android jelly bean update

At the time of this writing, a growing number of states in the U.S. either have passed or have pending legislation for the appropriate identification and the timely treatment of dyslexia. Unfortunately however, many states, have yet to develop such laws and guidelines. To date, this state-by-state process has been very slow and time-consuming for those whose lives are affected by some form of dyslexia.

On January 10, 2014, however, Congressmen Bill Cassidy, M.D., the Co-Chair of the House Dyslexia Caucus, submitted a resolution (H.Res. 456, 113th Congress) calling for the U.S. House of Representatives to acknowledge the impact of dyslexia and urge schools and educational agencies to address its impact on students. Dr. Cassidy released the following statement:

Dyslexia affects millions of Americans, including many students. We know that many with dyslexia are among our brightest and most successful. If dyslexia is identified in elementary school and the appropriate resources are given to these children, America can produce more teachers, more scientists and more entrepreneurs. This resolution pushes schools and educational agencies to address this challenge and provide evidence-based solutions for dyslexic students.

Rep. Cassidy’s resolution represents a giant step forward for the many who care about dyslexia — parents, teachers, dyslexic children and adults. This Resolution has the potential to impact the country, not just one state. For this reason and others, the effects of this legislation would be historical---and so helpful to many. Science has brought understanding and clarity to dyslexia in recent years. This Resolution by Representative Cassidy now calls for educators and testing agencies to catch up and put this powerful knowledge to work so that the 15-20% of U.S. children with dyslexia, their families and our entire nation may benefit. Please contact your local congressperson to express your opinion on this issue. (See the Find Your Representative link to follow.)

With the potential for passing such a resolution with national implications, there would arise an even greater need for more assistive technology---both low-tech AND high tech solutions for helping students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. However, these solutions will be required to provide evidence of appropriate research and proof of the technologies' successful use in the field. In other words, they will need to be research-based tools, strategies and methods.

On a related matter, the most current statistics from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, November 2013) indicate that approximately 11% of children 4-17 years of age (6.4 million) have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011. In addition, the percentage of children with an ADHD diagnosis continues to increase, from 7.8% in 2003 to 9.5% in 2007 and to 11.0% in 2011. All too often, children challenged with the symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) experience focus, tracking, comprehension and retention problems when reading. For them as well, the need for appropriate, research-based tools and strategies is growing.

One such group of these research-based tools is called the Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,859). With 2 independent studies of the tools completed, they have been shown to not only improve focus and tracking for students but also measurably improve some students' reading rates, a surprising outcome of the formal and more recent focus study conducted in a Central Missouri high school. In addition, the Reading Focus Cards have shown that they help many readers with ADHD, dyslexia and other issues that impact reading success (Apserger's, autism, stroke/TBI recovery, low vision, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's).

For more detailed information about the 2 independent focus studies of the evidence-based Reading Focus Cards, visit http://www.focusandread.com/page/481317852.

For actual, unsolicited testimonials for the Reading Focus Cards, please visit http://www.focusandread.com/rfc-testimonials.

Sources & Resources

Urge Your Congressional Rep. to Support House Resolution on Dyslexia, #456. Contact Your Representative Now! by Sally Shaywitz, MD & Bennett Shaywitz, MD of The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/CassidyHResJan2014.html

Cassidy Calls For Schools To Help Dyslexic Students---Jan 10, 2014---Press Release (Link to a copy of the Resolution is included here.)
http://cassidy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cassidy-calls-for-schools-to-help-dyslexic-students

Find Your Representative (in the U.S. House of Representatives)
http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/

Dyslexia Laws in the USA by Martha Youman & Nancy Mather
http://www.academia.edu/3075019/Dyslexia_Laws_in_the_USA

The International Dyslexia Association
http://www.interdys.org/

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)---Data & Statistics (in the U.S.)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

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:
Devereaux Cannon and Dave Martucci: http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/us-16.html and
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

It’s no secret that over the past couple of years, various types of technology have changed the way we read today. We have the renowned Kindle e-readers from Amazon and the iPads from Apple. Other technological devices have also played a big part in enhancing our reading experiences.

It may not be as well known, however, that these same tech devices can be especially helpful to struggling readers. Whether the struggle to read is the result of ADHD, dyslexia, autism or another issue, these e-readers, e-tablets, smartphones and other devices can not only promote more reading success for struggling readers, but they can also make it possible for them to read in the first place.

Why are these tech devices particularly beneficial for challenged readers of any age? We’ve gathered information here to form 2 lists, one for each tech device’s advantages for challenged readers. We hope these lists help you discover which device may be best for your reading needs or that of a child or student who struggles to read.

Some of iPad’s Benefits for Challenged Readers

• Ease of Use: It’s easy to find books at the various stores available (Kindle, Nook & iBooks.)
• Screen Quality: The iPad screen is clear, bright and eminently readable.
• Access to Text: It can also be used to access formatted text like that of a PDF document and open it in GoodReader. (http://www.goodiware.com/goodreader.html).
• Text to Speech (TTS) Feature: This TTS feature allows students to hear the words they read. Visually-impaired students as well as other students can benefit from this as they hear the proper pronunciation of words as they “read” texts.
• VoiceOver Feature: This feature is available for all installed apps on iPads. This is a screen reader that allows the user to point to something on the iPad and hear a description of what is at that location.
• Zoom Feature: This feature allows users to enlarge any item on the screen. The iPad also allows for connection to refreshable Braille displays using a wireless Bluetooth connection.
• Customization: A teacher, parent or other adult can customize an iPad to meet the individual needs of a reader.
(Sources: The Advantages of iPads for Special Education Students-by Denise Brown &
10 things the iPad is good for…and 5 it isn’t-by John Biggs---See links to follow.)

Some of Kindle’s Benefits for Challenged Readers

• Visual Formatting: Students with visual impairments can select the appropriate text size on a Kindle to meet their needs. (Push a button to increase or decrease font size.) This has increased engagement for many students who have difficultly seeing normal font size.
• Easy Downloading: Kindle content can easily be downloaded to the computer. This feature allows for even larger text and the ability to change the color / format. The Kindle PC option provides countless opportunities for students who require more specific text features.
• Screen Quality: The Kindle screen can also help diminish glare and “visual stress” from white page backgrounds as well as from florescent lighting for some readers.
• Text to Speech: For students who require read aloud, the Kindle is able to read any Kindle text out loud. By plugging in headphones, students can listen to books and short stories. This feature can help increase reading engagement for struggling readers and also to provide more independence to these students.
• Convenience: For students whom have difficulty flipping pages or holding open books, the Kindle provides a convenient alternative. By pushing a button, students are able to flip through pages and chapters. Additionally, for students with more severe physical disabilities, there may be some potential of connecting a switch to the Kindle.
• Organization: For students with organization troubles, the Kindle helps them out by saving the page they read.
• Dictionary Feature: The Kindle provides immediate assistance for unknown vocabulary words. By using the dictionary, which is embedded within the text, students can access texts that are at challenging reading level.
(Source: Adapted from the Kindle Project---District of Columbia Public Schools Pilot Program---See link to follow.)

Additional Resources

Why and when the iPad is the best e-reader-by Joel Mathis
http://www.macworld.com/article/2032930/why-and-when-the-ipad-is-the-best-e-reader.html

Kindle Technology Helps Readers-by Rob
http://childrenstherapy.org/technology-helps-struggling-readers/

Can e-Readers Ease Reading for Dyslexics?-by Annie Murphy Paul
http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/06/can-e-readers-ease-reading-for-dyslexics/

iPad vs Kindle Fire / Android Tablet for Kids---by TechAgeKids
http://www.techagekids.com/2013/09/ipad-vs-kindle-fire-android-tablet-for.html

Dyslexia on the digital page-by Jillian Rose Lim
Devices like e-readers and iPads may make reading easier for students with dyslexia
http://scienceline.org/2013/11/dyslexia-on-the-digital-page/

E-Readers Are More Effective than Paper for Some with Dyslexia (Research article)
by Matthew H. Schneps, Jenny M. Thomson, Chen Chen, Gerhard Sonnert & Marc Pomplun
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0075634

Apps for Struggling Readers

9 Great Learn-to-Read Apps for Kids---by Common Sense Media (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch; Kindle Fire apps)
http://www.ivillage.com/best-learn-read-apps-kids/6-a-379970

8 Apps for Struggling Adolescent Readers---by Hope Mulholland (Apple and Android apps)
http://www.teachthought.com/apps-2/8-apps-for-struggling-adolescent-readers/

Sources:

Kindle Project---District of Columbia Public Schools Pilot Program
http://www.dc.gov/DCPS/Beyond+the+Classroom/Educational+Technology+&+Library+Services/Kindle+Project

The Advantages of iPads for Special Education Students-by Denise Brown, Demand Media
http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/advantages-ipads-special-education-students-4061.html

10 things the iPad is good for…and 5 it isn’t-by John Biggs
http://techcrunch.com/2010/05/19/10-things-the-ipad-is-good-for-and-5-it-isnt/

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: iPad or Kindle: will our wallets decide?-by Paul Miller
http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/ipad-or-kindle-will-our-wallets-decide/ and
Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.focusandread.com

As many of you may know, we are all about finding resources and connecting parents and teachers with information they need most to help children and teens with reading challenges. Because of the requests and questions we have received recently about summer programs for LD (and more specifically dyslexia), we thought it would be of interest to our readers to publish an article this week with resources and information on this topic.

So, here is our list to help you choose a good summer program or to locate specific resources for your child or student with dyslexia (and other LD). As always, we hope you find the list of links beneficial to a challenged reader you wish to help.

Summer Programs & Resources for Dyslexia-2013

Dyslexia Summer Camps (Listed by State)
These learning programs that specialize in dyslexia understand the way your child thinks and learns and they teach accordingly. They will teach your child educational skills that will help them during the regular school year. Many of these programs teach dyslexic children or teens by using a multi-sensory approach to learning.
http://www.dyslexiclikeme.org/schools-2/summer-camps/

Dyslexia Summer Programs (Provided by the The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity)
A partial listing of summer programs on the East Coast is provided here to help parents begin the process of finding a situation that best suits their child with dyslexia.
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/PAR_summerprograms.html

FREE Help for Dyslexic Students---by Kyle Redford (The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity)
The Children's Dyslexia Centers currently have 50 Centers in 13 states. Centers provide tutoring at no charge to children from early elementary through high school who have been diagnosed as dyslexic
Visit this link to find a location near you.
http://dyslexia.yale.edu/childrensdyslexiacenters.html

Rocky Mountain Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA-RMB)
This branch of The International Dyslexia Association provides a forum where parents, educators, individuals with dyslexia and researchers share their knowledge about a disorder that affects up to 20 percent of the U.S. population. The IDA-RMB provides workshops and resources to increase public awareness of dyslexia.
http://www.dyslexia-rmbida.org/

Tips for Choosing a Summer Camp for Your LD Child---by Ann Cathcart
Article with great tips to help you choose a good summer camp for your child with learning challenges!
http://www.ldonline.org/article/6124/

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://www.specialneeds.com/children-and-parents/dyslexia/film-raises-dyslexia-awareness-sundance

We at Brennan Innovators continue to receive many requests for information about tools to help struggling readers of all ages with dyslexia, ADHD, autism and other focusing challenges that impact reading success. Periodically, we publish articles about such tools as this is the main focus of our business and its philosophy (please pardon the pun!)

Since our last article on this topic in late 2012, there have been even more resources made available to help both children and adults with ADHD and dyslexia challenges. Currently, we can see the great rush in the marketplace of assistive apps developed for those with these struggles. In addition, there are a few more low-tech tools that can help increase focus, promote more organization, improve reading concentration as well as comprehension and much more.

Today’s article will provide our readers with an updated list of both low-tech and high-tech tools for ADHD, dyslexia, and other reading and learning challenges. We hope this list of resources will give you some new options to improve the quality of life for you, your child or another adult you know who might benefit.

Cool Tools for ADHD & Dyslexia

Dragon Dictation: This is an easy-to-use voice recognition application powered by Dragon® NaturallySpeaking® that allows an individual to easily speak and then instantly see text or email messages. It can be up to five (5) times faster than typing on the keyboard. This voice-activated software transcribes words into Microsoft Word documents.

Exercise Balls: Some individuals with focusing challenges like to sit on an exercise ball while working at a desk. It can enable one to move around while still staying seated, which helps with focusing. Sensory and kinesthetic learners can be “soothed” into focusing with this tool that is more like a piece of soft furniture.

Reading Focus Cards: At this writing, thousands of the Reading Focus Cards (Patent 7,565,759) are in use by children and adults both in the U.S. and across the globe. These tools help to improve focus by isolating 1 or 2 lines of text AND blocking out more surrounding text than any other reading device available. They can be used in various sizes of books with any text line lengths. In addition, now the Reading Focus Cards can even be used with e-readers (shorter Reading Focus Card for Kindle, Nook, Kobo, etc.) and with e-tablets (longer RFC for iPad or Android tablets, etc.)

Google Calendar: A FREE electronic calendar that allows a user to reduce prioritizing dilemmas, time management issues and motivation hiccups. Follow the plan entered into this e-calendar just like many working professionals and executives with ADHD.

Alarm Apps: Many individuals with ADHD very often tend to hyperfocus on certain tasks. Because of this, they can have a rough time sticking to and maintaining a schedule. Sometimes, an “alarm” app can be used to break up or interrupt the flow of activity. There are many different types of alarm apps from which to choose. One app often recommended is AlarmDroid, which has many additional features for Android devices. (It is recommended that one also install "Rings extended" with this app.) For iOS platform devices, you might try HomeRoutines.

Resources for These ADHD & Dyslexia Cool Tools

Dragon Dictation
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dragon-dictation/id341446764?mt=8

Exercise Balls---Prices vary and are available from Pacific Pediatric Supply
Plain ball: http://www.pacificpediatricsupply.com/category/Hopping.html
Tactile ball: http://www.pacificpediatricsupply.com/product/SK7412.html

Google Calendar---FREE
https://www.google.com/calendar/render?pli=1&gsessionid=zoUetPCl2f9WE-G5WZuEWA

AlarmDroid App---FREE
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.splunchy.android.alarmclock

HomeRoutines App---$4.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/homeroutines/id353117370?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Evernote App---FREE (Premium Version: $4.99)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/evernote/id281796108?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Other Related Resources

Apps for Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities (FREE & various prices)-Article and updated app list from the University of Michigan
http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/apps

Tools That Make It Easier to Manage ADHD-Article by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S.
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/these-photos-will-make-your-stomach-drop012/10/24/tools-that-make-it-easier-to-manage-adhd/

BEST Tools for Dyslexia-Related blog article from Help for Struggling Readers
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/11/best-tools-for-dyslexia_10.html

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

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

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