The Gift!

Now that the year is coming to an end, I would like to use this last post to remind each of you to stay focused, motivated, and positive!! I wanted to share this awesome article with everyone in order to help you do so.  You can access the full article here http://www.dyslexia.com/.  This article caught my attention because it's title reads, "Dyslexia the Gift" so I obviously was extremely intrigued.  I liked how this article highlighted some of the positive aspects of having dyslexia, which I feel are very underrated and in some cases, unknown!  Individuals who have dyslexia are often highly creative, intuitive and excel at three-dimensional problem solving and hands on learning.  Students who have dyslexia often learn best through hands on learning, which is no surprise.  The article also went on to say that the best gift of having dyslexia is that individuals who have dyslexia often have "mastery."  What the article means by this is that when students who have dyslexia are taught through learning methods which match their thinking style, they can excel and do very well in school, especially in the reading and writing aspects!  This webpage also advertises the Davis Dyslexia System, which claims to provide tools to help students overcome reading, writing and attention difficulties though their special methods.  Although I am not advertising like the article seems to be, I definitely think the Davis System looks like a cool thing to try out for any individuals interested!  I hope each of you get a chance to read this post and glance at the article.  I would like you all to bring your opinions to class and be ready to discuss with your classmates what you think.  Ask yourself questions like do I see the positive aspects of having Dyslexia?  Have I ever been told about the positive aspects of having Dyslexia before?  What do I think of the Davis Dyslexia System after reading about it?  Would I try the Davis Dyslexia System for myself, why or why not?  For more information about the Davis Dyslexia System, you can find it at http://www.dyslexia.com/ddai.htm.  Don't forget class, no matter what stay positive and you will succeed.  I have faith in you all, have a safe and happy Summer!!!

Reading Smarts

Although I'm sure all of you are already aware of the importance of reading, I wanted to take the time to post about how important reading really is, and why it's important to take the time to practice correct reading strategies and to make time for it.  First, did you know reading can help you in all areas of your academics?! Reading more also can improve your G.P.A. as well as increase your overall knowledge.  Now, if that isn't enough to interest you in reading I have a few more benefits to share will all of you.  Reading can reduce stress, especially fiction, it can take your mind off of stressful situations.  Studies have also shown that reading increases improved analytical thinking, which also helps you to spot patterns better.  It's also no secret that reading improves vocabulary and improves spelling!  More than talking or direct teaching!  Also, increased vocabulary and spelling is necessary to be a good writer, according to http://lifedev.net/2009/06/reading-makes-you-better/, any good writer will tell you that you need to read!  Lastly, but not least reading helps prioritize goals.  The article states that when you remove yourself from the environment, you begin to see what you really want to do, so it is helpful in identifying goals.  I also found a great website for you all to go to for reading books on your computer, having text read to you as well as learn with study tools.  You can find all of this at http://www.bookshare.org/_/promo/2010/10/adwords1?gclid=CL7lgpzVv68CFUERNAodXCmjvw  I hope you all get a chance to check it out and find it helpful!  With all of these great reasons to read, there's no excuse not to!

Audiblox

So as I was looking for something interesting to post about, I stumbled upon success stories about something called Audiblox.  Intrigued, I had to do some more research to figure out what it is and what it does.  I'm not sure if any of you are familiar with this, but Audiblox is a system of cognitive exercises, aimed to help develop foundational learning skills.  A foundational skill is different than a process, strategy, or technique, which interested me even more in what this is and how it can help individuals with dyslexia.  Audiblox is supposed to develop and automate the foundational skills of reading, writing, spelling and mathematics.  Audiblox is also multi-sensory because individuals learn in all different types of ways.  This system is said to be based on solid learning principals and there are numerous positive reviews for it.  I am not sure if it works best on younger children, or if it does not matter the age of the student, but it is definitely something to look into.  There have even been studies showing that this method works.  You can find the full article and results from studies here http://www.audiblox2000.com/improve-reading-spelling.htm and if you are interested in reading success stories from Audiblox, you can find them here http://dyslexia.learninginfo.org/overcoming.htm.  Let me know what your thoughts are on Audiblox and be prepared for a class discussion tomorrow!

More Resources!

Im sure many of you are aware of the importance of proof reading.  When in a bind, I'm sure many of you like myself only use the spell check to catch errors.  While re-reading your work is a great way to edit, strengthen reading skills and catch errors, let's face it, it's not always easy and it can be very time consuming.  I found some free resources I think you all will like and find helpful.

First, there are many free grammar and spelling software out there to help you such as Ginger Software and Paper Rater.  These types of resources are great because they are free, easy to use, and can save you some time when cramming to get work done.  For more information, you can find it here http://technodys.blogspot.com/I found these from a very helpful dyslexia blog just like the one I write for this class.  This page really focuses on technologies that dyslexics might find helpful, and I really think each of you could benefit from taking a look at it!  This brings me to my second point.

There are many blogs and internet support groups for dyslexia, not just technologies such as software and gadgets.  I found this site to be very helpful, it has 70 links which are extremely helpful in delivering all different types of support.  I highly encourage each of you to try it out!  Here is the site http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com/2011/02/14/70-excellent-links-for-dyslexia-support/

Types of Technology

I'm sure many of you know there are numerous technologies out there designed to help individuals with learning disabilities and more specific, dyslexia.  There are certain technologies that can help strengthen specific skills, and ultimately save you time while allowing you not be at a disadvantage.  Here is a list which includes certain technologies many with learning disabilities find helpful and useful in terms of school and education.  You can find exactly what each of these items do by going to http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/assistive-technology/702-assistive-technology-for-kids-with-learning-disabilities-an-overview.gs?page=all.

• Abbreviation expanders
• Alternative keyboards
• Audio books and publications
• Electronic math work sheets
• Freeform database software
• Graphic organizers and outlining
• Information/data managers
• Optical character recognition
• Personal FM listening systems
• Portable word processors
• Proofreading programs
• Speech-recognition programs
• Speech synthesizers/screen readers
• Talking calculators
• Talking spell checkers and electronic dictionaries
• Variable-speed tape recorders
• Word-prediction programs

I also found a very insightful pamphlet which I think many of you will benefit from reading.  It focuses specifically on technology assistance for dyslexics.  Some of the technologies this source includes are different types of software (voice recognition, text/screen readers, etc.), hardware options and much more.  I really think each and every one of you can benefit and learn many new things just by taking a few minutes to read this.  I would like everyone to do so because we will be discussing this pamphlet tomorrow in class as well as discussing our thoughts, so come prepared!  You can find the full pamphlet here http://www.dyslexiasw.com/images/pdf/Technology%20Assistance%20for%20Dyslexics.pdf

Great Article: The Upside of Dyslexia

As many of you know, Dyslexia isn't a new disorder, there have been evidence of "word blindness" documented centuries ago.  But his news you may find very surprising!  The latest findings on dyslexia are leading to a new way of looking at the condition: not just as an impediment, but as an advantage, especially in certain artistic and scientific fields. According to the full article found at http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/05/opinion/sunday/the-upside-of-dyslexia.html?_r=1&ref=dyslexia. I'm sure each of you already heard enough about dyslexia being a complex disorder, and there is much that is still not understood about it. But did have you heard a series of ingenious experiments have shown that many people with dyslexia possess distinctive perceptual abilities? For example, scientists have produced a growing collection of evidence that people with dyslexia have sharper peripheral vision than others. Two scientists names Mr. Geiger and Mr. Lettvin at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that in an experiment when a mechanical shutter, called a tachistoscope, was used to flash a row of letters, typical readers identified the letters in the middle of the row with greater accuracy. Those with dyslexia triumphed, however, when asked to identify letters located in the row’s outer reaches.  This isn't the only study that shows individuals with dyslexia having an advantage in absorbing the "visual gist" as scientists call it.  I highly encourage each of you to see the full article, it truly is amazing!  We will go over this in class so please make sure you are familiar with it. If you woud like to read more on this topic, or are sceptic here is a scholarly article with supporting evidence: http://cbcl.mit.edu/people/geiger/vision_res_2004.pdf. 

A True Success Story!

Did you know that the founder of Kinko's Copies, Paul Orfalea, has dyslexia?  Paul was a D-student, having failed two grades, struggled in multiple schools, and yet attributes all of his success to his dyslexia and hyperactive disorder.  He found ways to turn his learning disabilities into learning opportunities. He even has a book!  Titled "Copy This! Lessons from a Hyperactive Dyslexic Who Turned a Bright Idea into One of America's Best Companies"  this book describes his greatest lessons he's learned through his personal struggles. I particularly enjoy this quote of his, "If you're going to enjoy the picnic that life really is, you'd better learn to like yourself, not despite you flaws and so-called deficits, but because of them."  I think many of you would find his book interesting so anyone interested, please let me know so I can look into purchasing a copy or two for the class.  Orfalea's book tells an amazing story of a strong individual who never quite learned to read, write or sit still for any length of time and yet still became an extremely successful entrepreneur.  Paul's Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder taught him to not be deterred by obstacles, how to cut thought the red tape and grow a business without losing perspective while surrounding himself with the right people and having plenty of time to enjoy life according to dyslexia.tv.  You can find the full article and more information on Paul here:  http://www.dyslexia.tv/snapshots/paul_orfalea.htm http://abilitymagazine.com/past/Natalie_Glebova/Paul_Kinko.html.  I hope you all enjoyed reading this inspiring success story, sometimes it can be really motivating to get a little extra "push" from someone who's been in your shoes.