BEST Websites for Dyslexia & Dysgraphia

The 2nd in a series of 5 articles with specific special needs resources
Updated November 2016

In last week’s article, we mentioned that this month was ADHD Awareness Month, and we provided our readers with some helpful ADHD website resources to commemorate the next 31 days---BEST Websites for AD/HD. That same article was the first in a series of five this month of October, also designated as Learning Disabilities Awareness Month. To continue our series AND address the needs of other learning disabilities, this week’s article will address some helpful resources for two other learning challenges---dyslexia and dysgraphia.

What Is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a lifelong challenge. This language-based processing disorder can hinder reading, writing, spelling and sometimes even speaking. Dyslexia is not a sign of poor intelligence or laziness or the result of impaired hearing or vision. Children and adults with dyslexia have a neurological disorder that causes their brains to process and interpret information differently.
(Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities---NCLD: Please see website link to follow below here.)

Studies show that individuals with dyslexia process information in a different area of the brain than do non-dyslexics. Many people who are dyslexic are of average to above-average intelligence.
(Source: The International Dyslexia Association---IDA: Please see website link to follow below here.)

What Is Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects writing, which in itself requires a complex set of motor and information processing skills. Dysgraphia makes the act of writing difficult. It can lead to problems with spelling, poor handwriting and putting thoughts on paper. People with dysgraphia can have trouble organizing letters, numbers and words on a line or page. This can result partly from:

• Visual-spatial difficulties: trouble processing what the eye sees
• Language processing difficulty: trouble processing and making sense of what the ear hears
(Source: National Center for Learning Disabilities---NCLD: Please see website link to follow below here.)

We hope that the website resources listed below for dyslexia and dysgraphia will be helpful to you or to someone you know.

BEST Websites & Resources for Dyslexia

The International Dyslexia Association
https://dyslexiaida.org

The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
http://www.dyslexia.yale.edu/

DyslexiaHelp at the University of Michigan
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/

Articles and Resources for Dyslexia from Understood.org
https://www.understood.org/en/about/search-results?q=dyslexia

800+ Dyslexia Resources & Support---ALL in 1 Place! from Brennan Innovators, LLC
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/dyslexia-resources-support/

BEST Websites & Resources for Dysgraphia

The International Dyslexia Association
https://dyslexiaida.org/understanding-dysgraphia/

Dysgraphia from National Center for Learning Disabilities
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dysgraphia/what-is-dysgraphia

Dysgraphia from LD Online
http://www.ldonline.org/article/5890/

Dysgraphia from Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)
http://www.ldanatl.org/aboutld/parents/ld_basics/dysgraphia.asp

Articles and Resources for Dysgraphia from Understood.org
https://www.understood.org/en/about/search-results?q=dysgraphia

Handwriting Problem Solutions from Handwriting Problem Solutions, LLC
http://www.handwriting-solutions.com/dysgraphia.asp

200+ Dysgraphia Resources---ALL in 1 Place---Brennan Innovators, LLC
https://www.pinterest.com/brennajn2000/dysgraphia-resources/?etslf=9438&eq=dysgraphia

For information on customizable tools for dyslexia & 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

BEST Audio Books for ALL Kinds of Readers

If you are a teacher or parent, you may already know the value of audio books and stories that are able to be downloaded from the Internet. If you are the teacher or parent of one or more auditory learners, you probably consider audio books to be one of the most important resources you can provide for struggling readers. However, teachers and parents of children with special needs will very often look at audio books as priceless.

Student learning styles that benefit most from listening must be addressed in the classroom and at home. Doing so will help these students reach more of their academic goals in ALL content areas.

As promised in our last blog article, we wanted to provide our readers with a list of current online audio book and story resources for auditory learners as well as others who struggle with traditional reading or informational media. This would include children, teens and adults challenged with various types of dyslexia, ADHD, autism, low vision, stroke recovery, TBI issues or other conditions that can impact reading success. As always, we hope you will find these resources helpful for the individuals you serve or care for each day.

BEST Audio Books & Stories for Children

Random House Audio Listening Library (for Young Children---Pre-K - 2nd Grade)
Various platforms (some FREE)
FREE and individually-priced audio selections for very young listeners
http://www.randomhouse.com/audio/listeninglibrary/catalog/results.php?grade_range_in=0-2&sort=best_13wk_3month

Random House Audio Listening Library (for Middle School---Grades 3 – 6)
Various platforms (some FREE)
FREE and individually-priced audio selections for middle school listeners
http://www.randomhouse.com/audio/listeninglibrary/catalog/results.php?grade_range_in=3-6&sort=best_13wk_3month.

Audiobooks - Kids (FREE)-by Audiobook Pop! LLC
Platforms: for iPhone and iPad
The Story of the Three Little Pigs, The Velveteen Rabbit, Anderson's Fairy Tales, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and The Adventures of Reddy Fox
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/audiobooks-kids-free/id537856546?mt=8

FREE Audio Stories for Kids (great for shorter attention spans or younger children)
Here is a list of audio stories created especially for children. Listen by clicking on the story title to visit the story’s page where you can read along by downloading the audio file provided.
http://lightupyourbrain.com/stories/

Books Should Be Free-for Children
Platforms: iPhone, Android, Kindle & mp3 players
Many FREE public domain audio books & e-books for children
http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/genre/Children

BEST Audio Books for Teens

Random House Audio Listening Library (for Young Adult---7th Grade & up)
Various platforms (some FREE)
FREE and individually-priced audio selections for teen listeners
http://www.randomhouse.com/audio/listeninglibrary/catalog/results.php?grade_range_in=7-up&sort=best_13wk_3month

Books Should Be Free-for Teens & Young Adults
Platforms: iPhone, Android, Kindle & mp3 players
Many FREE public domain audio books & e-books for teens and young adults
http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/genre/Teen_Young_adult

Books Should Be Free-Short Stories (great for shorter attention spans)
Platforms: iPhone, Android, Kindle & mp3 players
FREE public domain audio books & e-books for teens & young adults
http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/genre/Short_stories

BEST Audio Books for Adults

Books Should Be Free-Non-fiction Selections
Platforms: iPhone, Android, Kindle & mp3 players
FREE public domain audio books & e-books for adults (some for teens & young adults)
http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/genre/Non-fiction

Books Should Be Free-Top 100 Audio Book Selections
Platforms: iPhone, Android, Kindle & mp3 players
FREE public domain audio books & e-books for adults (some for teens & young adults)
http://www.booksshouldbefree.com/Top_100

Audiobooks.com
40,000 mystery, romance, bestsellers and other selections via membership
FREE 7-day trial available
http://www.audiobooks.com/

BEST Audio Books for Everyone

Podiobooks (FREE)
Podiobooks has over 70,000 free audio books over every subject you can think of and includes audio books for adults and kids. Download the free audio books directly from the website or receive them like podcasts from an RSS feed. There is no need to register to get a free audio book from Podiobooks but if you do, and registration is free, you'll get a custom podcast feed that will make enjoying your book a whole lot easier.
http://freebies.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=freebies&cdn=hobbies&tm=96&f=00&su=p284.13.342.ip_&tt=3&bt=4&bts=22&zu=http%3A//www.podiobooks.com/

LibriVox (FREE)
For computers, iPods or other mobile devices, or to burn onto a CD
LibriVox has a huge selection of free audio books that are recordings of volunteers who have read chapters from books that are in the public domain. You can find a free audio book by searching by title, author, or status. You can also browse all the titles in the catalog or view only the most recent audio books. The free audio books can be downloaded directly from LibriVox or you can subscribe to them as podcasts.
http://librivox.org/

Project Gutenberg (FREE)
Project Gutenberg makes audio e-books available for some of the same great literature available in plain text. Listings are divided into two categories: Human-read and computer-generated audio books. These files can be very large, so are not well-suited for people using a modem or other low-speed connection.
http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Gutenberg:The_Audio_Books_Project

AudioBooksForFree.com (FREE)
All types of literary genres including non-fiction are available here.
http://www.audiobooksforfree.com/home

Audible.com
Audible has a 30-day free trial going which means that you can download any audio book of your choice for free during that time. Audible has a great selection of audio books and you'll be able to find just about any audio book you are looking for, including best sellers and new releases.
http://www.audible.com/t1/30trial_at?source_code=COMGB900TWS022912&AID=1644783&PID=6448496

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: William Milner Photography: http://www.milner-photo.com/images/people/headphone_kid.jpg

ADHD? LD? Kickstart Needed Skills for the New School Year!

Sure enough! As soon as the July 4th weekend was history, the “back-to-school bosses” got busy. In a visit this week to several of our local stores, we witnessed quite a few sales associates stocking shelves with the latest school supplies, backpacks and even some “goodies” for Halloween! Aren’t they rushing things? Phew!

We certainly know that many families (and even teachers!) are still enjoying the summer break and will continue to do so for the next couple of weeks. However, we also know of a few families (and teachers!) who have incorporated some learning opportunities into their summer vacation time. One family told us that a trip to Washington, D.C., is planned so that the kids can see for the first time the Washington Monument, the Senate and House, and other landmarks so important to American History and Government. An experienced teacher mentioned to us that she and her husband had just returned from Charleston, SC, and had gathered Civil War information, materials and literature for her middle school students when the new academic year begins in mid-August. So, you see, the summertime can present an excellent opportunity to gather the right materials and resources to “kickstart” the skills needed for the new school year. At the same time, you and your family can still enjoy the great days of summer.

Consider ways to help your child or student hone and further develop these important skills, especially if reading and learning challenges are involved (ADHD, LD or other learning issue). To help you in this effort, we have collected some special resources here and have divided those resources into specific categories to make it easier for you to locate and access what is needed. We hope the children and teens you care about will benefit from these special resources and be ready to start the new school year better prepared for ALL subjects!

Kickstart Reading Skills for Challenged Readers

17 Ways to Teach Vocabulary Skills to Students with Special Needs
by Thomas Armstrong
http://institute4learning.com/blog/2013/02/12/17-ways-to-teach-vocabulary-skills-to-neurodiverse-students/

Reading Together: Tips for Parents of Children with ADHD
by Reach Out and Read
If your child has ADHD, paying attention for long periods of time can be a challenge. So, meet the challenge head-on — make reading time fun time for you and your child.
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/41119/

Kickstart Math Skills for Challenged Learners

10 Helpful Dyscalculia Resources
by National Center for Learning Disabilities' Editorial Staff (NCLD)
Dyscalculia refers to a wide range of lifelong learning disabilities (LD) involving math. There is no single type of math disability. The resources in this link can help those struggling with significant math challenges.
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/helpful-math-resources

More resources (on same site): http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia

Math.com---Website that presents FREE resources for practicing mathematics from basic math to calculus. Takes a student of any ability at his present level and allows him to “level up” as math skills are developed. (A student-driven resource)
http://math.com/

Kickstart Organizational & Study Skills for Challenged Learners

A Toolkit for School Success: 15 Study Tips for Students with ADHD
by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2011/a-toolkit-for-school-success-15-study-tips-for-students-with-adhd/all/1/

Apps for Students with LD: Organization and Study
by Darla Hatton and Kaila Hatton (NCLD)
http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education/apps-students-ld-organization-study

Other Related Resources for Challenged Learners

Back-to-School: Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
by Kandace Wernsing (LD Online)
http://www.ldonline.org/article/38406/

8 Skills That Can Help Your Special Needs Child in School
http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/01/22/8-skills-that-can-help-your-special-needs-child-in-school/

Teaching kids with special needs interdependence skills through play
by Ellen Metrick
Helping with meals is just one way to help build skills
http://www.chicagoparent.com/magazines/special-parent/winter-2013/in-our-shoes/day-of-play

Back-to-School Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
by Reading Rockets
Our Top 8 back-to-school tips for parents emphasize communication, organization, and staying up-to-date on special education news.
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/38405/

Handouts and Resources for LD/ADD (for Secondary and College Levels)
Many FREE printables and links to a wide variety of resources related to academics and student life, including resources on LD/ADD in college. In addition, there are numerous publications on LD/ADD and the college student which you may find helpful.
http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k73301&pageid=icb.page416014

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 at www.brennaninnovators.com

A Basket of Special Needs Apps-2013

It has been some months since we provided a good list of apps for children and adults with special needs. In April 2012, we posted an article entitled A Basket of Special Needs Apps, which is still accessible at http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/03/basket-of-special-needs-apps.html. Since that time, the article has been accessed more than 2,000 times by our readers. We thought that now would be an appropriate time to provide an updated list of apps, especially as the technology continues to rapidly improve.

So for this week, we have gathered lists of apps and related resources to bring you up-to-date in the world of special needs applications. We hope that those presented here will improve the quality of your life or someone you care about in a significant way. As always, if you know of other recent, technological applications not listed here that may be helpful to others, do please let us know in the comments boxes below here. We will certainly appreciate your input!

Lists of Special Needs Apps & Resources for 2013

Great Apps for Students with Learning Disabilities---Blog article from Prufrock Press that includes website resources for apps to help with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and other learning challenges
http://blog.prufrock.com/blog/2013/2/1/the-best-apps-for-students-with-learning-disabilities

13 of the Best Special Needs Apps of 2012---Blog article from TeachThought published January 1, 2013
http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/1-of-the-best-special-needs-apps-of-2012/

Guide to Special Needs Apps---Presented by the Kaufman Children’s Center---Provides a number of helpful resources for accessing special needs apps
http://www.kidspeech.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=778&Itemid=638

List of Free iPad Apps for Children with Special Needs: Part 1---From eLearning Industry
List that INCLUDES 40 FREE iPad Apps for Kids with Special Needs:
1. General Special Needs---14 Apps
2. Autism---12 Apps
3. Basic Skills---14 Apps
http://elearningindustry.com/free-special-needs-ipad-apps-part-1

List of Free iPad Apps for Children with Special Needs: Part 2---From eLearning Industry
List that INCLUDES 18 Additional FREE iPad Apps for Kids with Special Needs:
1. Behavior---8 Free iPad Apps
2. Books (regular, audio, and interactive)---2 Apps
3. Choice Board and Schedulers---1 App
4. Early Language Development---2 Apps
5. Taking Turns---2 Apps
6. For the Teacher---4 Apps
http://elearningindustry.com/subjects/general/item/347-list-of-free-ipad-apps-for-children-with-special-needs-part-2

Phonics Genius---by Innovative Mobile Apps---Individual iPad app that helps teach phonemic awareness (FREE)
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/phonics-genius/id461659980?mt=8

Sound Literacy---by 3D Literacy---Price: $24.99 (A portion of all proceeds benefit the International Dyslexia Association.)---The first iPad app that brings your letter tiles in to the 21st Century. Now being used in 19 countries across the globe. Named one of the 12 Best Apps for Special Needs of 2012 by Teachers with Apps.
NOTE: The tiles of Sound Literacy do not create audible sounds, but do represent the spellings of the English phonemes.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/soundliteracy/id409347075?mt=8

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

Journey to Hannibal with FREE Mark Twain Resources

Includes Digital Text Resources for ALL Readers in Various Platforms

This past weekend offered a rare opportunity to take a few days to refresh and recreate. It was an extension of the Valentine’s Day we had not had a chance to celebrate as a result of my husband’s and my work schedule on the 14th. We took a trip north but didn’t wander very far. Some weeks ago, we had decided to plan a trip to Hannibal, Missouri, the hometown of the great American writer, Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain.

We visited the Historic District of the town with the boyhood home of the writer, the Mark Twain Museum, Riverview Park with its beautiful overlooks of the Mississippi River, the Becky Thatcher House (currently undergoing renovation) and even the famous, white picket fence where Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn enjoyed a conversation about work vs. enjoyment.

The gift shop and bookstore adjoining the Mark Twain Museum provided great selections of the writer. In particular, there were copies of the Autobiography of Mark Twain, a book finally published in 2010, the 100th anniversary of Mark Twain’s death. My husband purchased a copy, as the book’s back cover promised that “Every word beguiles.” (from the Wall street Journal)

This short weekend excursion helped us revisit the days of Mr. Clemens in a very special way. Our visit to the quaint and historic town of Hannibal is one that we will not soon forget. On the way home, I thought of all the great writings given to us by this famous American writer from Hannibal. I also thought my readers might like to enjoy some of his writings, too. So, I have gathered here a short list of reading resources that will provide many of the works of Mark Twain for ALL readers (whether average or challenged). Hope you will enjoy them as much as we enjoyed our journey to Mark Twain country.

Works of Mark Twain for ALL Readers in Various Platforms

Complete Works of Mark Twain (Illustrated) [Kindle Edition]---Mark Twain (Author)–Price: $2.99
Features:
* ALL 12 novels, annotated with concise introductions & individual contents tables
* Includes Twain’s rare, unfinished novel “The Mysterious Stranger”
* ALL of his short stories, with quality formatting
* Short stories have their own chronological & alphabetical contents tables
* Twain's 20 short story contributions to "The Library of Humor" with its contents table
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Works-Twain-Illustrated-ebook/dp/B0051XSGYS

FREE e-Books by Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)---Read on your PDA, cell phone, or your e-Book reader.
FREE downloads of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Prince and the Pauper and MORE!
http://manybooks.net/authors/twainmar.html

FREE Audio Books of Works by Mark Twain---FREE audio downloads of the novels and short stories of Twain
http://freeclassicaudiobooks.com/audiobooks/authors/T/Twain,%20Mark/

FREE Audio Books ---The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain (in mp3 audio)
http://freeclassicaudiobooks.com/audiobooks/Sawyer/mp3/

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (FREE Audio Book with Visuals for Children ---in English)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH3Q8JYz-20

Part 1 - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain (Chapters 1-10) (FREE Audiobook with Read-Along)
Large, boldfaced text presented on grey-colored page backgrounds can be helpful for some challenged readers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5ydVzIFGyA

Part 2 - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain (Chapters 11-24) (FREE Audiobook with Read-Along)
Large, boldfaced text presented on grey-colored page backgrounds can be helpful for some challenged readers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS9QFJdA1nw

FREE The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain--- For iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-adventures-of-tom-sawyer/id481966693?mt=11

Complete Works of Mark Twain (with Commentary, Mark Twain Biography, and Plot Summaries)
by Mark Twain---For iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch---Price: $2.99
Included in this collection:
The Novels of Mark Twain
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Tom Sawyer Abroad
Tom Sawyer, Detective
The American Claimant
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/complete-works-mark-twain/id425270087?mt=11

Autobiography of Mark Twain-Volume 1---by Mark Twain (Reader's Edition-Softcover Text)
Published 2010 by University of California Press
The first of a projected, three-volume edition of the complete, uncensored autobiography of Mark Twain

Other Area and Historical Resources

General Information about Hannibal, Missouri---Provided by the Hannibal Convention & Visitors Bureau
http://www.visithannibal.com/index.php/en/about-hannibal

Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
http://www.marktwainmuseum.org/

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

Images courtesy of: https://twimg0-a.akamaihd.net/profile_images/16602102/Mark_Twain.jpg and http://www.riversedgeiowa.com/Attractions.php?attraction_title=Mark+Twain+Boyhood+Home+and+Museum

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

Just How Much Does Vision Impact Reading & Learning?

Subtitle: Is it REALLY ADHD?

This past weekend, we attended an outstanding educational conference in Springfield, MO. The organization, Learning Insights, sponsored and hosted the event called Vision’s Impact on Learning. Learning Insights is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit organization that was established to help students develop vision skills with its unique program called the Vision Intervention Program (VIP). Many children have vision issues such as tracking difficulty, inability to efficiently move from target to target, eyes not "working as a team", poor visual perspective skills etc. Learning Insights trains school personnel to identify these children and then tutor them at school to reduce or eliminate these problems.

Attending the conference were many educators, school administrators, developmental optometrists, occupational therapists, VIP trainers, testers, tutors and others interested and wanting to learn more about the unique relationship between a child’s vision and the ability to read and learn successfully.

During the conference, Learning Insights, associates of their VIP program and other eye-care professionals provided attendees with much important information. The following statistics about vision’s impact on learning are only a small sample of some of the important information imparted at the event :

“Forty-one percent (41%) of K-3 students CANNOT:
---Tell the difference between the letters “M” and “N.”
---Change their focus from desk to chalkboard.
---Track the sentences in their textbooks.”

“Undiagnosed and untreated vision-related problems significantly contribute to reading difficulties and special education classifications. Early vision interventions could help 70% of these students avoid a disability diagnosis.”

Comprehensive vision testing is critical to evaluating children (and adults) for vision-related reading and learning challenges. A developmental optometrist can provide this type of testing. A VIP vision screener can also assist with this. A “regular” vision test is not a complete evaluation if one wishes to fully test, diagnose and provide the most appropriate therapies or other services for vision-related reading/learning issues.

Many young, struggling students with 20/20 vision test results are mistakenly thought to have no reading/learning difficulties caused by vision issues. Unfortunately, many of these children are later inappropriately given prescription medications to help with focus, attention, tracking, or other issues and behaviors. Sadly, these children often may take the prescribed “focusing” medications for years, with none of us knowing yet what the residual effects will be for such regimens.

So in summary, it is all about a comprehensive eye exam for children struggling in school with reading and learning. It is the first good step in meeting the needs of challenged learners---before the consideration of medications or anything else. We would like to thank Mr. Michael N. Flynn, the Executive Director of Learning Insights and the VIP program for all the work he and his associates continue to do to help educators, parents and others receive this critical information about vision’s impact on learning. Our children are certainly depending on it.

We would also like to provide our readers here with some excellent resources to learn more about vision and its relationship to reading and learning. Please see our list to follow so that you might more appropriately help a struggling reader or learner you know:

1. The College of Optometrists in Vision Development---A professional organization which grants board certification in vision therapy to optometrists.
http://www.covd.org/

2. Is it really ADD/ADHD? Or does your child have an undetected vision problem?
http://www.add-adhd.org/

3. Easy-to-understand information on crossed-eyes, lazy eye, strabismus, developmental delays, vision therapy, eye muscle surgery, dyslexia, vision impairments, and much more.
http://www.children-special-needs.org/

4. This FREE directory provides immediate referrals to board certified providers of vision therapy. Find an eye doctor in your state or another.
http://www.optometrists.org/findeyedoctordirectory/

5. This article is written by an eye doctor and explains how and why convergence insufficiency causes problems with reading and learning (with illustrations).
http://www.children-special-needs.org/vision_therapy/esophoria_reading.html

6. Website for the not-for-profit Learning Insights organization and the VIP program. (SPECIAL NOTE: PowerPoint presentations from the recent late September 2012 conference, Vision’s Impact on Learning, are scheduled to be posted on the website sometime in October 2012).
http://www.goodvision4all.org/

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

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