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The purpose of this page is to give educators, students, and parents helpful direction, research, and resources to assist in literacy acquisition for students with dyslexia. It is important to understand what dyslexia is and how technology tools are available to assist in compensating for the difficulties presented to students learning to read. Each of the following sections will present information on issues students with dyslexia deal with and even simulate the difficulty that text on a page creates in the brain. There are sections to help you find techniques, interventions or particular resources:
According to The National Institute of Mental Health researcher, Guinevere Eden, Ph.D, children with dyslexia sometimes say, "It looks like the words or letters are jumping on the page." as quoted in the article, Dyslexia Leaves Its Marks (http://science-education.nih.gov/snapshots.nsf/story?openform&rtn~Dyslexia ) Eden's (1998) research study estimates that 1 in 5 children have dyslexia.
| Does the student: | |
| Take too long to read a page? | |
| Skip, repeat, or omit words when reading aloud? | |
| Re-read sentences over and over to clarify meaning? | |
| Have difficulty sounding out words? | |
| Consistently misspell words? | |
| Forget the information they have just read? | |
| Have difficulty following instructions? | |
| Have difficulty writing, spelling, or taking notes? | |
| Reverse letters and/or words such as "g" and "q" or "b" and "d" or "was and saw"? | |
| Have difficulty with fill-in-the-blank answers? | |
| Have difficulty keeping on the correct row during a "bubble in" test? | |
| Spend hours doing schoolwork? | |
| Reverse numbers or write letters instead of numbers or vise versa? | |
| Exhibit poor penmanship? | |
| Become easily frustrated during tasks that require reading or writing? | |
First read this short article: ( http://cms.psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php?term=pto-19961201-000014.xml&print=1 )
Click here: http://www.patmedia.net/marklevinson/cool/cool_illusion.html and read the instructions carefully. Test your ability to visualize the moving dots. Does your brain become selective? Does it lose information? What most people do not realize is that dyslexia is a sensory deficit, not a language disorder, according to John Stein of Oxford University (1999). See #3.
Research studies conducted by Dr. Tallal discovered that dyslexia causes up to a 70ms delay in the brain which occurs between what is said or seen and what is understood. This "lag time" seems to be the major culprit. Try this Brain Teaser http://www.brainconnection.com/teasers/?main=illusion/back-speech More Brain Teasers at: http://www.brainconnection.com/teasers/?main=illusion-type
Next read http://www.exn.ca/Stories/1999/04/21/53.asp to understand the problems facing students with dyslexia.
Technology Tools assist students by "leveling
the playing field". Students with dyslexia are better able to
compensate using technology tools while learning to
spell, read, write, and communicate according to H. Lee
Swanson, Ph.D.
University of California - Riverside. Students with dyslexia may
never "out grow" dyslexia, but they are often able to adjust by
utilizing electronic tools such as:
continuous speech/recognition software (on every Windows-based PC) and screen readers,
book (page) scanners that read the text in a human voice, MP3 Players with recorded audio e-books,
word processors for easy editing, Alpha Smarts, Neos, Laptops
online reading comprehension games, multimedia lessons targeting compensatory skills necessary for students with dyslexia, and other assistive technologies.
Studies such as those accomplished by Dr. Tallal, show that children with dyslexia are often able to move literacy functions to other parts of the brain in order to adjust for key literacy skills. Examples of these compensatory skills are:
(1) when a student repeats orally things that have been read. This practice transfers the linguistic function from the visual sensory part of the brain to a different part of the brain.
(2) typing things that have been read or "air writing"-using the large muscles of the arms to trace letters in the air. These skills allow the student to transfer visual sensory information to kinesthetic information. By simply making these transfers, students with dyslexia are better able to gain meaning from linguistic structures. There are four key concepts that allow students to make these invaluable transfers in the brain.
4 Key Concepts to Assist Reading Difficulties:
MULTI-SENSORY TEACHING METHODS --The use of programs such as MTS/MTA and Herman Reading Programs are recommended.
CONFIDENCE BUILDING -- Avoid forcing these students to read aloud, give them plenty of time, shortened assignments, and access to technology tools.
Students Improve Reading Skills By Tutoring Younger Kids An example of a successful practice.
TEACHING PHONEMIC AWARENESS - The most successful treatment recorded to date is the explicit teaching of phonetics: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/05/000525072407.htm
USE OF TECHNOLOGY TOOLS:
http://www.dyslexia.com/library/classroom.htm Helping A Dyslexic Child in the Classroom includes Technology Tools
http://www.projectinkwell.com/docs/eschoolnews-8-18-2005.pdf Online Testing gives evidence of dramatically improving State Testing Scores. Although this is a case from Oregon, this same experience has been true in Texas schools.
http://www.ncld.org/research/ncld_writing.cfm NCLB research studies testify that teaching Reading/Writing (Balanced Literacy) improves reading skills
http://www.ku-crl.org/sim/index.html Strategic Instructional Model -Classroom Interventions
http://www.dys-add.com/teach.html How to teach students with dyslexia
http://www.brighteye.com/resourcelinks.htm New technology tools for dyslexia
http://www.dyslexic.com/news/may2005.html Dyslexia & Technology News Letter with articles, software, and resources (some linked to commercial sites)
http://www.interdys.org/servlet/compose?section_id=3&page_id=29 Definitions of assistive technologies appropriate for students with dyslexia
http://www.aclearn.net/content_files/acl/pages/technical/disability/dyslexia/dyslexia-and-ilt-doc.doc Discusses the uses of interventions including technology for assisting students learning disabilities (dyslexia included).
The following intervention research studies confirm that the use of technology tools assist students with reading and learning difficulties.
http://www.ncld.org/research/osep_swanson.cfm Intervention Research Studies show how students can learn "compensatory" skills through the use of technology tools.
Dr. Tallal suggests computer games for exercising the brain and to reduce the lag time in sensory perception: http://www.newhorizons.org/neuro/tallal.htm . Her research can be found at: http://www.pnas.org/cgi/reprint/97/6/2402
http://members.shaw.ca/priscillatheroux/brain.html Enhance Learning Through Technology
http://www.brainconnection.com/teasers/ Brain-teasers for Learning: Online shockwave games for teaching early literacy skills.
http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/ Children's Literature Web Guide with reading and research guilds to help readers draw meaning from reading
http://www.readwritethink.org/ Read, Write, Think
http://www-cgi.cnn.com/HEALTH/9601/dyslexia_tech/index.html Computer Games help students with Reading Difficulties (Dr. Paula Tallal of Rutgers University)
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/edtalk/newtimes.htm New Times Demand New Ways of Learning: How to use technology to enhance real learning
http://www.tlt.ab.ca/ICT/la_home.html Language Arts Enhanced by Technology
Dyslexic.com is a British based website that has a lot of useful information, but also tries to sell you non-related items like a mini DV recorder, and CD cases. Not sure why, but maybe it's how they keep their organization in the black.
http://www.dyslexic.com/home.php?PHPSESSID=a5b0a490aa5f973b8ec39ddf94269f8b
http://www.inclusive.co.uk/support/dasg.shtml Inclusive Technology is a company that carries a lot of software and hardware products directed towards improving the learning of people with dyslexia. It's another U.K. based group.(is there a higher incidence of dyslexia in the U.K., or are they just more concerned about it?) Their front page has a very basic FAQ, but it does have links to other dyslexia groups that focus more on being informative, rather than product driven.
Wired.com (the website for WIRED! magazine) has an article about a Dutch typography designer who has developed a font to help dyslexics read and comprehend at a higher rate. Go to:
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,60834,00.html to begin the article (and see the other strange articles available from WIRED!) or you can go straight to the main article at: http://www.readregular.com/ Once you get to this site, click on "english" and then click on the various links. Great section on background and rationale for the fonts development.
http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/brain.shtml 10 Years of Brain Imaging Research Shows The Brain Reads Sound By Sound
http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/current_research_on_dyslexia.shtml Child Development Institute: Research using modern technologies reveal new insights into dyslexia
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/?id=LEFTY.UCL Brains of Lefties & Dyslexics Organized Differently:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/12/001218073628.htm Immune Proteins Play Role In Brain Development And Remodeling; Discovery Suggests New Theory For Dyslexia, Parkinson's Disease And Multiple Sclerosis: Two new immune proteins linked to brain dysfunctions.
http://www.brainconnection.com/topics/?main=fa/virginia-mann What Separates Problem Readers from Proficient Ones? Virginia Mann Focuses on Three Elements
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/dyslexia_doc.htm The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts and supports research on brain and nervous system disorders. Created by the U.S. Congress in 1950, NINDS is one of the more than two dozen research institutes and centers that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH, located in Bethesda, Maryland, is an agency of the Public Health Service within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NINDS has occupied a central position in the world of neuroscience for 50 years.
http://www.dyslexic.com/ Helping dyslexic people make the most of their abilities. This site offers information and resources for people with dyslexia.
http://www.levinsonmedical.com/home.html Treatments that have been shown to help improve reading and comprehension in dyslexic students.
http://web.sfn.org/content/Publications/BrainBriefings/dyslexia.html Easy to understand explanation of what dyslexia is in relationship to brain activity.
http://www.ncld.org/LDInfoZone/InfoZone_FactSheet_Dyslexia.cfm
Facts about dyslexia, its causes, and ways of dealing with it.
http://www.dyslexia-test.com/ Direct Learning is an established company with a global reach, dedicated to providing affordable independent dyslexia assessment and advice. This service is available for parents with concerns about their children's problems with spelling, reading and learning at school, as well as for adults. It provides an accurate, professional Assessment Report based on all the indicators of dyslexia. The Report gives an overall assessment, which outlines and summarizes the results of the different tests, as well as providing strategies for improving future achievement. Specific suggestions and clear advice are given on an individual basis on how to improve progress and achievement in the future.
http://www.dyslexia.org/ Reading from Scratch, (RfS/EL) a program of science-based teaching techniques, now makes possible grade level or higher reading.
http://www.readingsuccesslab.com/Glossary/readingcomprehensionpractice.html Free Online Dyslexia Screening Test and article on reading comprehension.
http://www.ldonline.org/ld_indepth/reading/reading-4.html LD OnLine is a national educational service of public television station WETA in Washington, D.C. It is operated in association with the Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities and is made possible by generous support from Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes®. LD OnLine offers online services and produces video programs dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with learning disabilities and ADHD.
http://www.audiblox2000.com/ Audiblox is a multi-sensory cognitive enhancement program, aimed at the development of foundational learning skills such as concentration, perception, memory, and logical thought. It improves performance in reading, spelling, writing and math. Audiblox is adaptable for the gifted and less gifted, can be used at home and in school, and is applicable for all age groups. It can develop the learning skills of the high school learner to a very high degree, while it can also be used to prepare the preschool child for reading and learning from as early as three years of age.
http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/current_research_on_dyslexia.shtml Child Development Institute was founded by Robert Myers, Ph.D. The site provides useful information, such as books, tapes, games and computer software for parent education and self-help for their children and teenagers. The Child Development Institute Store "ParentsMart" provides a select set of materials that have been found to be beneficial.
http://hjem.get2net.dk/dyslexia/indexeng.html This site contains information, articles, links, and advice on dyslexia for teachers, parents and those who are dyslexics themselves.
http://www.audiblox2000.com/dyslexia_dyslexic/dyslexia.htm : Brain-based research for effective interventions using Computer Assisted Cognitive Therapy, that has been recognized by the NIH (National Institute of Health) as an effective means of developing impaired cognitive skills.
http://www.dyslexiacentre.co.uk Bristol Dyslexia Centre is an independent teaching and assessment center for all ages. It uses technology tools in innovative and fun methods of teaching to inspire a love of learning and create self-confidence. The center is well established in Bristol as a center of excellence and takes students from over 100 different schools, colleges and universities in Bristol and surrounding areas. It has an excellent reputation for success, providing a relaxed learning environment for up to 300 students. BDC’s body of specialist teachers and professionals form a huge resource bank of knowledge and experience.
http://www.calvinacademy.com/reading.htm?OVRAW=dyslexia&OVKEY=dyslexia&OVMTC=standard Located in Mounds View, MN the Calvin School is a small 50-student private secular school dedicated to students with special learning needs. Calvin School's mission is to support each student academically, socially and behaviorally so he or she can be more successful in life pursuits.
http://www.readingupgrade.com/test/demo.htm Online courses for reading success, helps students overcome reading problems through songs, videos, and games.
http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/learning_problem/dyslexia.html A site that is design to explain to children what is happening in the brain and what kids can do who have dyslexia.
http://www.dyslexia-parent.com/software.html Games and online resources to help students with compensatory skills
Audio & Text Online Online audio files and text for thousands of books
Audio E-Stories and Phonics Lessons Online (multimedia) Try any one of these and you will be hooked!
http://www.overbooked.org/ Helping readers find books and genre that are of interest to them.
http://www.tolland.k12.ct.us/pkr/specials/chuschle/GoodReaderRules.html What Good Readers Do. Guidelines for becoming a good reader.
http://www.dyslexia-parent.com/world_of_dyslexia.html The World of Dyslexia a resources for everyone with an interest in dyslexia: dyslexia testing and assessment, teaching dyslexic children, advice for parents of a dyslexic child, coping techniques for dyslexic adults, free magazine articles, research, and much, much more!
http://www.audiblox2000.com/dyslexia_dyslexic/dyslexia.htm Online Magazine Offering New Perspectives on Dyslexia
http://www.levinsonmedical.com/home.html This site is maintained by Dr. Harold Levinson, and is dedicated to resolving the traditional misconceptions of dyslexia and related attention deficit and anxiety disorders, so that countless millions might be relieved or spared of suffering, and helped to attain dreams and ambitions that otherwise might never be theirs.
http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/news/dyslexia.shtml This site provides information on child development, psychology, parenting, learning, health and safety as well as childhood disorders such as attention deficit disorder, dyslexia and autism. It also provide comprehensive resources and practical suggestions for parents covering toddlers to teens. This site is recommended by Psychology Today and the American Psychological Association.
http://www.children-special-needs.org/parenting/dyslexia_dyslexic.html Suggestions and resources for parents in seeking assistance for their child with dyslexia.
http://www.dyslexia-teacher.com/certificate.html Become a Dyslexia Teacher (using Technology Tools)-- Online Certification Course
http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/dyslexia.shtml Free Online Book Describing Dyslexia and Teacher Interventions
http://www.dyslexia.com/library/classroom.htm Helping a child with dyslexia in the classroom.
http://fayette.k12.in.us/eastview/strategies.htm Six Strategies for help all students with reading comprehension
http://www.sfn.org/content/Publications/BrainBriefings/dyslexia.html The Society for Neuroscience is a nonprofit membership organization of basic scientists and physicians who study the brain and nervous system. Neuroscience includes the study of brain development, sensation and perception, learning and memory, movement, sleep, stress, aging and neurological and psychiatric disorders. It also includes the molecules, cells and genes responsible for nervous system functioning. Recognizing the tremendous potential for the study of the brain and nervous system as a separate field, the Society was formed in 1970. It has grown from 500 members to more than 37,000 and is the world's largest organization of scientists devoted to the study of the brain.
http://www.techdis.ac.uk/index.php?p=3_3_5 This site explains to teachers how to utilize assistive technologies.
http://www.edbydesign.com/learning/reading/index.html Learning
knowledge, skills, and strategies for helping all students learn to
read.
http://webpages.dcu.ie/~farrenm/spec.pdf "The Uses of Computer Technology in the Remediation of Children with
Specific Learning Difficulties".
http://ericec.org/faq/dyslexia.html The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. Provides professional development opportunities and resources, 17 divisions for specialized information, journals and newsletters with information on new research findings, classroom practices that work, federal legislation, and policies, conventions and conferences, special education publication.
http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/palmasola/rcompindex1.htm Reading Workshop for teachers to learn the basics about teaching reading fundamentals.
http://www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/palmasola/rcdowni3.htm Free 3rd -5th Grade Reading Comprehension Strategies
http://college.hmco.com/devenglish/resources/writing_ace/students/index.html: Houghton Mifflin Reading & Writing site
http://www.arp.sprnet.org/curric/ATRISK/Dyslexia/dyshdbook2001.pdf Dyslexia Handbook from Texas Education Agency.
http://ericec.org/faq/dyslexia.html Academic interventions for students with dyslexia and an index of further resources.
http://www.learningabledkids.com/LD/about_dyslexia.htm References, resources, research, and interventions for students with dyslexia.
http://www.readingsuccesslab.com/Glossary/Reading.html /Reading Profiles for Good, Fair and Poor Readers, resources and strategies for each.
Guyer, R. L. (1998) Dyslexia Leaves Its Mark, Snap Shots Science & Medicine, web site: http://scienceeducation.nih.gov/snapshots.nsf/story?openform&rtn~Dyslexia
International Dyslexia Association: http://www.interdys.org/
The Dana Organization, Brain Center: http://www.dana.org/
The National Center for Learning Disabilities: http://www.ncld.org/research/Brains.org - Worksheets don't grow dendrites
Brain-based Compatibility Learning: http://www.brainconnection.com/topics/?main=fa/brain-based3
Educational Research on Brain-based Learning: http://www.montgomery.k12.ky.us/Camargo/teachers/professional/research.htm
Teacher's Corner: http://users.stargate.net/~cokids/teacher.html
Swanson, H.L. (2005) Intervention Research for Students with Learning Disabilities: A Meta-Analysis of Treatment Outcomes. National Center for Learning Disabilities. http://www.ncld.org/research/osep_swanson.cfm
Online Interactive Reading Resources: http://www.arp.sprnet.org/curric/READ/Initiatives.htm
Site & Graphics by Joy Rousseau, 2005 Site Contributions by David Lipe, Carolyn Bell, & Joy Rousseau for Dr. Espinoza- ETEC 526, 11/14/2005
