Name: Rick
Date: 6/3/07

My disability is: Dyslexia

My learning strengths are: Oral Expressive and Auditory Language

My learning weaknesses are: Reading, Writing and Math

I learn best when: Auditory-Visual-Kinesthetic Combination
The A-V-K student learns best by experience, doing, self-involvement. He profits from a combination of stimuli. The manipulation of material along with accompanying sight and sound (words and numbers seen and heard) will aid his learning. This student may not seem to understand or be able to concentrate or work unless totally involved. He seeks to handle, touch and work with what he is learning.

Oral testing
Tests are read to the student (or provided pre-recorded on audio tape), and student are allowed to give answers orally (or tape record their answers).

Untimed tests
Dyslexic students do not perform well under time pressure. It also takes them longer to read the questions, compose the answer in their head, and get it down on paper.

 

Eliminate or reduce spelling tests
Classroom teachers rarely teach spelling rules in the same way or same order as a dyslexia tutor. Many teachers will accept a spelling test given in a tutoring session as a replacement for the classroom test, or only grade a classroom spelling test on a small number of pre-determined words.
Don't force oral reading
Teachers should never force students with dyslexia to read out loud in front of the class. If for some reason this is absolutely necessary, warn the student in advance and show them exactly which passage they will have to read so that they can practice ahead of time.
Accept dictated homework
Dyslexic students can dictate answers much more easily and quickly than they can write them down. Allow parents to act as a scribe.
Reduce homework load
Many teachers create homework assignments by estimating how long it would take a "normal" student to complete it. They may not realize it takes a dyslexic student 3 to 4 times longer to complete the same assignment. Teachers should agree to a maximum time to spend on homework. Parents should sign the end of the homework page showing the amount of time spent on the assignment.
Grade on content, not spelling nor handwriting
Some teachers take spelling and handwriting into consideration when assigning a grade. For dyslexic children, this is not appropriate. Teachers should be asked to grade only on the content of an assignment.
Reduce copying tasks
It takes dyslexic students longer to copy information from the board, he has dysgraphia, and he may not be able to read his notes. So provide lecture notes, or discretely assign a fellow student to act as a scribe using carbonless copy paper. So when class is over, the scribe just tears off the lower sheet and gives it to him.
Alternate assignments
Teachers should offer alternative ways to show mastery of material other than a long written paper. Alternatives could include oral or video presentations, dioramas, collages, or debates.
Avoid or reduce essay tests
Multiple-choice questions are also difficult for dyslexic students due to the volume of reading required to answer them correctly.
Ask me how he learns best
Often, dyslexic students can explain strategies and techniques that help them learn to teachers. These are usually easy to incorporate into a classroom.
Technology Tools
Computer technology makes the lives of dyslexic students much less difficult while they are acquiring their basic reading, writing, and spelling skills. Here are some of the most useful technology tools I've been told about Naturally Speaking, Franklin Spelling Ace, Alpha Smart Pro, Books on Tape
Even after a dyslexic person has learned to read, recorded books are useful, especially in high school and college, where it may prove impossible to read fast enough to keep up with the demands of many different teachers.
Type to Learn
This is an excellent program that teaches both children and adults how to type by touch.
Any Word Processor
It goes without saying that once you can type, your most important technology tool will be any word processor that has a good spell checker.

 

Things I'm working on.

• More- Problem Solving
• Asking for help
• Listening

Understanding communication styles (assertive, aggressive, and passive)

• Understanding body language
• Persuasive communication
• Working on computer skills
  

I have dedicated this site to my son in hopes it would help him on his journey

                “Through the Maze” of Dyslexia.

    And if it helps anyone else at the same time it’s been all worth it.

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