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Christine S P Johnson
Dip
RSA CAES(SEN)
DipEE
MIEE
Farnborough Dyslexia &
Learning Centre
for children and adults
94,
Farnborough,
Hants. GU14 6LT
Phone:
01252 515348
e-mail - info@FDLC.co.uk
For special offers on
assessments contact us today!
Background
Because of the ways of the modern
world, it is almost essential to be able to read and write successfully.
However, about 10% of our children have moderate difficulties and 4% have severe difficulties. Children become worried by their lack of reading and spelling ability and often try to conceal it. Behavioural problems including truancy and lack of self esteem often are the result of dyslexia.
Introduction of Computers
Computers can be of considerable help to adults and
children with reading/spelling difficulties. Most are drawn towards them,
finding in their use a way of alleviating their problems. With the experience
of a professional Special Needs teacher combined with the necessary computer
programming skills, we have written our own computer based programme, which, with the skills of an individual tutor and the use of up-to-date learning methods, can provide dramatic improvements for those suffering from dyslexia
and reading/writing difficulties.
Indicators of Dyslexia
There are many indicators of Dyslexia. If
several of these symptoms are
present (particularly if they are known to be bright and intelligent) parents are
strongly advised that they should seek specialised help:
a significant
difference between achievement and potential
slow reading and/or writing
poor and/or bizarre spelling
difficulty with
sequencing (days of the week, alphabet, tables etc.)
poor balance especially when the
brain is occupied
poor short term
memory (own address, telephone number etc.)
difficulty in
carrying out more than one instruction at a time
clumsy and/or
accident prone
limited length
of concentration
poor handwriting (especially with reversals
and inversions)
confusion with
left and right
poor concept of
time
Clearly dyslexia is
widespread. Whatever the causes and symptoms,
people with dyslexia often need help to
overcome their difficulties.
There have been many attempts to devise suitable help, not all have been successful. We have devised a programme, DysCypher, which utilise
many of the more forward thinking concepts in teaching and has at its core the computer program SureSpell. Together they have proved to be extremely successful in providing a quick, enjoyable and
lasting method in overcoming the symptoms of Dyslexia.
The method is based on an holistic approach
to helping those with dyslexia with one-to-one
tuition using a multi-sensory approach (i.e. the use of
touch-typing, hearing a word, repeatedly typing the word including saying the
letters).
We work through a series of exercises which enable pupils to build up
connections between the neurons in their brain which helps to overcome their
problems. Students learn at
their own rate rather than trying to keep up with their peers. We teach coordination and balance techniques and encourage the drinking
of sufficient water.
We have found that on average, with only two hours tuition a week, a
student’s rate of learning will increase by a factor of five, allowing students
following our programme to catch up with their peers within about 1 year.
Assessments and Lessons
Our assessments look at a
person’s total difficulties by utilising the Special Needs Assessment Profile (SNAP)
which produces 18 different aspects of special needs. For our ‘Standard
Assessment’, we concentrate on reading and spelling difficulties. Full verbal
feedback is providing as well as printed results of reading and spelling tests,
the SNAP graphical profile with feedback for parents and schools. The cost is £100 but
includes a second lesson FREE for each of the first four weeks of lessons. A ‘Full Assessment’ includes a detailed
written report, which is often
required by schools and colleges for exam concessions
and costs £300. We tutor between 8.00 am and 7.00 pm each weekday, lessons lasting 55minutes. We encourage
students to attend twice a week as the progress is so much faster. Each student
works at their own pace on a computer and has an individual tutor. The cost of the first lesson in a week is £25 and subsequent lessons in the week £20.
About us
Christine and Alan are both active
church goers and have lived in Farnborough for 40 years.
They have six children, some of whom are affected by Dyslexia, one quite
severely.
Christine did her initial teacher training at
Gipsy Hill College in Kingston in the mid 60s and has been
teaching at schools within a few miles of Farnborough ever
since. She studied at the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre near Farnham in 92/93
from where she received her RSA Diploma in teaching people with Specific
Learning Difficulties. She was awarded Certificates in Advanced Educational
Studies (CAES) in Special Educational Needs at King Alfred's College in
Winchester for her studies from ‘94 to ‘97 and is a
member of the professional organisations NASEN and PATOSS.
Alan came to Farnborough when he joined the Royal Aircraft
Establishment as an apprentice in 1961. He continued to work for the MoD until
June 1999. He was awarded the MBE for his work with special radios during the
1990 Gulf conflict. Alan was a project manager for MOD working on computer
systems and software. He has now set up DysCypher Limited to manage the Farnborough
Dyslexia & Learning Centre as well as other similar centres
that may be set up.
Farnborough Dyslexia & Learning Centre
Christine and Alan combined their skills to set up the Farnborough Dyslexia & Learning Centre in September 1999. Christine gave up her
teaching (SENCo) position in a local school and Alan his work to devote their full time to help those with learning
difficulties. With the help of
their son Paul, they wrote their own program which they have been using since
September 2000 and are now very successfully helping sufferers to overcome their
dyslexia. More detailed information can be found on websites - www.FDLC.co.uk
and www.DysCypher.com.
We currently have ten tutors who have been trained in our techniques. Students, adults and children, will normally be taken from Monday to Friday, Saturday being reserved for assessments. About 40 students attend, most for two 55 minute sessions per week.
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