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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

Recently, we have been receiving some requests and inquiries as to resources and support for improving a child’s working memory. Working memory is one of the executive functions needed in both learning and in daily life. Sometimes, memory issues can develop or co-exist with other challenges, such as ADHD, dyslexia or autism spectrum disorders.

So to respond to these requests for information, we thought it would be a good idea to provide our readers this week with some tips, strategies, apps and other resources to assist parents and teachers in helping children (and adults, too!) improve their working memories.

Info, Tips & Strategies for Working Memory Improvement

What Is Working Memory and Why Does It Matter?---by Anne Stuart from NCLD
Working memory involves a short-term use of memory and attention. Learn more about working memory here.
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/executive-function-disorders/what-is-working-memory-why-does-matter

Memory and Children with Learning Disabilities---by W.N. Bender from Pearson Allyn Bacon Prentice Hall & education.com
Good explanations and brief definitions for terms used to discuss “working memory” (good overview).
http://www.education.com/reference/article/memory-children-learning/

How to Help a Child with Weak Working Memory---by Anne Stuart from NCLD
Does your child have a weakness with verbal (auditory) or visual-spatial working memory? Fortunately, there are many ways to help -- from teaching ways to compensate to lifestyle changes to brain-training techniques.
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/executive-function-disorders/how-to-help-child-with-weak-working-memory

Don't Forget: Memory Tips for ADHD Students---by Matthew Cruger, Ph.D. from ADDitude Magazine
15 expert tips for boosting memory in students with ADHD or learning disabilities and improving academic performance.
http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/772.html

Latest Working Memory Articles
Access page to ADHD Treatment: The Digital Approach and other related articles
http://learningworksforkids.com/skills/working-memory/

The Memory Toolbox: 75 Tips and Resources to Go from Amnesic to Elephantic---by Daniel Strauss
Comprehensive article offering very practical and do-able strategies to improve memory. Also includes information about learning styles and their relationship to memory improvement. (Presented in bullet format for easy reading AND remembering!)
http://oedb.org/library/features/the-memory-toolbox

Apps & Games to Help with Working Memory

Crazy Copy Games HD Free Lite - for iPad---by Hien Ton
This app uses working memory by having children repeat combinations of colors.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/crazy-copy-games-hd-free-lite/id376779082?mt=8

Build Your Personalized Brain Training Program (Memory)---by Luminosity
For ALL ages--- Help with recalling the location of objects, learning new subjects quickly and accurately, keeping track of several ideas at the same time, and remembering names after the first introduction
http://www.lumosity.com/app/v4/personalization/surveys/training-program/survey_categories/your-memory/user_survey_responses/new

Featured Video Games for Working Memory (Yes, video games--really!)---from Learning Works for Kids
Descriptions, reviews, ratings and more about how the following video games can help improve working memory:

• Okamiden
Recommended Age: 10+
Skills Used: Flexibility, Focus, Working Memory, Reading
http://learningworksforkids.com/playbooks/okamiden/

• Paladog
Recommended Age: 6+
Skills Used: Focus, Working Memory, Mathematics, Reading
http://learningworksforkids.com/playbooks/paladog/

• Tap Tap Revenge Tour
Recommended Age: 7+
Skills Used: Focus, Working Memory
http://learningworksforkids.com/playbooks/tap-tap-revenge-tour/

• Mario Party 9
Recommended Age: 8+
Skills Used: Flexibility, Focus, Working Memory
http://learningworksforkids.com/playbooks/mario-party-9/

GOAL: Let’s “work” to improve our working memories this week!

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://www.topnews.in/health/human-brain-bigger-chimps-foetal-stage-216954

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

What is Convergence Insufficiency?

Convergence Insufficiency is a common vision problem that can make reading or staying on-task quite difficult for school-aged children. The condition is caused by poor eye coordination (eye teaming), which prevents the eyes from working together, especially when viewing small images or trying to read fine print. Convergence insufficiency can also cause problems such as eyestrain, fatigue (or visual stress), headaches, and sometimes blurred or even double vision when reading. One or more of these conditions can then often result in poor focus and attention as well as poor reading comprehension and retention.

In many cases, the condition is often not diagnosed. Routine school vision screening cannot check for convergence insufficiency, and it is frequently missed in regular (non-comprehensive) eye exams. In fact, many children with convergence insufficiency are often misdiagnosed with a learning disability, dyslexia or ADD/ADHD.

Vision therapy sessions administered by a medical professional such as a developmental optometrist are sometimes part of the solution for convergence insufficiency. In addition, eye exercises conducted at home may be involved in the treatment as well.

Special Note: If for some reason it is not possible to access services as described above here (because of one's location or type of health insurance plan coverage), consider the use of colored overlays or other non-invasive and customizable tools such as the Reading Focus Cards (U.S. Patent 7,565,759) to assist with the symptoms of convergence insufficiency or other issues experienced by some struggling readers.

Important: Please remember that only a comprehensive eye examination can evaluate for vision-related reading and learning problems.

We thought our readers might be interested in accessing a few apps that might help with convergence insufficiency. This week, these apps and resources are here for you!

Apps for Convergence Insufficiency

1. Top 5 Smartphone Apps for Your Eyes---2 are FREE (mostly Apple-compatible)
Compiled by La Jolla Lasik Institute
http://www.lajollalasik.com/blog/top-5-smartphone-apps-for-your-eyes/

2. More Apps for Convergence Insufficiency (for iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch)
From One Place for Special Needs (may need to register on the site to access)
http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/resources_online/resource_online_results.html?category=&words=convergence+apps

Resources for Additional Information:

1. Information AND additional resources on convergence from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development
http://covd.org/Home/Convergence/tabid/89/Default.aspx

2. Information, Symptoms and References for Convergence Insufficiency from the Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/convergence-insufficiency/DS01146

3. Information and Numerous Resources on Convergence from One Place for Special Needs---Vision therapy exercises a child might do in an office setting (Video) and other related information (may need to register on the site to access)
http://www.oneplaceforspecialneeds.com/resources_online/resource_online_results.html?words=eye+teaming

4. Information on Research and Treatment for Convergence Insufficiency
http://www.childrensvision.com/CITT.htm

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 provided by: http://www.autism-community.com/reduced-visual-convergence-in-people-with-autism/

Trick-or-treaters may have already come knocking at our doors! Did YOU have your treats ready for the big and little goblins who came a-calling?

We were certainly ready with our "treats" this week---and no tricks were required! We wanted to offer our readers some "goodies” in keeping with the holiday of All Hallows’ Eve. At the same time, they happen to be "healthy treats", too. The brain-building apps to follow here will be "treats" to sharpen the brains in the “skulls” of your kids, your students, and YOU while having fun at the same time. They'll provide a WIN-WIN opportunity for all of you---especially for struggling readers and learners!

Hope you had a Happy and SAFE Halloween, dear readers!

Brain-Building "Treats" for All Age Groups

12 FREE Brain-Building Apps for Kids --- (Android & Apple) Here's a list of mobile apps that are great for keeping young (and old) minds at work!
http://kennesaw.patch.com/blog_posts/12-free-brain-building-apps-for-kids

Kids Shape Puzzle --- (Android) From tots to teens, these are your go-to brain-building apps. Take this portable puzzle anywhere – and never lose the pieces. Kids Shape Puzzle entertains
Price: $2.99---From intellijoy
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
http://phoneappsmag.wordpress.com/tag/kids-shape-puzzle/

Kakooma Addition Pro --- (Apple) Do you love the challenge of a great puzzle? Kakooma® is the quick-thinking, brain-building app that is getting kids and adults of all ages hooked on numbers. So what are you waiting for? It's time to Kakooma!
Price: $.99---From Creative Smarts, Inc.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kakooma-addition-pro/id524425633?mt=8

BEST Critical Thinking Apps = GREAT “Brain” Workouts --- (Apple) These apps focus on increasing critical thinking, problem solving and brain-building skills (all age levels).
FREE and various prices in lists provided
http://helpforstrugglingreaders.blogspot.com/2012/06/best-critical-thinking-apps-great-brain.html

Special "Treat"!

Halloween Matching Game - Ghost, Witch, Skeleton, Pumpkin, Bat --- Exercise your memory skills by matching each picture with it's spooky look alike pair while celebrating Halloween with this fun Halloween Matching Game!
by Jeremy Larsen
https://itunes.apple.com/ag/app/halloween-matching-game-ghost/id566440707?mt=8

Happy brain building, goblins!

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 provided by: http://osxdaily.com/2011/06/04/black-white-ipads-and-iphones/

Can it be that the first grading period has arrived already? Yes, and with it come the annual or semi-annual, parent-teacher conferences. This realization usually causes one of two parental reactions ---“I can’t wait to see how Evan is doing!” or “I’m worried about what Ms. Jackson is going to tell us about our Emma.”

From a teacher’s standpoint, this first conference with parents can also be a stressful event. At conferences, educators often meet students’ parents for the very first time. These conferences usually occur right after the hard work of term test taking for students followed by the time required to prepare report cards with individual performance comments. All the while, these teachers continue to plan lessons, correct papers for the second term already begun, and reply to emails and phone calls from parents and colleagues. It can be a very overwhelming time of the year!

If the scheduled conference is for the benefit of a struggling student, the level of concern on the part of the parents may be even greater, and the teacher may need to prepare even more carefully in order to best help the student. Parents can do much to help make the first conference a very positive experience for all involved, particularly for their child:

• First and foremost, show respect for the educational professional seated before you. She likely spends more hours per week with your child than you do during the school year. She knows your child and will provide valuable information to enable the child to enjoy more learning success.

• Secondly, when constructive criticism about your child is offered, listen and remember what is said. If needed, jot down a few notes regarding the suggested areas of needed improvement.

• Normally, the teacher will make suggestions or offer resources to help with those improvements. Continue the note-taking. However, if none are offered, “gently” request her recommendations, tools and strategies or other resources you might consider to help your child develop more skill in a specific area.

• Finally, remember to be appreciative. Make it known to this teacher that you are grateful for the time and efforts she gives to help your child read and learn. Teachers are human beings in the work of service, hard work that very often is not always appreciated by those who are served. Be grateful for their dedication and commitment.

For educators, you most likely have a preferred format for conducting conferences. No matter which conference “template” you use, there are a few good ideas you might want to keep in mind:

• Try to describe student weaknesses in constructive ways---with some degree of gentleness. Of course, never compare one student with another.

• For every shortcoming or struggle a student may be experiencing, be kind enough to provide a possible strategy to help bring about improvement.

• Always remember to share at least one positive comment about each child. Every child has at least one talent, gift or characteristic that makes him or her special. Share these good comments with parents.

• Finally, offer encouragement to parents who may be struggling to guide their challenged children.

Once again, we have taken the time to gather some resources here to help both parents and teachers at this special “conference time” of year. We hope you will find them beneficial as you work together to help a child improve and experience more learning success!

Resources for Parents

FREE IEP e-book---To help parents plan for a child's IEP meeting! (from the NCLD---National Center for Learning Disabilities)
http://info.ncld.org/free-e-book-iep-meeting-planner-?utm_source=LDOnLine.org&utm_medium=Twitter

What Is a 504 Plan? (Video)---Excellent 5 min. video that clearly explains a 504 plan (from the NCLD)
http://www.ncld.org/learning-disability-resources/videos/video-what-is-a-504-plan

40 Winning Accommodations---New, FREE ADHD Printable! (from ADDitude Magazine)
Increase the odds of your ADHD child succeeding in school with ADDitude's FREE printable, 40 Winning Accommodations.
http://www.additudemag.com/RCLP/sub/9109.html

10 Top Tips for Dyslexia---Tips parents can use to help their children challenged with dyslexia to enjoy more learning success in school
http://www.teach-our-kids.co.uk/10-top-tips-for-helping-your-child-with-dyslexia/

The Top 50 Apps for Kids (2012)---In education, music, art and more
http://www.babble.com/kid/kids-products/50-best-kids-apps-family/

Resources for Teachers

Parent–Teacher Conference Tip Sheets---both English & Spanish (from Harvard Family Research Project)
http://www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our-publications/parent-teacher-conference-tip-sheets-hojas-de-consejos-para-las-reuniones-de-padres-y-maestros

Parent-Teacher Conference Resources---These resources will help maximize the benefits of parent-teacher collaborations to serve each child's educational needs. (from TeacherVision.com)
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/teacher-parent-conferences/resource/3713.html

Family Involvement Publications & Resources---Articles and other resources to help with conferences (from Harvard Family Research Project)
http://www.hfrp.org/family-involvement/publications-resources

The Best Resources on Parent/Teacher Conferences---Some of the most useful materials to help with parent-teacher conferences (from EduBlogs.org)
http://engagingparentsinschool.edublogs.org/2011/10/29/the-best-resources-on-parentteacher-conferences/

Happy learning, 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 provided by: http://edusavvyparents.com/parenting

At the literacy and vision conferences attended during the past two weeks, we were asked many questions about dyslexia. In fact, we received more questions from teachers, tutors and parents about dyslexia than about any other topic at both events.

Current statistics show that nearly 15% to 20% of school-aged children in the U.S. may be affected by some form of dyslexia. Yet only 5% are recognized (often because the dyslexia is severe) and receive assistance.

Approximately 60% of individuals diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) also have dyslexia. However, their learning and language differences are often unrecognized because only the behavioral aspects of ADHD are addressed. Without the proper diagnosis and help, many of these individuals with dyslexia and ADHD are only functionally literate, and are part of the 44 million adults with only the lowest level of literacy. This limits their ability to find jobs and function independently in their communities. (Source: The Dyslexia Research Institute)

With this data, it is easy to see why we received so many recent inquiries relating to this particular reading challenge. We felt it was just the right time to offer some updated information and a few more resources for these teachers and parents as well as for our regular blog readers here.

Animation Video---To Help Explain Dyslexia
From BrainPOP
http://bpopne.ws/OYPAyt

7 Activities Affected by Dyslexia (Blog article)
From ChromaGen Vision’s blog
http://wereadbetter.com/7-activities-affected-by-dyslexia/

The Upside of Dyslexia (Opinion Article)
By Annie Murphy Hall---Published: February 4, 2012
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/05/opinion/sunday/the-upside-of-dyslexia.html?ref=dyslexia&_r=0

Signs of Dyslexia Start Before Reading, Study Finds (from ABC News--& VIDEOS)
By Mikaela Conley (@mikaelaconley)---Published: April 5, 2012
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/visual-attention-lead-dyslexia-children/story?id=16078380#.UHh7oK61ySo

Online Dyslexia Testing
From Lexercise---Company in Raleigh, NC, offers services to help children with reading, writing and spelling disorders such as dyslexia and dysgraphia.
Disclaimer: This is a FREE dyslexia test to see if your child is having trouble reading and processing words. This online test determines if your child needs a full evaluation in order for the best individualized treatment plan to be developed. This online test is NOT a replacement for such an evaluation.
http://www.lexercise.com/dyslexia-services/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Microsoft%2BPPC

10 Top Tips for Helping Your Child with Dyslexia
From Teach Our Kids
http://www.teach-our-kids.co.uk/10-top-tips-for-helping-your-child-with-dyslexia/

Spell Trekking in Schools: the New App for Literacy Tuition---New, multi-sensory iPad literacy app
From CENTRA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LIMITED
Blog article about the app: http://centradyslexia.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/11-using-the-new-app-for-literacy-tuition-in-schools/
Access to app: FREE download at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spell-trekking/id547625622?mt=8
Website: http://www.spelltrekking.com/

Dyslexia Research Institute Information and resources about dyslexia
http://www.dyslexia-add.org/

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 provided by: http://classroomclipart.com/clipart-search/page-189/all-phrase/school/