Dyslexia Is a Gift http://www.dyslexia.com/bookstore/giftbook.htm

Why is dyslexia a gift?

Dyslexic people are visual, multi-dimensional thinkers. We are intuitive and highly creative, and excel at hands-on learning. Because we think in pictures, it is sometimes hard for us to understand letters, numbers, symbols, and written words.
We can learn to read, write and study efficiently when we use methods geared to our unique learning style.

What is Davis Dyslexia Correction?

Davis Dyslexia Correction® provides tools to overcome problems with reading, writing, and attention focus. These methods enable children and adults to recognize and control the mental processes that cause distorted perceptions of letters and words. Once students can be sure that their perceptions are accurate, they can resolve the underlying cause of their learning difficulties through methods that build upon their creative and imaginative strengths.

Some Talented Dyslexics

Inventors/Engineers/Scientists:

Albert Einstein
Thomas Edison
Alexander Graham Bell
Artists:
Leonardo da Vinci
Walt Disney
Military/Political Strategists:
General George Patton
Winston Churchill
Woodrow Wilson
Performers:
Cher
Whoopi Goldberg
Danny Glover
Athletes:
Greg Louganis
Bruce Jenner
Jackie Stewart

About the International Dyslexia Association!

About IDA

With over 13,000 members, we are the oldest organization of its kind in the United States serving individuals with dyslexia, their families, and professionals in the field. Since we do not receive government funding, our annual budget is funded by private donations, membership dues, foundation grants, sale of publications, conferences, and other developmental efforts. IDA has an all volunteer Board of Directors.

IDA focuses its resources in four major areas: information and referral services, research, advocacy and direct services (conferences and training) for professionals working with individuals with dyslexia.

We provide information:

To approximately 30,000 people annually via phone, mail and e-mail.Through our website to more than 250,000 visitors yearly.Through 40+ branches that conduct local conferences, seminars and support groups.By hosting an annual international conference that brings over 200 experts in the field together with approximately 3,000 individuals who are concerned with the issue of dyslexia and other learning disabilities.Through publications and newsletters.

In addition, we fund research on neurological, educational and developmental issues as they relate to dyslexia. We advocate for the rights of individuals with dyslexia both through legal and Federal legislative systems.

Nowhere else can a person discover such a full range of useful information, practices, and research about dyslexia than through The International Dyslexia Association!

What is Dyslexia Anyway?

Dyslexia Basics

Definition of Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge. Adopted by the IDA Board of Directors: November 12, 2002


What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia may experience difficulties in other language skills such as spelling, writing, and speaking. Dyslexia is a life-long status. However, its impact can change at different stages in a person's life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment.

What causes dyslexia?

The exact causes of dyslexia are still not completely clear, but anatomical and brain imagery studies show differences in the way the brain of a dyslexic person develops and functions. Moreover, people with dyslexia have been found to have problems with discriminating sounds within a word, a key factor in their reading difficulties. Dyslexia is not due to either lack of intelligence or a desire to learn; with appropriate teaching methods dyslexics can learn successfully.

How widespread is dyslexia?

Current studies suggest that 15-20% of the population has a reading disability. Of those, 85% have dyslexia. Dyslexia occurs in people of all backgrounds and intellectual levels. In addition, dyslexia runs in families; dyslexic parents are very likely to have children who are dyslexic. Some people are identified as dyslexic early in their lives, but for others, their dyslexia goes unidentified until they get older. People who are very bright can be dyslexic. They are often gifted in areas that do not require strong language skills, such as art, computer science, design, drama, electronics, math, mechanics, music, physics, sales, and sports.

What are the effects of dyslexia?

The impact that dyslexia has is different for each person and depends on the severity of the condition and the approaches of the remediation. The most common effects are problems with reading, spelling, and writing. Some dyslexics do not have much difficulty with early reading and spelling tasks but do experience great problems when more complex language skills are required, such as grammar, understanding textbook material, and writing essays. People with dyslexia can also have problems with spoken language. They may find it difficult to express themselves clearly, or to fully comprehend what others mean when they speak. Such language problems are often difficult to recognize, but they can lead to major problems in school, in the workplace, and in relating to other people. The effects of dyslexia reach well beyond the classroom. Dyslexia can also affect a person's self-image. Students with dyslexia often end up feeling "dumb" and less capable than they actually are. After experiencing a great deal of stress due to academic problems, a student may become discouraged about continuing in school.

How is dyslexia diagnosed?

A formal evaluation is needed to discover if a person is dyslexic. The evaluation assesses intellectual ability, information processing, psycho-linguistic processing, and academic skills. It is used to determine whether or not a student is reading at the expected level, and takes into account the individual's family background and overall school performance. The testing can be conducted by trained school or outside specialists.

What are the signs of dyslexia?

The problems displayed by individuals with dyslexia involve difficulties in acquiring and using language - reading and writing letters in the wrong order is just one manifestation of dyslexia and does not occur in all cases.

Other problems experienced by dyslexics include:

Learning to speak
Organizing written and spoken language
Learning letters and their sounds
Memorizing number facts
Spelling
Reading
Learning a foreign language
Correctly doing math operations

Not all students who have difficulties with these skills are dyslexic. Formal testing is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of suspected dyslexia. How is dyslexia treated? Dyslexia is a life-long condition. With proper help people with dyslexia can learn to read and/or write well. Early identification and treatment is the key to helping dyslexics achieve in school and in life. Most people with dyslexia need help from a teacher, tutor, or therapist specially trained in using a multisensory, structured language approach. It is important for these individuals to be taught by a method that involves several senses (hearing, seeing, touching) at the same time. Many individuals with dyslexia need one-on-one help so that they can move forward at their own pace. For students with dyslexia, it is helpful if their outside academic therapists work closely with classroom teachers. Schools can implement academic modifications to help dyslexic students succeed. For example, a student with dyslexia can be given extra time to complete tasks, or help with taking notes, and/or appropriate work assignments. Teachers can give taped tests or allow dyslexic students to use alternative means of assessment. Students can benefit from listening to books-on-tape and from writing on computers. Students may also need help with emotional issues that sometimes arise as a consequence of difficulties in school. Mental health specialists can help students cope with their struggles. What are the rights of a dyslexic person?The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) define the rights of students with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities. These individuals are legally entitled to special services to help them overcome and accommodate their learning problems. Such services include education programs designed to meet the needs of these students. The Acts also protect people with dyslexia against unfair and illegal discrimination.

Campbell's Soup -Go Red

We put our heart and soul - into helping women live healthier lives:

As part of our mission to nourish people's lives everywhere, every day, Campbell continues to offer a growing variety of heart-healthy products. In addition, we've pledged $1.8 million over 3 years to help the American Heart Association raise awareness about how heart disease affects women. To further this important cause, we invite you to join us in supporting the Go Red For Women movement.

http://www.goredwithcampbells.com/address.aspx

Please visit the website and become involved... GO RED and M'm! M'm! Good!

See my dress and then create your own and also look at the dress America choose for the GO RED for Women movement!

DAY OF ACTION - SAVE THE DATE

September 27, 2008

Join in Florida's Day of Action with ServiceNation Events!

“Anyone can be great because anyone can serve.”– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thousands of communities around the nation will mobilize on September27, the Day of Action, to demonstrate the impact that service has –and could have - upon our country and the power of citizens to create large scale change.

Find out what events are happening in your community!

Support/volunteer

Hurricane Survivors Need Your Help!


Florida is hosting evacuees from the gulf coast.
Volunteers are asked to not self-deploy to the disaster area. Now is the time to give financially or get connected with a local relief organization.


CARE: The Very Best Way to Help
C
ash - Financial gifts get help to people fast
A
sk before collecting items that may not be needed
R
espond by volunteering with a local relief agency
E
veryone can help. Go to a local volunteer center

Learn how you can help our neighbors on the gulf coast.
Alabama
Louisiana
Mississippi
Texas
Visit the Volunteer Florida Disaster Web Site
Visit the Florida Donations Portal

The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated in support of the evacuation efforts from the Western Gulf Coast States. Shelters are being opened along the I-10 corridor. In coordination with the Department of Transportation's travelers information number "511", The Florida Emergency Information Line (1-800-342-3557) has been activated to provide shelter information. View shelter information.