. (Patience, patience, please!)

Traditionally at this part of October, parents and teachers are also meeting for the first conferences of the school year to discuss student progress. Also by this time in the semester, it can be fairly apparent to an educator if a student is experiencing issues with one or more reading skills. There might be a problem with focus and attention or fluency. Comprehension or retention of what is read could be issues. Parents may notice that it takes "forever" for their child to complete reading or written assignments at home. Other red flags might be raised, and solutions are urgently sought to help the challenged reader improve the deficient reading skills.

This week, we wanted to respond to a large number of email and phone requests as well as the many recent searches on our blog for "struggling reader apps." We thought we'd even take it a little further and offer a list of FREE apps in this often-requested category. In addition, we wanted to provide these apps for ALL kinds of challenged readers---for young, new readers, adolescents, middle-school readers, low-vision readers and even an application for teachers of struggling readers.

So, we hope that you will take a minute or two to survey the list of FREE iPad and Android apps we have created here for struggling readers in your life. We also hope you will discover at least one of them that will offer your child or students the help needed to read with much more success Oh, yes, and don't forget to check back here next week for that new product announcement! We think you'll be glad you did!

FREE Literacy Apps for Struggling Readers

8 Apps For Struggling Adolescent Readers (for Android & iPad)
by Hope Mulholland, Te@chThought
FREE apps that provide e-books, audiobooks and more for challenged teen readers can be found here.
http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/8-apps-for-struggling-adolescent-readers/

Free App: One Minute Reader (Android & iPad)
If you have a child struggling with reading, download the free One Minute Reader app for iPad on iTunes. This app from the respected Minnesota-based company, Reading Naturally, contains a placement process to decide what reading level is right for your child and includes one FREE story from each level.
For Android: http://filedir.com/android/books-reference/one-minute-reader-3899592.html)
For iPad: http://oneminutereader.com/

Hooked on Phonics Learn to Read (Compatible with iPhone, iPad, & iPod touch-Optimized for iPhone 5)
by Hooked on Phonics
This FREE app is based on the award-winning Hooked on Phonics Learn to Read system. Millions of kids have learned to read using Hooked on Phonics. Now, we are proud to introduce our exciting new digital reading program!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hooked-on-phonics-helping/id588868907?mt=8

Phonics Genius (Compatible with iPhone, iPad, & iPod touch)
by Innovative Mobile Apps
Over 6,000 words grouped by phonics sounds! This FREE app is an excellent resource for teaching phonemic awareness!
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/phonics-genius/id461659980?mt=8

iCam Magnifier (Compatible with iPhone, iPad, & iPod touch-Optimized for iPhone 5)
FREE low vision app from Clarix (iCam is a low vision magnifier and reader for your iPhone or iPad. It features 5 high-contrast false color modes, as well as black and white, and color. If you struggle with reading, iCam can help magnify printed text. With an optional light, use it in dim lit rooms, restaurants, home, etc. It can be used to read menus, receipts, pill bottles & more.)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/icam-magnifier/id628567362?ls=1&mt=8

Fluency Tutor™ for Google (Android)
by TextHelp, Ltd.
Fluency Tutor™ for Google is a FREE, easy-to-use reading and assessment tool that helps busy teachers support struggling readers.
Great for time-stretched teachers, Fluency Tutor™ for Google lets students practice reading aloud at their own pace.
Make reading aloud more fun and satisfying for even your most reluctant students. It’s also great for early readers and individuals learning English as a second language. (Student app is used in conjunction with the Teacher app.)
Teacher App: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/fluency-tutor-for-google/ejajakfhhhhkifioabcekjjlhpoiijfa (available from the Chrome Web Store)
Student App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.texthelp.fluencytutorstudent (available from Google Play)

For more information on customizable 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

Helpful Stroke Recovery Resources

Updated November 3, 2014

Did you know that stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.? Unfortunately, this is true. In addition, approximately 795,000 strokes will occur this year, one occurring every 40 seconds.

This past March, we published an article providing lists of apps for stroke recovery. Since that time, we have seen an increasing number of visitors to the webpage for that article (Apps to Shorten the Road to Stroke Recovery http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/03/apps-to-shorten-road-to-stroke-recovery.html). In fact, we have seen the readership for that post average more than 300 visits per week.

As a result, we thought it would be helpful to create a list of “go-to” resources for stroke recovery and prevention to help the many readers who visit our blog searching for helpful information on these all-important topics. So, for this week’s post, we have gathered together here the BEST resources available to inform and support individuals and families affected by stroke. We have also included organizations that offer information about stroke prevention. We think you’ll find the list of links below to be helpful---but let’s hope you or those you care about will never need it!

National Stroke Association
This organization's website provides much information to support stroke patients, their caregivers and families affected by stoke. It is the “go-to” stroke resource for so many.
http://www.stroke.org/site/PageNavigator/HOME

HOPE: A Stroke Recovery Guide
This guide is divided into four sections and contains a collection of important post-stroke issues and suggestions for how to address these concerns. To order a bound copy of this guide call 1-800-STROKES.
Download the full, FREE guide or individual sections via this link:
http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=HOPE

American Stroke Association
Created in 1997, the American Stroke Association is dedicated to prevention, diagnosis and treatment to save lives from stroke — America’s No. 4 killer and a leading cause of serious disability. The organization funds scientific research, helps people better understand and avoid stroke, encourages government support, guides healthcare professionals and provides information to enhance the quality of life for stroke survivors. To learn more, call 1-888-4-STROKE or visit the following website:
http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/

Helpful Tips for Stroke Prevention
Studies show that almost 80 percent of strokes can be prevented by working with a healthcare professional to reduce your personal risk. This means that it is absolutely vital that you manage your personal risk and know how to recognize and respond to stroke signs and symptoms. This link contains a list of helpful tips to help prevent stroke.
http://www.healingsinmotion.org/stroke-prevention/

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
The mission of NINDS is to reduce the burden of neurological disease - a burden borne by every age group, by every segment of society, by people all over the world.
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/

Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759)
Inexpensive and customizable reading tools to help challenged readers with stroke recovery (especially for aphasia or alexia), ADHD, dyslexia, low vision and other issues that affect reading success. For stroke recovery, darker "face" colors are recommended (black, brown or blue). Colored filter choice may vary, but the 3 different colored filters (recommended by developmental optometrists) are included in every package.
www.FocusandRead.com

Apps to Shorten the Road to Stroke Recovery
This article contains lists of both iPad and Android apps particularly helpful for stroke recovery patients.
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2013/03/apps-to-shorten-road-to-stroke-recovery.html

Reading Focus Cards App (Patent 8,360,779) (for Macs & Windows PCs---Price: $5.99)
From Brennan Innovators, LLC
This DESKTOP app is the digital version of the physical Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759), solutions for struggling readers. This app for Windows PCs and Macs provides practical READING SUPPORT for children and adults with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, stroke recovery (aphasia) and other conditions that can affect reading success. It promotes more FOCUSED online reading of almost ALL digital media (webpages, PDF files, Word docs, Excel spreadsheets & more.) In addition, the Reading Focus Card app is compatible with and supports touch-screen technology. The application can be moved on the screen over text by the fingers, mouse or arrow keys as needed.

1. For Windows PCs:
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.)

2. Another option to access this Windows PC version:
Visit Gumroad at https://gumroad.com/l/ReadingFocusCards

3. For Macs:
Visit the Mac App Store and search for "Read and Focus" or go directly to
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/read-and-focus/id920617853?mt=12

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: http://mothe.us/stroke-2/

For Struggling Readers, “Color” Can Make a Difference!

We are concluding our spring conference season and have talked with so many parents and teachers of struggling readers throughout the Midwest. A number of these adults described the various reading challenges of their children and students.

Some mentioned that their children have reported to them that words or letters on a page seem to “wave out” or have “shadows” behind them. Others told us that the children often do not want to read for more than a few minutes, saying that their eyes “get tired” quickly. Still others said that many times, their children or teens were too overwhelmed by all the text on a page. Each of the parents and teachers asked for strategies, tools and resources to help.

For some of the issues mentioned, the introduction of “color” could make a significant difference in one's reading success. The white background on most pages of text can cause some of the issues described above here. This white color is stark or just too bright for many challenged readers. Neutralizing this white color can allow a reader to not only focus but read much more effectively and comfortably.

A particular color for an individual reader can “unblock brain pathways” and further improve the focus, comprehension, and retention of what is read. Some experimentation with several different colors could be time well spent.

Because parent and teacher time is at such a premium, we thought it best to address these needs in a bulleted format. We have listed here some non-invasive ideas that involve the use of color to help readers of any age who are challenged with reading. The following ideas are conservative interventions one might consider before moving to more expensive options:

1. Use colored paper for all printed materials including worksheets, outlines, notes, etc. Experiment with pastels as well as bright shades. One particular color may produce significant results for an individual.

2. Consider the use of colored overlays or focus cards for increased focus and to help with “visual stress” as the white background of a page of text can be visually “offensive” to some readers/learners.

3. When possible, fold worksheets or printed pages into fourths or even eighths so that only what needs to be read or worked on at the moment is visible.

4. Try using focus cards with iPads and other e-tablets (Model #002-Longer). They are also good for use with Kindles, Nooks, and other e-readers (Model #001-Shorter). NOTE: It is recommended that a non-scratch film be used to protect tech devices’ screens with this application.

5. Seriously consider a visit to a developmental optometrist for a non-invasive and conclusive evaluation of a struggling reader (of any age). This medical professional can effectively test, evaluate, diagnose and prescribe particular treatments or therapies for vision-related reading and learning challenges.

We hope this list will give you a few good places to start. As always, please feel free to let us know of your experiences or success stories with “color” for struggling readers. We’ll appreciate it!

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.free-clipart-pictures.net/rainbow_clipart.html

Resources for Low Vision, Stroke Recovery, and TBIs

We wanted to follow up on here on last week’s article about help for low vision, stroke recovery and traumatic brain injury. It only makes sense to provide additional resources from the internet and organizations that can provide additional support to persons with these challenges AND their caregivers as well.

Please find the following resources, many of which are FREE. We hope they will help you, your child, or someone for whom you care:

Low Vision Resources

1. A variety of products, resources, and organizations are available to help people who have low vision. www.glaucoma.org/treatment/low-vision-resources.php

2. Information on rehabilitation, low vision aids, coping strategies, and other resources are provided here. http://www.lowvision.org/

3. A rich collection of resources on the World Wide Web is available to those who wish to know more about visual impairments and about resources and accommodations for students with visual impairments. (from the University of Washington) http://www.washington.edu/doit/Faculty/Strategies/Disability/Vision/low_vision_resources.html

Stroke Recovery Resources

1. The American Stroke Association offers support and information for stroke patients, caregivers and their families. http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/

2. Stroke-recovery resources such as a FREE online caregiver handbook, speech and language therapy information and software, and other information are accessible here. http://www.bungalowsoftware.com/rehab/#Stroke_

3. FREE booklet, entitled "Recovering After a Stroke," is designed to help stroke survivors and their families get the most out of post-stroke (all from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/stroke_rehabilitation.htm

TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) Resources

1. Useful resources on the web, including discussion groups, email lists, and numerous web pages. Resources are organized by category (TBI, therapist info, rehab institutes, etc.) http://www.bungalowsoftware.com/rehab/#TBI

2. Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Resources: TBI Resource Guide available by subscribing to our free monthly electronic newsletter and other resources. http://www.neuroskills.com/

3. Brain Injury REHAB & RECOVERY Related Links and Resources http://www.discoverhiddensecrets.com/TBIresources.html

For more information, please visit:

www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For info, resources, and support
314-892-3897 For phone support and consultation

Clip art courtesy of: http://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/brain_clipart.html

Reading Help for Low Vision, Stroke Recovery, and TBI Challenges

It is customary for us at Brennan Innovators to receive numerous inquiries and consultation requests each week from parents and teachers of children with various kinds of learning differences (i.e. AD/HD, dyslexia, autism, etc.) However, during the past few weeks, we have been receiving more requests from struggling readers with other physical conditions or recently-acquired challenges .

Adults with low vision issues have been asking about our Reading Focus Cards (U.S. Patent 7,565,759) for tracking and fluency help with macular degeneration and other vision issues. In addition, persons recovering from stroke or traumatic brain injury and their care givers have been calling to ask about our tools for their reading challenges, as well. It has been very gratifying to offer them a very inexpensive aid to increase their potential to read with more success.

With some of these physical conditions described above, it is often difficult for an affected reader to see where the next line of text is actually located in order to begin to read it. Also, the white background on a page of text can work against an already-struggling reader, causing visual stress and making it even more difficult to read. However, when a colored filter such as a highlighting yellow lens or overlay is added to change the page background, the text appears more pronounced or emphasized. This aids a compromised reader to focus and track more effectively, which can lessen frustration and anxiety, and may very well provide the needed focus, concentration, and better comprehension so as to ultimately experience the ability to read once again.

The Reading Focus Cards can provide these features and more for a challenged reader of any age with reading issues such as stroke, brain injury, or challenges relating to low vision. Of course, the focusing tool is not meant in any way to take the place of appropriate medical attention, but it can assist in the rehabilitation period when evaluation and diagnosis have been completed, and recovery has begun.

For more information and to view a video about this reading solution called the Reading Focus Cards, please visit:

www.FocusandRead.com For focusing tools that work!
www.BrennanInnovators.com For info, resources, and support
314-892-3897 For phone support and consultation