| Learning
Differences
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The
mental function that causes dyslexia is a gift in the
truest sense of the word: a natural ability, a talent. It is something
special that enhances the individual. Dyslexics don't
all develop the same gifts, but they do have certain
mental functions in common. Here are the basic abilities
all dyslexics share:
They
can utilize the brain's ability to alter and create
perceptions (the primary ability).
They are highly aware of the environment.
They are more curious than average.
They think mainly in pictures instead of words.
They are highly intuitive and insightful.
They think and perceive multi-dimensionally (using all
the senses).
They can experience thought as reality.
They have vivid imaginations.
These
eight basic abilities, if not suppressed, invalidated
or destroyed by parents or the educational process,
will result in two characteristics: higher than normal intelligence, and extraordinary creative
abilities. From these the true gift of dyslexia can emerge -- the gift
of mastery.
From
the The Gift of Dyslexia, by Ronald Davis (1997)
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Through hard work,
determination, and the love and support of friends and family,
Don Winkler has learned to master his learning differences,
which include dyslexia, dysgraphia and dysphasia. In
Don's Own Words has speeches and In
The News has articles that will give you insights into
how he did it, and how others might do the same.
An active participant
in civic life, Don is a national spokesperson in educating
people about learning differences. He is a board member
of the International
Dyslexia Association, and of the National
Center for Learning Disabilities, and has served as a
Trustee of the Forman School in Litchfield, CT, which educates
learning-different children.
Don has received
many e-mails from parents, educators, and other visitors to
this Web site who have been kind enough to share their struggles,
ideas and successes. Read their stories and Don's responses
on the WinkExchange.
For a free booklet
and information about learning disabilities, call the toll-free
hotline 1-888-GR8-MIND (1-888-478-6463), sponsored by the
Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities and funded
by the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation. Also, check out
the On Line LD Resource Guide below, which was compiled
by the Hello
Friend/Ennis William Cosby Foundation.
ON LINE LD RESOURCE GUIDE INDEX (select
one of the subject headings below)
ON
LINE SUPPORT SERVICES
EnabledOnline
website:http://www.enabledonline.com
e-mail: info@enabledonline.com
Hello Friend/Ennis
William Cosby Foundation
The Hello Friend/Ennis
William Cosby Foundation was established by Drs. William H.
and Camille O. Cosby to celebrate the life and fulfill the
goals and dreams of Ennis William Cosby. His common greeting
to friends, old and new, inspired the name of the Foundation,
which was formed in 1997. The Foundation is dedicated to:
- being a friend
to all people with dyslexia and language-based learning
differences,
- recognizing and
celebrating their gifts,
- opening the doors
of learning to them, and
- helping them
to reach their full potential.
Check out this upbeat
and informative website, which features stories of hope, tips
for teachers, parents and students, and information about
understanding learning differences.
Hello Friend/Ennis
William Cosby Foundation
P. O. Box 4061
Santa Monica, CA 90411
website: http://www.hellofriend.com
LD on Line
- An Interactive Guide to Learning Disabilities
This well designed
and organized website should be the "next stop"
for any parent, teacher, professional or other individual
looking for up-to-date, in-depth information about learning
disabilities. It includes introductory and detailed writings
on a wide range of topics, a national calendar of events,
an extensive network of national and local resources; art
work and writings by children, parents, and other individuals
with learning disabilities; discussion groups with parents
and national experts; a bookstore and more.
Coordinated Campaign
for Learning Disabilities
1200 New York Avenue, Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20005-1754
website: http://www.ldonline.org
e-mail: ldonline@weta.com
LD Resources
Meet the creative
and energetic Richard and Anne Wanderman on this website,
and explore its contents: a variety of resources for the learning
disabilities community and a special focus on learning and
technology. The site includes essays, lists of resources,
software to download, and contact information for national
and regional organizations, conferences, and schools.
website: http://www.ldresources.com
e-mail: richard@ldresources.com
Michigan
State Improvement Grant
The
Michigan Department of Education publishes a newsletter, "Investing
in our Students," aimed at bringing together home, school
and community resources to improve the performance of students
with disabilities, including learning differences. The newsletter
is published nine times per year and is available at the Michigan
SIP site.
website:
http://www.michigansipsig.match.org.
Special Education
Resources on the Internet (SERI)
SERI is a large
collection of Internet sites of interest to those involved
in the fields related to Special Education.
website:http://www.hood.edu/seri
Tennessee
Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia
The
Center for Dyslexia site is designed to be informative for
parents, teachers, and researchers and to announce services
available through the Center. This Center's operation is funded
by the Tennessee legislature and all services are free of
charge.
website: http://www.mtsu.edu/~dyslexia/
e-mail: cwhite@mtsu.edu
NATIONAL
ORGANIZATIONS FOR LEARNING DISABILITIES AND DYSLEXIA
International
Dyslexia Association (IDA)
formerly "The
Orton Dyslexia Society"
The IDA is an international,
non-profit, scientific and educational organization dedicated
to the study and treatment of dyslexia. It was first established
nearly 50 years ago to continue the pioneering work of Dr.
Samuel T. Orton, who was one of the first to identify dyslexia
and its remediation. IDA offers an international network that
brings professionals in the field of dyslexia and parents
together for a common purpose. Contact IDA for referral services
for testing and tutoring, and for free information on assistive
technologies; medical and educational research; national and
local conferences and seminars; legislation; public awareness
and effective teaching methods.
International Dyslexia
Association
8600 LaSalle Road, Chester Building, Suite 382
Baltimore, MD 21286-2044
phone: (800) ABCD123 (for general information)
phone: (410) 296-0232 (for detailed information)
fax: (410) 321-5069
website: http://www.interdys.org
e-mail: info@interdys.org
Learning Disabilities
Association of America (LDA)
LDA was founded
in 1964 by a group of concerned parents. Today it has 50 state
affiliates, more than 775 local chapters, and over 60,000
members, including parents, professionals, and others. LDA
is devoted to defining and finding solutions for a broad spectrum
of learning problems. For a free packet of information and
referral to the nearest chapter, contact:
Learning Disabilities
Association of America
4156 Library Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15234-1349
phone: (888) 300-6710
phone: (412) 341-1515
fax: (412) 344-0224
website: http://www.ldanatl.org
e-mail: ldanatl@usaor.net
National Center
for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
NCLD is committed
to "improving the lives of the millions of Americans
affected by learning disabilities." It provides information,
services, and programs nationwide to benefit children and
adults with learning disabilities, their families, educators,
and other helping professionals. Resources and services include:
national information and referral (including an extensive
computerized database with state by state resource listings
of schools, diagnostic clinics, etc.); educational programs,
including national and regional summits; public outreach and
communications; and legislative advocacy and public policy.
They publish an outstanding, informative magazine, Their
World, and will send free information on a variety of
topics.
National Center
for Learning Disabilities
381 Park Avenue South, Suite 1401
New York, NY 10016
phone: (888) 575-7373 (for general information)
phone: (212) 545-7510 (for detailed information)
fax: (212) 545-9665
website: http://www.ncld.org
Recordings
for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D)
RFB&D was established
in 1948 to provide recorded textbooks to veterans blinded
in World War II. Today, RFB&D provides educational materials
at every academic level in recorded and computerized formats
to individuals who are unable to use standard print. Books,
texts, and reference materials are available to people with
dyslexia, or with visual, perceptual, or physical disabilities.
Recordings for the
Blind and Dyslexic
20 Roszel Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
phone: (800) 221-4792
phone: (609) 452-0606
fax: (609) 987-8816
website: http://www.rfbd.org
e-mail: custserv@rfbd.org
SchwabLearning.org
The Schwab Foundation for Learning is a nonprofit organization
that is dedicated to “helping kids with learning differences be successful
in learning and life.” The Foundation, based in San Mateo, CA, has
collaborative ties to research and advocacy organizations nationwide,
including the Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities and the
National Institutes of Health. Schwab Learning.org, a parent’s guide to
learning differences, is on the web at www.SchwabLearning.org
Schwab Learning
1650 South Amphlett Boulevard
San Mateo, CA 94402
Telephone: 650. 655.2410
website: http://www.schwablearning.org
NATIONAL
ORGANIZATIONS FOR ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
Attention
Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
ADDA has a particular
interest in the needs of adults with ADD, but their services
do address children and family issues. They provide information
and local resources as well as an annual conference about
adults and ADD.
Attention Deficit
Disorder Association
P.O. Box 972
Mentor, OH 44601
phone: (800) 487-2282 (for general information)
phone: (440) 350-9595
fax: (440) 350-0223
website: http://www.add.org
e-mail: natladda@aol.com
Children &
Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CH.A.D.D.)
CH.A.D.D. "works
to improve the lives of people with ADD." It is a national
organization with over 32,000 members and more than 500 chapters,
providing support and information. CH.A.D.D. has four primary
objectives: 1) to maintain a support network for parents who
have children with ADD and adults with ADD; 2) to provide
a forum for continuing education of parents, professionals,
and adults with ADD about the disability; 3) to be a community
resource for information about ADD; and 4) to make the best
educational experiences available to children with ADD so
that their specific difficulties will be recognized and appropriately
managed within educational settings.
Children & Adults
with Attention Deficit Disorder
499 NW 70th Avenue, Suite 101
Plantation, FL 33317
phone: (800) 233-4050 (for general information)
phone: (954) 587-3700
fax: (954) 587-4599
website: http://www.chadd.org
e-mail: national@chadd.org
NATIONAL
ORGANIZATIONS FOR SPEECH, LANGUAGE AND HEARING DISORDERS
American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association (ASHA)
ASHA is a membership
organization comprised of speech/language pathologists and
audiologists. It also provides information and referrals to
the public on speech, language, communication, and hearing
disorders.
American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association
10801 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852
phone: (800) 638-8255
phone: (301) 897-5700
fax: (301) 571-0457
website: http://www.asha.org
NATIONAL
ORGANIZATIONS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
Association
on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)
AHEAD is an international,
multicultural membership organization of post-secondary institutions
and professionals committed to full participation in higher
education for persons with disabilities. AHEAD’s members
are typically involved in the development of policy and in
the provision of support services to persons with disabilities
in higher education. The Association offers training programs,
workshops, publications and conferences.
Association of Higher
Education and Disability
P.O. Box 21192
Columbus, OH 43221-0192
phone: (614) 488-4972
fax: (614) 488-1174
website: http://www.ahead.org
e-mail: ahead@postbox.acs.ohio-state.edu
NATIONAL
ORGANIZATIONS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATORS
Council for
Exceptional Children (CEC), Division of Learning Disabilities
(DLD)
CEC is an international,
professional association with over 52,000 educator members
who are primarily special education teachers, administrators,
college faculty, and education consultants. Their principal
purpose is to advance the education of all exceptional children
and youth. DLD is the division of the CEC that focuses on
the special needs of individuals with learning disabilities.
CEC conducts an annual conference and publishes a newsletter
and magazines.
Council for Exceptional
Children (CEC), Division of Learning Disabilities (DLD)
1920 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1589
phone: (888) 232-7733
phone: (703) 620-3660
website (CEC): http://www.cec.sped.org
website (DLD): http://edap.bgsu.edu/faculty/seanj/DLD
e-mail: cec@cec.sped.org
Council for
Learning Disabilities (CLD)
The CLD is an international
organization of and for professionals who establish standards
of excellence and promote innovative strategies for research
and practice through collaboration and advocacy.
Council for Learning
Disabilities
P.O. Box 40303
Overland Park, KS 66204
phone: (913) 492-8755
fax: (913) 492-2546
website: http://coe.winthrop.edu/CLD
e-mail: KMcbr41457@aol.com
INFORMATION
CLEARINGHOUSES
ERIC Clearinghouse
on Disabilities and Gifted Education (ERIC EC)
The ERIC Clearinghouse
on Disabilities and Gifted Education (ERIC EC) is part of
the U.S. Department of Education’s information network.
ERIC EC responds to requests for information on special/gifted
education, serves as a resource and referral center for the
general public, conducts general information searches, and
publishes and disseminates free or low-cost information on
special/gifted education research, programs and practices.
phone: (800) 328-0272
(V/TTY)
website: http://ericec.org
e-mail: ericec@cec.sped.org
Higher Education
and the Handicapped (HEATH)
The HEATH Resource
Center operates the national clearinghouse on post-secondary
education for individuals with disabilities. The Center serves
as an information exchange on educational support services,
policies and procedures, adaptations, and opportunities at
American campuses, vocational-technical schools, adult education
programs, independent living centers, and other post-secondary
training entities.
HEATH has started
a new electronic newsletter, published four times a year.
It contains lots of useful information. To subscribe to the
newsletter, send an e-mail message to: HEATH@ace.nche.edu
Higher Education
and the Handicapped
1 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036-1193
phone: (800) 544-3284 (for general information)
phone: (202) 939-9320 (to talk to a staff member, TTY)
fax: (202) 833-4760
website: http://www.acenet.edu
to download information and text documents (directory:
Heath Resource Center): gopher://bobcat-ace.nche.edu
e-mail: heath@ace.nche.edu
National Information
Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY)
NICHCY is an information
clearinghouse that provides free information on disabilities
and related issues, focusing on children and youths (birth
to age 35). Free services include personal responses, referrals,
technical assistance and general information searches.
National Information
Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
P.O. Box 1492
Washington, DC 20013-1492
phone: (800) 695-0285 (V/TTY)
phone: (202) 884-8200
fax: (202) 884-8441
website: http://www.nichcy.org
e-mail: nichcy@aed.org
Got
a question? Click here
to email Don! Or send an email to: dawinkler@cyberwink.com
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