Newsletter March 2023
Hi there – Spring arrives officially in March – and we are definitely springing into action following our AGM on Feb 25.
March 2023
Photo by: https://unsplash.com/photos/1U_n-GgkTyg
Hi there – Spring arrives officially in March – and we are definitely springing into action following our AGM on Feb 25th.
In a nutshell, we are grateful for all the WDS volunteer time.
We are exceptionally grateful for the funding that allowed Laura, our administrator, to make considerable inroads/improvements in our foundations and social media.
We were able to award 5 program bursaries and subsidise 3 teachers taking a DLS workshop.
Our Outreach, Fundraising and Community success was minimal.
We were surprised and honoured to be part of a New Zealand-led Davis initiative in Kenya!
Read the full Chair’s Report HERE.
Photo by Dayne Topkin on Unsplash
Steps are already underway to improve our situation:
We have applied for the Government’s Community Services Recovery Fund ($400M)!
One philanthropic ‘ask’ has been sent to acquire a capital fund so bursaries can be guaranteed from the interest.
Many more ‘asks’ are on their way.
We have applied to Telus StoryHive for $20,000 to create a documentary.
Grants from Canada Post, the Vancouver Foundation, the Victoria Foundation and the Loyal Protestants are also on their way.
We welcome all suggestions as to who to contact ! Thank you!
NEWS
Chris Mongomery usplash
Sharon Roberts is writing an article in each Newsletter… how dyslexia impacts our lives… this month the topic is Time Blindness.
On the first of the following month we will invite you to ‘Come to the Dyslexic Table’ a Live Chat on this topic. See our invitation below the article.
We will create a sound podcast from the Live Chat… and are really excited for us all to feel more connected.
Time Blindness: by Sharon Roberts, Davis Dyslexia Correction Facilitator, Kitchener, ON
Z Graphica usplash
I could never warm up to Alice in Wonderland. It was too crazy, too frantic. Time in Wonderland seemed troubled; topsy turvy. It’s not unlike many households today. We live at a frantic pace.
Maybe you find yourself chronically late or overwhelmed when given a project , fearing how long it would take? Do you feel constantly rushed? Does your child struggle to complete homework or doesn’t get ready even with constant reminders? Maybe you just don’t get time?
The phrase coined to identify this behavior is time blindness. It means a person is unable to sense the passing of time and it can make nearly every aspect of a person’s life more difficult.
While technology has provided aids to assist the task of reading, writing or doing math, the ability to manage time and meet deadlines remains challenging not only for that individual but for those who live, work or play with them. Tardiness makes others feel less valued and is often interpreted as inconsiderate, disrespectful or just plain rude.
Being able to shift perceptions (disorient) readily, is an innate characteristic of the dyslexic or ADHD mindset, and the root cause of time blindness. In The Gift of Learning by Ronald D. Davis, he says disorientation is not just limited to visual input but can affect a person’s sense of time. When a person readily disorients, there is no consistency in assessing how much time goes by. There is an inconsistent impression made and the person’s world speeds up or slows down in a way that is out of control. This is determined by the speed of their internal clock. I have had clients describe this as walking through a dark tunnel with no light in sight.
The Davis programs address disorientation and through creative and tactile means introduce the concept of time. Faithful use of the client’s orientation tools when facing situations involving time allows the person to input accurately so the awareness of time passing by is more spot on. Besides reducing stress, effective time management can achieve a better work/life balance, greater focus, less procrastination and more productivity. One of the key benefits of time management is greater time freedom. When you have greater time freedom, you can focus your time on setting and achieving your biggest goals. Greater time freedom also ensures you have more time to spend with family and friends; you have more time to deepen relationships and pursue new hobbies. What would you do with an extra few hours in a week?
‘COME TO THE DYSLEXIC TABLE’ ..on APRIL 1, 2023 at 4.30pm PST, 7.30pm EST to talk about this article. Please join us! Will be so much fun to hear your time challenges and solutions !
Click on the image to download your copy!
HOME TURF:
On Friday April 21, Sue and Julie are presenting a Professional Development Day session for the Sooke School District on Friday, April 21, 2023.
It is open to the public, so do feel free to share the poster!
ONTARIO CHAPTER:
FREE ONLINE EVENT, Davis Learning Strategies 2023, March 9, 3.30pm PST, 6.30pm EST.
Nadine is hosting an information session on Davis Learning Strategies with Julie Brewer, Sue Hall and an Australian Facilitator, Jan Stead. To read more and RSVP please visit Nadine’s page HERE.
Nadine Schumont is representing us at a Mother’s Day event in Stratford, Ontario..
She is also running a summer camp for her students in Stratford.. they can’t wait.. last year’s was so much fun!
FROM THE UK
Tessa Halliwell (Davis Facilitator and Autism Coach) in the UK created this amazing App. She has sketches for most of the trigger words and sometimes more than one meaning for a trigger word. This would be an asset when wondering how to guide your student towards a model that would work.
Here are the links: Apple iPad
http://bit.ly/PictureGrammarIOS
Android (phone and tablet)
Photo by Dayne Topkin on Unsplash
INTERNATIONAL NEWS FROM KAKAMEGA, KENYA AND KAZAKHSTAN:
With our wonderful Kakamega Project Team, Claire & Rachel (Davis Facilitators in New Zealand) and Geoffrey (director and lead tutor of the Math E-Zee Tutoring Institute in Kakamega county, Kenya); we are working together to build foundations for 10M dyslexic Kenyans to fully participate in education, work and community life. We’ll bring leading-edge dyslexia education methods using online tools delivered to communities in Kakamega County to start. Providing the much needed support training to remedial tutors and parents to help dyslexic children. Remedial tutors and parents want to help young people to develop effective learning skills, so they can stay in and succeed at school, and progress to higher education and employment.
To read more, meet the team, and donate visit our Campaign page HERE.
We are currently investigating an opportunity to partner with a Davis facilitator in Kazakhstan along with a team of Davis facilitators in the U.K. to bring financial support to a school dedicated to supporting children with learning difficulties (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ADD and ADHD) using our hugely successful Davis methods. Learning disabilities are not recognized at the state level so this school is a fee-paying school and desperately needs funding as there are approximately 45 children that need educational grants because they cannot afford the tuition. Sadly, poverty in Kazakhstan has been rising over the past few years. Stay tuned for more on this project.
If you know of any benefactors who would love to get involved with our international projects please contact us at info@thewds.org.
INTERESTING ARTICLES FROM DDAI:
Mental Imagery and Reading Comprehension by Abigail Marshall
Frustration! by Kelsie Olds
Educational Bias and Dyslexic Learners by Abigail Marshall
Dyslexia and ADHD: Which Is It or Is It Both? by Arije-Aike de Haas
“Evidence Based” — But does it work? by Abigail Marshall
Nadine and Sue continue to offer the Why Ty Parent Support Courses.
For more information click on the button below.
View a parent’s testimonial on our YouTube Channel HERE.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
FUNDRAISING: – need we say more – our scope widens with our resources.
Let us know if you have even a slight connection to a philanthropist, corporation, government contact who might be willing to listen to our goal.
Happy spring ! Wishing you all the best and Thank You for your support !
Sue, Laura, Julie, Nadine, Sharon, Paddy, Gisa, Tristan.
WE’VE GONE INTERNATIONAL ! The Kakamega Project.
The WDS & The Kakamega Project team are on a mission ! To provide effective dyslexia education training to developing remedial tutors and supporting parents in Kakamega County, Kenya. We are very excited and honoured to be part of this initiative and look forward to telling you how it is unfolding. Visit our Campaign page HERE.
Nadine Schumont from Picture Perfect Learning Solutions in Stratford, Ontario is happy to announce the release of her new “Neurodiversity" T-shirts and merchandise.
With every t-shirt sold, $5 will be donated to the Whole Dyslexic Society to use towards the many services offered. Click this LINK to see, and buy her exciting products.
Our Giving Guide:
Picture Perfect Learning Solutions Neurodiversity Shirts & Merchandise. Nadine Schumont has create a line of shirts and merchandise celebrating neurodiversity. You can view the range of styles and the image on the back through her store. For every shirt sold Nadine is donating $5.00 to The Whole Dyslexic Society. Check out her shop page HERE.
Purchase our Gifted with Dyslexia Pins. Purchase our Pins Here
TruEarth Eco-Friendly Laundry Soap and Products. 20% of all sales go to our Society. Please follow the link to our Tru-Earth product page to purchase. Tru-Earth Eco-Friendly Products Here
Donate a Car Canada. Looking for simple and free car removal? Donate a Car Canada accepts Vehicle Donations for The Whole Dyslexic Society. When you donate your car, truck, RV, boat, or motorcycle to The Whole Dyslexic Society through Donate A Car Canada, it will either be recycled or sold at auction (depending on its condition, age and location). Read more about Donate a Car Canada…….
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below. Read More…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video. For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
We gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. We have a variety of donor options. Thank you !
Canada Helps - General Fund
Canada Helps Tribute - Donate in honour of or in memory of a loved one.
Canada Helps Securities - A donation of securities or mutual funds is the most efficient way to give charitably. Since capital gains taxes don't apply, our charity receives the full fair market value when the security is sold, and you get a tax receipt which reflects your larger contribution. This allows you to give more and get more. TO READ MORE ABOUT DONATING SECURITIES OR MUTUAL FUNDS CLICK HERE
We are a registered charity with the PayPal Giving Fund. You can donate to our organization using your PayPal account with no fees. Thank you ! PayPal Giving Fund
Newsletter January 2023
This is it… our message for 2023 and beyond… NeuroInclusivity!
January 2023
Photo by: https://unsplash.com/@wilhazec
This is it… our message for 2023 and beyond… NeuroInclusivity!
While we work with wonderfully neurodiverse individuals, with their own talents and challenges, we aim for NeuroInclusivity. Everyone is learning able, some individuals, namely one-third of the population, just happen to learn differently from the way they are taught.
This year, hopefully with your help, we aim to make sure that as many people as possible know
why so many learning challenges exist,
why current remediation is just an extension of what hasn’t been working,
what the solutions are,
why a NeuroInclusive education system is to be sought after and how it is achieved.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Our OUTREACH program would benefit enormously from your help:
let us know, Canada wide, if your circle would like a free information session, in person or virtually
send us the contact information for the teacher who is designated to book Professional Development Day sessions,
let us know of any Conferences, PAC meetings etc. we could apply for,
Sue and Julie will be presenting a Pro D Day presentation at the Sooke Teachers’ Association Conference and have applied to the Montessori Making Tomorrow Conference, both in April.
Nadine and Sue continue to offer the Why Ty Parent Support Courses.
For more information click on the button below.
View a parent’s testimonial on our YouTube Channel HERE.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
FUNDRAISING: – need we say more – our scope widens with our resources.
Let us know if you have even a slight connection to a philanthropist, corporation, government contact who might be willing to listen to our goal.
NEWS:
Already this year we have given our website a facelift. We need to be as NeuroInclusive as possible, so if you see anything which you feel falls short of this, please let us know at info@thewds.org.
Sue’s book, Fish Don’t Climb Trees has been accepted for the Greater Victoria Emerging Authors event… wahoo !
Gisa is applying to the North Shore 100 Women Who Care for Family Summer Camp Funding on our behalf.
The Kakamega Project is taking off and there might even be an orphanage that will take part. How awesome is that? They are introducing Davis methods via the Why Ty course, but would eventually like to expand it to the Davis Learning Strategies and how incredible would that be? Visit our Kakamega Campaign page HERE.
So we are keeping this Newsletter short and sweet…we just want you to know that we are fired up and excited for 2023 and we hope you too have a fabulous year!
Sue, Laura, Julie, Nadine, Sharon, Paddy, Gisa, Tristan.
A 2023 SAVE THE DATE:
Once more, TJ Firenze of Firenze Financial is kind enough to offer us another free information session on the Disability Tax Credit procedure.
So save Tuesday, February 7 at 7pm - will be Online – Visit T.J. HERE.
Follow on Facebook T.J. Firenze - DTC Expert page specific to the DTC and other relevant topics, as well as their Firenze Financial Services page.
WE’VE GONE INTERNATIONAL ! The Kakamega Project.
The WDS & The Kakamega Project team are on a mission ! To provide effective dyslexia education training to developing remedial tutors and supporting parents in Kakamega County, Kenya. We are very excited and honoured to be part of this initiative and look forward to telling you how it is unfolding. Visit our Campaign page HERE.
Nadine Schumont from Picture Perfect Learning Solutions in Stratford, Ontario is happy to announce the release of her new “Neurodiversity" T-shirts and merchandise.
With every t-shirt sold, $5 will be donated to the Whole Dyslexic Society to use towards the many services offered. Click this LINK to see, and buy her exciting products.
Our Giving Guide:
Picture Perfect Learning Solutions Neurodiversity Shirts & Merchandise. Nadine Schumont has create a line of shirts and merchandise celebrating neurodiversity. You can view the range of styles and the image on the back through her store. For every shirt sold Nadine is donating $5.00 to The Whole Dyslexic Society. Check out her shop page HERE.
Purchase our Gifted with Dyslexia Pins. Purchase our Pins Here
TruEarth Eco-Friendly Laundry Soap and Products. 20% of all sales go to our Society. Please follow the link to our Tru-Earth product page to purchase. Tru-Earth Eco-Friendly Products Here
Donate a Car Canada. Looking for simple and free car removal? Donate a Car Canada accepts Vehicle Donations for The Whole Dyslexic Society. When you donate your car, truck, RV, boat, or motorcycle to The Whole Dyslexic Society through Donate A Car Canada, it will either be recycled or sold at auction (depending on its condition, age and location). Read more about Donate a Car Canada…….
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below. Read More…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video. For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
We gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. We have a variety of donor options. Thank you !
Canada Helps - General Fund
Canada Helps Tribute - Donate in honour of or in memory of a loved one.
Canada Helps Securities - A donation of securities or mutual funds is the most efficient way to give charitably. Since capital gains taxes don't apply, our charity receives the full fair market value when the security is sold, and you get a tax receipt which reflects your larger contribution. This allows you to give more and get more. TO READ MORE ABOUT DONATING SECURITIES OR MUTUAL FUNDS CLICK HERE
We are a registered charity with the PayPal Giving Fund. You can donate to our organization using your PayPal account with no fees. Thank you ! PayPal Giving Fund
Newsletter December 2022
Dear All – I hope you managed the adjustment from full on summer to full on winter, and soon the Christmas Holidays will be here !!! MY GOAL FOR 2023 – NeuroInclusive!
December 2022
Dear All,
Dear All – I hope you managed the adjustment from full on summer to full on winter, and soon the Christmas Holidays will be here !!!
MY GOAL FOR 2023 – Sue Hall
I have been taking some time to reflect and plan for 2023 and I am so excited because I have a new word; I thought I invented it, but apparently it already exists and now its’ my goal for 2023 – NeuroInclusive! I see this word being used alongside education… so while there are neurodiverse, neurodivergent, dyslexic, dysgraphic, dyscalculic individuals and those with ADD and ADHD, plus those on the Autism spectrum, my aim is to create an education system that will include them, rather than divide and separate as it does currently.
Along the way, I realised that I am very good at perpetuating this division. I am really good at saying Davis is different, we dyslexics are the elite thinkers, we have super powers, all of which is true, but not really in line with our true purpose of being global human beings. There’s a whole industry out there supporting this division, from the educational psychologists who label, the tutors, the special ed staff, teachers and us. Some may agree that there’s a whole ‘woke’ world out there doing the same with colour, race, religion, gender, preferences, when in fact we are simply all unique human beings.
I looked up divisive… it means creating, or tending to create, division, separation, or difference. The prefix ‘di’ means two and instantly creates a division – diversity included… and even implying that we think differently suggests there is a norm; neurotypical suggests a norm … which doesn’t exist. I discovered a study where 20 MRIs of brains were taken and superimposed to create a standard normal brain, which sounds reasonable until you realise that this resulting, so-called neurotypical brain doesn’t actually exist.
So stand by for NeuroInclusive Education in 2023! Davis Learning Strategies are already there… they provide that cognitive equal opportunity from day one. Our correction programs provide the tools and exercises for those who already have the challenges but want that equality as they progress through their education; so it already exists. Do you like that word? Can you help us by suggesting we give a Pro D Day talk at your school, or to your School District, or suggest a local library for a free information session? Attached is a flyer (HERE) that you could take to your school, there is always one teacher in charge of finding speakers for Pro Ds and I am sure he/she would be delighted to have some help. The sessions can range from 1hr to 3hrs… whatever works for them. I never charge, but always happy for travel expenses and an honorarium if that exists.
Ron has always said that people need to know there’s a problem before they will look for a solution. So we can point out that before we choose what we learn, we need to establish how we learn, because at the moment we exclude 1/3 of the population whether primary, middle, secondary and post secondary. Hopefully the word ‘exclude’ will evoke some attention. I could invite them to prioritise the cognitive equal opportunity first and then the curriculum; they need to know there is no need for early intervention, segregating, labelling and accommodations. I would invite them to investigate an inclusive education system, no more LD labels because we are all learning able. NeuroInclusivity is an achievable goal.
‘Made by Dyslexia’ got ‘Dyslexic Thinking’ into the dictionary… I’d like to know how to get NeuroInclusive into a dictionary – ‘a way of teaching/remediating that ensures all children/adults have an equal cognitive opportunity’! We could truthfully boast that we have the only truly unique NeuroInclusive approach to learning. Does anyone know how to add to a dictionary? ‘Made by Dyslexia’ also got some major funding from Microsoft which is why they can offer free one day workshops to teachers. These workshops are still perpetuating more of what caused the challenges in the first place, and accommodations, hence the team up with Microsoft …aaaarrrgggh! We need a major sponsor, one with a huge dyslexic heart, rather than a financial agenda. All this is on my 2023 wish list, so if you know of anyone who might be at all helpful/open, a corporate or government link, please let us know !
Davis Authors Around The World for the Holidays
WE’VE GONE INTERNATIONAL ! The Kakamega Project.
2 Davis Facilitators from New Zealand, Rachel Barwell and Claire Ashmore have forged a strong link with a teacher in Kenya who wants to incorporate Davis methods into his schools. Long story short, funds raised will be coming to us, and then we will distribute them to those providing the services. Laura has researched thoroughly, all the governance of our Society, the CRA laws etc. and which banking systems we need to use. This has been a huge task, but we are now able to function internationally. We are very excited and honoured to be part of this initiative and look forward to telling you how it is unfolding.
Nadine Schumont from Picture Perfect Learning Solutions in Stratford, Ontario is happy to announce the release of her new "Neurodiversity" T-shirts and merchandise.
She hopes that these shirts will also spark conversation and show solidarity with anyone who identifies as being neurodiverse. Her vision is that if a person sees one, for the first time in their life, they would feel they’re not alone in their differences but a part of something they can be excited about; they would feel united with individuals and families across the globe.
With every t-shirt sold, $5 will be donated to the Whole Dyslexic Society to use towards the many services offered and as a bonus in October every order will include a WDS Gift of Dyslexia Universal Symbol Pin.
Click this LINK to see, and buy her exciting products.
DIRECTOR, SHARON ROBERTS has submitted an article in this month’s Dyslexia The Gift Blog. Titled, You can flip the switch ! “If you think of your brain as a power grid, there are billions of pathways or roads, lighting up every time you think, feel or do something….” Read more HERE
A 2023 SAVE THE DATE:
Once more, TJ Firenze of Firenze Financial is kind enough to offer us another free information session on the Disability Tax Credit procedure.
So save Tuesday, February 7 at 7pm - will be Online – Visit T.J. HERE.
Follow on Facebook T.J. Firenze - DTC Expert page specific to the DTC and other relevant topics, as well as their Firenze Financial Services page.
THE PAST, THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE
Looking back at this year, we’ve achieved a great deal of foundational work. Our social media presence is growing on Facebook and Instagram and we have our own WDS YouTube Channel, again thanks to Laura. She is taking a digital marketing course and has attended a workshop around the legal aspects of non-profits. We have applied for several grants, Disability Alliance, Vancouver Foundation, Telus, 100 Women Who Care and Loyal Protestants. We part-funded 7 (?) teachers to attend DLS Workshops – a whole school in Saskatchewan, teachers in Victoria and Vancouver. We published a podcast series with Sue’s TEDx colleagues. Bursaries now stand at $107,893.00 to 10 Facilitators for 75 clients. We aim to make adjustments to our bursary application process to make it easier for both applicants and interviewers. Sadly, we fell short of our summer fundraising target.
FUNDRAISING
Giving Tuesday may be over, but we’ve never been that good on time, any day is giving day and there are many ways you can help us: Nadine’s clothing/merchandise, The Card Project, Donate-a-Car, Tru Earth Eco Products, Plantables, Canada Helps, and taking the Pro D Day flyer to your school. We created the new universal symbol for dyslexia.
Recently, I have had some very useful conversations re fundraising. One gentleman who has been CEO of several non-profits was full of wonderful suggestions. Next year we intend to focus on 4 areas of fundraising, the usual event and giving campaigns plus creating relationships with government and corporate individuals. I have already contacted the new Premier and my MLA. I have been talking to a cinematographer in Los Angeles, obviously dyslexic, who has set out the steps for a visual campaign. 2023 is looking good right now !
OCTOBER – DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH
Some of you may have seen the Koosh Ball Toss videos that brought Davis Facilitators from all over the world together. We all had so much fun making our films, and again, thanks to Laura the full compilation is now on YouTube.
SO… we all hope you have a fabulous December, that you stay warm, have some well deserved down-time and we always look forward to hearing from you !
Sue, Laura, Julie, Nadine, Sharon, Paddy, Gisa, Tristan.
Our Giving Guide:
Picture Perfect Learning Solutions Neurodiversity Shirts & Merchandise. Nadine Schumont has create a line of shirts and merchandise celebrating neurodiversity. You can view the range of styles and the image on the back through her store. For every shirt sold Nadine is donating $5.00 to The Whole Dyslexic Society. Check out her shop page HERE.
Our $20for20 Fundraising Campaign Page with Canada Helps. Visit our donation page HERE.
Purchase our Gifted with Dyslexia Pins. Purchase our Pins Here
TruEarth Eco-Friendly Laundry Soap and Products. 20% of all sales go to our Society. Please follow the link to our Tru-Earth product page to purchase. Tru-Earth Eco-Friendly Products Here
Donate a Car Canada. Looking for simple and free car removal? Donate a Car Canada accepts Vehicle Donations for The Whole Dyslexic Society. When you donate your car, truck, RV, boat, or motorcycle to The Whole Dyslexic Society through Donate A Car Canada, it will either be recycled or sold at auction (depending on its condition, age and location). Read more about Donate a Car Canada…….
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below. Read More…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
We have Note Cards for sale at The Card Project. Visit The Card Project Here
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video. For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
We gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. We have a variety of donor options. Thank you !
Canada Helps - General Fund
Canada Helps Tribute - Donate in honour of or in memory of a loved one.
Canada Helps Securities - A donation of securities or mutual funds is the most efficient way to give charitably. Since capital gains taxes don't apply, our charity receives the full fair market value when the security is sold, and you get a tax receipt which reflects your larger contribution. This allows you to give more and get more.
We are a registered charity with the PayPal Giving Fund. You can donate to our organization using your PayPal account with no fees. Thank you ! PayPal Giving Fund
Newsletter October 2022
October 2022
Dear Everyone,
Dear Everyone… wow… we got the warm summer days we desperately needed, and some of us are enjoying slightly chilly mornings followed by lovely warm afternoons! We hope you all had fabulous summer holidays and have managed a smooth transition into the school routine. We have lots of news for you….
OCTOBER IS DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH… and we Davis Facilitators are hoping to make an impression/improve awareness worldwide.
We are creating The Davis Worldwide Koosh Ball Toss !!! Do you remember those Tik Tok or FB films that appeared during CoVid to help us feel connected ? Well, Facilitators and their students are creating one with Koosh balls. We’d love you to join us! Visit our instruction page HERE.
As ever we hope you will be part of our PINS becoming the universal symbol for dyslexia as they are a positive reminder of our Gift of Dyslexia.
They can start a conversation towards everyone is learning able… some children just don’t learn the way they are taught. Send friends, family teachers to this page HERE.
Nadine Schumont from Picture Perfect Learning Solutions in Stratford, Ontario is happy to announce the release of her new "Neurodiversity" T-shirts and merchandise.
She hopes that these shirts will also spark conversation and show solidarity with anyone who identifies as being neurodiverse. Her vision is that if a person sees one, for the first time in their life, they would feel they’re not alone in their differences but a part of something they can be excited about; they would feel united with individuals and families across the globe.
With every t-shirt sold, $5 will be donated to the Whole Dyslexic Society to use towards the many services offered and as a bonus in October every order will include a WDS Gift of Dyslexia Universal Symbol Pin.
Click this LINK to see, and buy her exciting products.
OUTREACH
As Sue has moved to Vancouver Island, she has started free – in person – information talks – such a treat to see real people !
Following on from her TEDx talk, Sue is taking a TED Ed Masterclass, with a view to lessons going out on the TED Ed site.
Tristan is gathering speakers for a new round of Podcasts – all suggestions welcome ! Sue is hoping for Joe Rogan (ADD) and Russell Brand
If anyone would like a Pro D Presentation at their school – please just drop us a line – in person or on Zoom, no problem.
COMMUNITY.. we are delighted to say that we now have a significant connections with:
Daily Wonder HomeLearning program. Sue was interviewed by Jennifer on Instagram. The link is HERE but be warned, her film quality is very blurry...not sure why !
The message is clear enough. Sue is offering a free interview/assessment to their members, and in return they are offering one free homeschooling unit to anyone who is referred by us.
SO if anyone is contemplating homeschooling and would like to see what is out there and might have a leaning towards Waldorf education, let Sue know. Contact Sue HERE. Visit Daily Wonder Homelearning HERE.
The Industry Trades Association has been funding Davis Dyslexia Correction programs over the past couple of years and now they want us to be part of a conversation about how best to support those with learning differences, including those on the Autism Spectrum… very exciting !
Sue has given 3 presentations to The Pathfinder Youth Centre Society. Each time there are more than a dozen young people who are the best audience ever!
School has not been their best experience and for them, it is such a relief to find out that there is nothing wrong with them, it was just the system than let them down.
We need more bursary money to be able to help them !!! Here is a LINK to an email Sue received, and we have permission to include this in the ‘need’ section of our Grant Applications..
FUNDRAISING
As mentioned, Sue and Laura have submitted grant applications to the Vancouver Foundation, Telus and the Disability Alliance.
As part of this onerous task, Laura created this fantastic bar graph which shows that since 2003 we have received $104,650.00 for bursaries and issued $104,643.00.
This is a terrific record as our administrative costs have always come out of our general funds rather than the actual bursary fund…this is quite rare in the non-profit world!
So please encourage your friends/families/colleagues to help us through a ‘bursary money dry patch’ at the moment… our $20 for 20 years is open for the rest of this year. Visit our $20 for 20 page HERE.
SUMMER FUN
Nadine's Picture Perfect Learning Solutions offered its first-ever overnight camp this August! Parents, campers, and a few siblings headed up to Camp Klahanie in Goderich for a weekend filled with fun and games. The kids had a blast with the pinata, kickball ice cream, time at the beach, campfires, music, an outdoor movie, and of course our scavenger hunt! This event was open to anyone ages who had taken a program with Nadine through PPLS and siblings were invited as well to join in the fun. We are looking forward to making this event an annual one and can't wait to see what new things are in store for next summer's camp. See photos here
Sue is hoping to get Camp Elphinstone off the ground in 2023.. finally !
ADMINISTRATION
Laura, our intrepid Administrator, despite challenges this summer that would have knocked out the faint hearted, is excited to be attending several workshops from which we will benefit:
Digital Marketing Bootcamp
Blumberg Charity Law Institute conference, October 3rd
Small Charities Masterclass with Canada Helps
She is investigating:
SFU certificate program for non-profit Administrators
Imagine Canada who provide Charity Accreditation. We would work with coaches throughout the application process. It is cost prohibitive at the moment (costs to get accredited and then a yearly 500.00 fee).
The accredited charities are organizations like Autism Canada, Unicef, YMCA, etc. They work with us in 5 key areas: Board Governance, Financial accountability and transparency, Fundraising, Staff Management, Volunteer involvement.
West Vancouver Foundation’s Thriving Non Profits. There is funding support through WVF as the program is $1000.00. It would help us investigate and develop multiple revenue streams.
It consists of Online, Peer Learning and there is a coach for our organization.
She has met with Foundation Search and Grants Advance. We are so blessed to have her skills, creativity and dedication working for us.
A 2023 SAVE THE DATE:
Once more, TJ Firenze of Firenze Financial is kind enough to offer us another free information session on the Disability Tax Credit procedure.
So save Tuesday, February 7 at 7pm - will be Online – Visit T.J. HERE.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL – your Board – Sue, Laura, Paddy, Nadine, Sharon, Julie, Gisa, Tristan
Our Giving Guide:
Our $20for20 Fundraising Campaign Page with Canada Helps. Visit our donation page HERE.
Purchase our Gifted with Dyslexia Pins. Purchase our Pins Here
TruEarth Eco-Friendly Laundry Soap and Products. 20% of all sales go to our Society. Please follow the link to our Tru-Earth product page to purchase. Tru-Earth Eco-Friendly Products Here
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below. Read More…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
We have Note Cards for sale at The Card Project. Visit The Card Project Here
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video. For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
We gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. We have a variety of donor options. Thank you !
Canada Helps - General Fund
Canada Helps Tribute - Donate in honour of or in memory of a loved one.
Canada Helps Securities - A donation of securities or mutual funds is the most efficient way to give charitably. Since capital gains taxes don't apply, our charity receives the full fair market value when the security is sold, and you get a tax receipt which reflects your larger contribution. This allows you to give more and get more.
We are a registered charity with the PayPal Giving Fund. You can donate to our organization using your PayPal account with no fees. Thank you ! PayPal Giving Fund
Photo Credits: Photo by Honey Yanibel Minaya Cruz on Unsplash, Photo by Scott Goodwill on Unsplash, Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash, Photo by Chang Duong on Unsplash
Newsletter August 2022
August 2022
Dear All,
It’s that time again…this year’s fundraising campaign is based on $20 for our 20 years. Simplest plan… please donate any multiple of $20 here…
To add fun to the $20 we offer some suggestions to go with your summer holidays or back to school activities HERE…
Let’s make this a bumper year… $20,000 would be a fabulous goal to achieve!
Thank you !
And WHY… WHY DO WE DO WHAT WE DO… ? This is Why….
“A is graduating this month from High School.... She has found that she has a very scientific brain and has her highest makes and school success in classes such as AP Biology, Environmental Science, and Psychology. She made the choice to take extra math classes through grade 11 and 12 working her way through the workplace programs, and the foundations programs. She has experienced top marks in the class for a few presentations and projects for the first time, and it has given her so much confidence. Last summer she was a tour guide at our little local museum, delivering a strict speech and answering questions. They have asked her back for a more senior position this season. She is off to Central America this fall/winter for travel, and mainly for the ocean and swimming. Her passions include ocean clean up and she going to get involved in beach and coastal clean up. Getting the plastic out of the ocean. She has been accepted to UVic and Camoson College and plans to attend after gap year.”
“On and on I could go, but we want you to know how much your program helped our family all those years ago. Every little skill we learn, and each new approach offers some insight and help. I’ve sure noticed as my kids have matured through the senior levels of high school and how a lot about their education and dyslexia falls into place. It’s less about the reading and writing, and much more about their wonderful skill set of being adaptive and creative and patient and thoughtful. Funny little things they’ve noticed like they never get lost, they always know where they park the car in the city, where as their friends don’t! The kids are both great with money and saving.”
Thank you again ...their Mom
“E returned from his third year of Apprentice Electrical school this spring and is back on the tools. He is one of only two electricians at his level with his company that passed 3rd year school. He works hard and values his education. He now drives a company fleet vehicle, and is starting to train first year apprentices on some job sites, while still developing his own skills and education on bigger more complex homes and buildings.”
From Sue Jutson, Davis Facilitator in Vancouver: Bobby received a bursary from WDS late last year and he went on to do a Reading program with me. Once he completed it he enrolled at VCC in 2 English classes. Although depression was a constant for him through the winter especially he remained dedicated and still got A’s in both classes. So now he has officially graduated from high school, and is starting to believe in what he is capable of - good story, right?But there is more - With this new found confidence and belief in himself he applied to Langara’s theatre program “Studio 58” (theatre is his dream). This involved an audition for which he was very nervous. Normally it takes 2 to 3 auditions and applications to be accepted, Bobby was accepted with his first try! He is now gardening his way (my garden just gets better and better) to an ADHD program so he can manage his life and those important “Life Concepts" in a more regulated way. Good story continues, right?To add to that….He also received help from the tax expert WDS mentioned to him during his interview AND he got organized with their help, and received some back issued tax credit funding - he bought himself a computer (was using the library ones for his time at VCC), a printer, a bike, and paid off his debts. As you can imagine he feels excited about his future. His confidence in his own abilities has really improved… This brings us to May; there will be more to come, of that I’m sure :)
The tax expert mentioned is T.J.Firenze tj@firenzefinancial.ca, 604.312.8642, who donates her services.
INTERESTING READING:
Dr James Davies, Oxon – author of Psychiatry and Big Pharma: Exposed
Watch HERE
Very long…but fascinating in an eye-opening way. His voice is an easy listen in an Eddie Redmayne way.
In 2013 dyslexia was added to The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Health) and it baffled me… its not a mental disorder…we all know its the result of a natural ability to alter perception in response to confusion and our education system. Anyway… its in there. Have you noticed an explosion of mental health issues, this might be why - Dr. Davies says many of the so-called mental disorders are normal, painful experiences.
SUPERIOR RACE CONFIRMED: Dyslexia isn't a disorder, it's essential to how our species adapt, say researchers….read more HERE,
DEVELOPMENTAL DYSLEXIA ESSENTIAL TO HUMAN ADAPTIVE SUCCESS…read more HERE.
PREVENTION
While we continue to support teachers out there (Wildflower School, Nelson BC, Prairie Christian Academy, Saskatoon, Montessori schools in Victoria, BC) using Davis Learning Strategies with their children, there have been two very exciting developments.
Cala Dyck, a newly qualified Facilitator in Vancouver, has been working at Southlands School which is a very wonderful ‘outdoor/riding’ initiative. We were able to help fund 3 of their teachers to attend a DLS Workshop and now they are all ready to take their new skills into the new school year.
Two New Zealand Facilitators have made a connection with a Math teacher in Kenya. They are planning to make the Why Ty series available to tutors and parents and have asked for our help in doing so. We are extremely excited to be part of this very worthwhile project. We honestly didn’t know that we are able to contribute worldwide, but we are, so we look forward to our broader horizons!
COMMUNITY - SUMMER TIPS
Sharon Roberts (Board Director, Ontario) has shared some tips from her summer newsletters:
Lots of Physical Exercise: We know that exercise boosts memory and thinking skills, but now, researchers have shown for the first time that physical activity can increase the size of children’s brains and improve academic performance. Wahoo !
Get Out in Nature: Spending time in nature can act as a balm for our busy brains. University of Chicago psychologist Marc Berman, PhD, and his student Kathryn Schertz reported, that green spaces near schools promote cognitive development in children and green views near children’s homes promote self-control behavior. Experiments have found that being exposed to natural environments improves working memory, cognitive flexibility and attentional control, while exposure to urban environments is linked to attention deficits (Current Directions in Psychological Science, Vol. 28, No. 5, 2019). No Nature Deficit Disorder for us !
Sleep: Healthy sleep is absolutely essential to a brain healthy life. Sleep rejuvenates all the cells in your body, gives brain cells a chance to repair themselves, helps wash away toxins that build up during the day, and activates neuronal connections that might otherwise deteriorate due to inactivity. My favourite !
Food: You guessed it.. avoid sugar and processed foods ( as they often have hidden sugars). Sugar has a long-term effect on learning. A comprehensive study at UCLA showed that …..because of the numerous effects sugar has on brain pathways and neurotransmitters, the scientists in the study concluded that sugar “over the long term alters your brain's ability to learn and remember information.” It is recommended that 7 to 10 year old get no more than 24 g of sugar; 11 years to adults no more than 30 g (7 sugar cubes) There are 39 grams of sugar in one 12 oz can of Coke and 21 grams of sugar in 1 cup of orange juice.
Water. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academics has the following recommendation for kids:
Children 1-3 yrs: 4 cups per day
Boys and girls 4-8 yrs: 5 cups per day
Girls 9-13 yrs: 7 cups per day
Boys 9-13 yrs: 8 cups per day
Girls 14-18 yrs: 8 cups per day
Boys 14-18 yrs: 11 cups per day
All really easy right ?
TUITION EXPENSES - TAX BENEFITS FOR SELF EMPLOYED AND BUSINESS OWNERS. Below is a communication from our friends at Firenze Financial. They have provided our families with help for the Disability Tax Credit application process. Here is a tip regarding tuition expenses and childcare expenses. Contact Firenze HERE.
“As we approach the end of the summer, our focus returns to the upcoming school year. Therefore, I invite you to consider a few ways that eligible tuition payments can be converted into a valuable taxable benefit for you and your family.
For many business owners and self-employed individuals, this could drastically reduce your family’s yearly expenses. The financial future is becoming increasingly uncertain; as inflation and debt continue to pressure us all, our family’s future has never been more critical.
Registering your business with a no-cost Health Spending Account with Firenze Financial Services Inc. is one way to save thousands of dollars each year on essential and everyday expenses.
· Elective and therapeutic procedures.
· Costs not covered by your extended health plan.
· Additional eligible expenses such as other childcare expenses, including tuition. And much more.
You must be registered before any expenses can be eligible for these deductions – so do not hesitate. Please get in touch with us today, and we can walk you through the easy set-up.”
Wishing you a beautiful late Summer !
Sue, Laura, Paddy, Nadine, Sharon, Julie, Gisa, Tristan
Our Giving Guide:
Our $20for20 Fundraising Campaign Page with Canada Helps. Visit our donation page HERE.
Purchase our Gifted with Dyslexia Pins. Purchase our Pins Here
TruEarth Eco-Friendly Laundry Soap and Products. 20% of all sales go to our Society. Please follow the link to our Tru-Earth product page to purchase. Tru-Earth Eco-Friendly Products Here
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below. Read More…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
We have Note Cards for sale at The Card Project. Visit The Card Project Here
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video. For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
We gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. We have a variety of donor options. Thank you !
Canada Helps - General Fund
Canada Helps Tribute - Donate in honour of or in memory of a loved one.
Canada Helps Securities - A donation of securities or mutual funds is the most efficient way to give charitably. Since capital gains taxes don't apply, our charity receives the full fair market value when the security is sold, and you get a tax receipt which reflects your larger contribution. This allows you to give more and get more.
We are a registered charity with the PayPal Giving Fund. You can donate to our organization using your PayPal account with no fees. Thank you ! PayPal Giving Fund
Photo Credits: Photo by Honey Yanibel Minaya Cruz on Unsplash, Photo by Scott Goodwill on Unsplash, Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash, Photo by Chang Duong on Unsplash
Newsletter May 2022
Happy Spring ! Join us to Celebrate our 20th Birthday with $20for20 Fundraising Campaign
May 2022
Dear All … short Newsletter… lots of news!
In April we basked in our glory, and took the time to plan our 2022 major fundraising effort to celebrate our 20th year.
In May – we are getting ready for this year’s fundraiser - $20 for 20. We are sending out 20+ quotes/testimonials validating what we do and why we do it.
During June/July/August – we launch the $20 for 20 challenges and an Ontario invitation to visit Europe without leaving the province! AND for the month of June, Canada Helps will enter us into a competition to win $20,000 !!! - every dollar donated to our Charity during their Great Canadian Giving Challenge will give us an entry….read more.
20 Challenges for June-August: Below are a few of the challenges we are contemplating - if you can think of some brilliant challenges – please let us know asap – you have such great imaginations!
Maybe even better, create a dyslexic TikTok dance/challenge that goes viral ???
Walking 20 minutes for 20 days straight
Surviving 20 days without chocolate challenge (that one’s for me!)
Cycling 20 kms 20 times
Go 20 days without any electronic games! (parents might pay more for that!)
Read 20 books June/July/August
20 Quotes – Where Dyslexia Minds go! We are collecting some priceless quotes – here are a few examples – please do send us some more – they are too good not to repeat !
“why do they call it the second hand, when in fact it’s the third hand?” SOOO logical…!
Also when learning to tell time, I said “the little hand tells us the hours and the big hand tells us the minutes…” my client says “no, it’s the other way around… the hour hand is fatter than the minute hand” so now I say “the short fat hand tells us the hours and the tall skinny hand tells us the minutes. NEVER make assumptions!
A client with a goal of being able to read better, asked me to read one page, and him one page…I replied “no chance… who are we doing this for? I can read.. .” to which he replied “you can never be too good at anything.” LOVE it…!
We are deeply saddened at the sudden passing of Joe Wozny who was our Chair for several years up to 2012.
He was our voice of reason on the Board; he never minded meeting me at Tim Horton’s to discuss the bigger picture and how to get there. Some of you may remember our Caesar’s Palace Casino Night ? It was a spectacular fundraiser and Joe made sure his band was dressed Vegas style and got us all up and dancing. He led the way whether at work or on the ski hill and I have a feeling he will continue to do so… thank you Joe for all your humour, expertise and generosity, we miss you!
Davis Learning Strategies for K-3 classroom teachers, and homeschoolers are prominent in our goals.
June 6/7 Online, June 9/10 in person in Texas, and possibly one more in August, online.
We are delighted to see that more and more schools are becoming interested.
A school in Nelson has been using these strategies for over a year now;
a teacher from an elementary Montessori School in Victoria took a recent workshop;
a school in Saskatchewan sent all the teachers, EAs and admin staff which is beyond wonderful;
Julie has enjoyed using the strategies with her pre-school Montessori students and
we now have schools in Ontario and BC interested in taking future workshops. We are noticing that the best results appear to result from a whole school adopting these changes… here’s to many more fabulously open educators!
Youth Philanthropy Initiative: Some of you may be familiar with this ? High School students are encouraged to pick a charity, gather information about what the do and present this information to their class.
The winners go through to a final and the winners of the final are awarded $1,000.00. You can imagine we were delighted to hear from three young men who attend Heritage Woods Secondary School, Port Moody.
Here is the link to their script… we find it very useful to see their ‘spin’ on the work that we do. We are very lucky to have these young men in our world… enjoy !
Wishing you a beautiful spring !
Sue, Laura, Paddy, Nadine, Sharon, Julie, Gisa, Tristan
Our Giving Guide:
Our $20for20 Fundraising Campaign Page with Canada Helps. Visit our donation page HERE.
Purchase our Gifted with Dyslexia Pins. Purchase our Pins Here
Plantables.ca Garden Ready Plants & Kits shipped to your door. Ontario & Quebec only. We receive 10% of every sale. Please follow the link to our Plantables information page.
Plantables Garden Ready Plants Here
TruEarth Eco-Friendly Laundry Soap and Products. 20% of all sales go to our Society. Please follow the link to our Tru-Earth product page to purchase. Tru-Earth Eco-Friendly Products Here
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below. Read More…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
We have Note Cards for sale at The Card Project. Visit The Card Project Here
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video. For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
We gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. We have a variety of donor options. Thank you !
Canada Helps - General Fund
Canada Helps Tribute - Donate in honour of or in memory of a loved one.
Canada Helps Securities - A donation of securities or mutual funds is the most efficient way to give charitably. Since capital gains taxes don't apply, our charity receives the full fair market value when the security is sold, and you get a tax receipt which reflects your larger contribution. This allows you to give more and get more.
We are a registered charity with the PayPal Giving Fund. You can donate to our organization using your PayPal account with no fees. Thank you ! PayPal Giving Fund
Photo Credits: Photo by Honey Yanibel Minaya Cruz on Unsplash, Photo by Scott Goodwill on Unsplash, Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash, Photo by Chang Duong on Unsplash
Newsletter Birthday Edition ! April 2022
The Whole Dyslexic Society’s 20th Birthday, April 2022!
April 2022
Photo by Deva Williamson on Unsplash
The Whole Dyslexic Society’s 20th Birthday, April 2022!
Sometimes you can be forgiven for looking back and allowing yourself the luxury of wallowing in your achievements, and our 20th birthday is just such an opportunity. For the month of April, we’ve decided to ‘bask’ in a glow that has taken 20 years of volunteer effort. Then it’s onward and upward as we enter a new, blessed phase, where we will benefit from the funding for our part-time administrator who has already been keeping us afloat over the past few years. I cannot thank all those involved enough for helping to create this magnificent list of achievements; we hope you enjoy!
HISTORY
Sue Hall founded the Society in 2002, having seen a need to bring some CLARITY into the world of so-called learning disabilities. She felt that parents who are introduced to the word 'dyslexia’ face many different options and much confusion. She realised that many families needed FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE for Davis programs. As the Society progressed it became clear that PREVENTING THE CHALLENGES from arising in the first place was essential, as well as having a strong sense of COMMUNITY for like-minded individuals. There’s our four objectives!
A group of parents met one evening, and Brenda Pulvermacher suggested Sue contact Milton Wong, who was well known in Vancouver as a philanthropist who celebrated diversity. Sue went to see him with a copy of The Gift of Dyslexia by Ron Davis, meaning it to be a gift. He insisted he give her $20 for it and she pinned it onto her noticeboard saying to herself that was just the start. Indeed it was; he donated $10,000 and his ‘charity person’ John McCulloch, who became our first Chair. Sue managed to persuade Ian Tostensen (now Chair of the BC Restaurant Association) and Helen Babalos, a restauranteur to become the first Directors alongside herself.
CLARITY
To start the ball rolling, Sue hosted Ron Davis, author of the Gift of Dyslexia, The Gift of Learning and founder of the Davis Dyslexia Association International, three times! Once at Robson Square Conference Centre in 2000, the SFU in 2003 and UBC in 2008. Sue Jutson, a Davis Facilitator hosted him in 2009 and 2011.
The Society has provided numerous free information sessions in public libraries, Indigo Chapters, PAC meetings, the Gifted Children’s Association, the Capilano Speaker’s Series, the BC Homeschooling Conference, the Edmonton Learning Disabilities Conference, the North Western Christian School Association, the Learning Assistance Teachers Association of Vancouver, Arts Umbrella, the Vancouver Waldorf School, the Island Discovery Learning Community, the Vancouver School Board, Maple Ridge Literacy Group, North Vancouver School District Pro D, North Vancouver SEAs Pro D, Decoda Conference, Cortes Folk U, Burnaby School District Pro D, Sacred Heart Catholic School, St Anthony’s Catholic School, University of Victoria, West Vancouver Secondary Schools SEAs, Bowen Island Community School, St Michaels Catholic School, White Rock Christian Academy, Hycroft, Nanaimo Library, IERG Conference UBC, Edutalks, Montessori Schools in Victoria, Institute for Challenging Organisation, Industry Trades Association, Child and Youthcare Action Conference, Spotlight on Dyslexia, Shift Your Thinking, the Pathfinder Society… and Sue’s pride and joy… Tedx BearCreekPark, March 2021.
The overwhelming reaction from the teachers attending these sessions has been “I had absolutely no idea that people thought like that.”
In the media, the WDS has featured on the Bill Good Show, Global TV, CKNW Telethon, CTV’s Morning Show and Have the Conversation and The Quiet Warrior podcasts. The WDS has had articles in the Vancouver Sun, the Globe and Mail, the North Shore News, Burnaby Now and The Times Colonist.
PREVENTION
She has hosted training sessions presented by DDAI, one Fundamentals Workshop, 6 Davis Learning Strategies Workshops, one Motivation and Responsibility Workshop.
Sue was overjoyed to receive $10,000 from 100 Women Who Care to be able to support schools and attendees using these strategies.
BURSARIES
Our fundraising efforts have included 3 major events:
A live auction at Simon Fraser University,
a red carpet event at Grouse Mountain with Ron Davis as the guest of honour and
a Caesar’s Palace Casino Night in West Vancouver.
We have had a Car Wash, collection cans at BC Liquor Stores, been part of the Husky Reward card, the Card Project and recently our Gifted with Dyslexia magnetic pins.
Several organisations have donated to us over the years, the Loyal Protestant Association, the North Shore Community Foundation, and way more applications have been made.
Several creative individuals have donated their talents to us: Ed Roman, Don McLeod, Amanda Green, Denny Wong and Nicholas Joe for our first websites, Marcell Warnes for our Card Project. Many more have donated their time and efforts into make our fundraisers huge successes, both financially, socially and improving our outreach. See our www.thewds.org/gratitude page.
Our Covid fundraising has been extremely successful with our Walk and Talk in 2020 raising $8,000 and our Step Up raising $13,000 in 2021 and this year we are beyond grateful to receive a significant donation from a private foundation towards our administration.
COMMUNITY
This is possibly Sue’s favourite objective – bringing like-minded parents and children together in fun activities. First of all there was a week long day camp in West Vancouver, then a house on Bowen Island was rented for a week long camp. After that we went to Camp Bow-Isle, we went to Camp Jubilee twice, Camp Elphinstone twice and Camp Latona. Various day activities have included: llama trekking, kayaking, snow showing and shelter building, claymation filming, high ropes, low ropes, rappelling, swimming, team building, archery, a drum circle, canoeing, sky diving (in a wind tunnel) at Flyzone, going to Giants games, wide games, zip lining, board games at Nognz, an Odyssey of the Mind challenge, a Salts experience, horseriding, campfires, a biodynamic farm and lots of Gaga ball ! The children decided to call themselves ‘The Fellowship of the Gift’.
DIRECTORS
Over the years we thank those who took the time to be Directors: Ian Tostensen, Helen Babalos, John McCulloch, Bruce Shore, Clinton Pazdzierski, Adrian Boston, Donna Doerksen, Sue Jutson, Carolyn Van Meenan, the late Carole Ford, Julie Brewer, Paddy Carson, Tristan MacDonald, Guy Murphy, Gisa Straith, Laura O’Neill, George Hall, Joe Wozny, Anne Haegert, Jenn Prowse, Natrisha Sagris, Rita Schmidt, Tyler Norton, Liz Vela, Denny Wong, Jay Fisher, Susan Manz, Nadine Matishak, Carole Taljeh, Judy Larocque, Cassidy Engleby, Jason Friesen.
I wonder where we’ll be in another 20 years? Our greatest hope for is the Davis Learning Strategies are widely used in our education system, to avoid the current labelling, segregation and loss of self-esteem for our wonderfully bright, creative, charming, wise little individuals… thank you for all your support and healing beams of energy!
If you are already impressed, you are welcome to start the ball rolling with our $20 (or multiples thereof) for 20 year donation campaign (www.thewds.org/donate); and we look forward to you joining us for a fun, creative, out of the box 2022 !
Sue, Laura, Paddy, Nadine, Sharon, Julie, Gisa, Tristan
Our Giving Guide:
Purchase our Gifted with Dyslexia Pins. Purchase our Pins Here
Plantables.ca Garden Ready Plants & Kits shipped to your door. Ontario & Quebec only. We receive 10% of every sale. Please follow the link to our Plantables information page.
Plantables Garden Ready Plants Here
TruEarth Eco-Friendly Laundry Soap and Products. 20% of all sales go to our Society. Please follow the link to our Tru-Earth product page to purchase. Tru-Earth Eco-Friendly Products Here
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below. Read More…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
We have Note Cards for sale at The Card Project. Visit The Card Project Here
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video. For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
We gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. We have a variety of donor options. Thank you !
Canada Helps - General Fund
Canada Helps Tribute - Donate in honour of or in memory of a loved one.
Canada Helps Securities - A donation of securities or mutual funds is the most efficient way to give charitably. Since capital gains taxes don't apply, our charity receives the full fair market value when the security is sold, and you get a tax receipt which reflects your larger contribution. This allows you to give more and get more.
We are a registered charity with the PayPal Giving Fund. You can donate to our organization using your PayPal account with no fees. Thank you ! PayPal Giving Fund
Newsletter February 2022
What an amazing year it is already… and its still only mid February !
February News
Photo by Chandan Chaurasia on Unsplash
What an amazing year it is already… and its still only mid February !
We have some incredible news…we set ourselves a goal this year to raise $25,000 for our administration costs.
It is extremely difficult to find a sponsor/grant that will fund administration and it is our wonderful administration that keeps us going.
So... in order to become more effective we sent out 6 emails on Jan 31st. 5 days later we were staggered to receive $25,000 from a private foundation for our administration. There isn’t a word that I have discovered that goes beyond grateful which would express how we feel. We are continuing our search for sponsorship and can now widen our ‘ask’ to include funds for bursaries and Davis Learning Strategies (DLS) promotion.
Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash
What an amazing year !
Julie and Sue gave a presentation on DLS to 16 Montessori teachers, two of whom have signed up for the next DLS Workshop.
Nadine and Sue are taking Richard Whitehead’s training to present his Why Ty Course which supports parents as they help their children with homework and school in general. This course is open to parents of children who struggle, whether they have a label or not, whether they have taken a program or not because True Knowledge is Experiential and we all want to be the best equipped parents we can be.
The school in Saskatchewan that we were able to help financially sent all the staff to the previous DLS Workshop, admin, teachers and LAC. We are hoping to be of more use to them.
Sue’s book, Fish Don’t Climb Trees, is now out in an Audio version.
NEW Why Ty Parent’s
Free Why Ty for teachers and parents; designed to inform re: the challenges and the solutions. Check out the free course HERE.
Sue Hall, Sharon Roberts and Nadine Schumont will soon be able to provide a Why Ty 6 week course; designed for parents to help visual learners with their homework. To read more about this course for parents visit HERE. If you would like to book a session with Sue, Sharon or Nadine please contact us at info@thewds.org.
What an amazing year we can look forward to!
Thanks to this staggering generosity, we now feel we can promote our Gifted with Dyslexia pins as a Universal Symbol, we can launch our WDS 20th birthday celebration in April… $20 for 20 years, we can produce more podcasts, we might even be able to arrange physical community gatherings for our like-minded children soon… what an amazing year ! If you have goals for us, please let us know ! We’re in this together and our collective energy is bringing about these incredible results! ~~~~~THANK YOU.
Photo by Anna Kolosyuk on Unsplash
Our Giving Guide:
Purchase our Gifted with Dyslexia Pins. Purchase our Pins Here
TruEarth Eco-Friendly Laundry Soap and Products. 20% of all sales go to our Society. Please follow the link to our Tru-Earth product page to purchase. Tru-Earth Eco-Friendly Products Here
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below. Read More…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
We have Note Cards for sale at The Card Project. Visit The Card Project Here
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video. For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
We gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. We have a variety of donor options. Thank you !
Canada Helps - General Fund
Canada Helps Tribute - Donate in honour of or in memory of a loved one.
Canada Helps Securities - A donation of securities or mutual funds is the most efficient way to give charitably. Since capital gains taxes don't apply, our charity receives the full fair market value when the security is sold, and you get a tax receipt which reflects your larger contribution. This allows you to give more and get more.
We are a registered charity with the PayPal Giving Fund. You can donate to our organization using your PayPal account with no fees. Thank you ! PayPal Giving Fund
Newsletter January 2022
Dear Everyone – thank you! Thank you for being you, for supporting us mentally, energetically and sometimes financially! Every one of our fabulous team values you enormously.
January News
Let's get January off to a great start !
THE WHOLE DYSLEXIC SOCIETY achieved Charitable Status 20 years ago this April…
SO we are making 2022 A $20 FOR 20 YEAR. Watch this space www.thewds.org for details.
Our Universal Symbol for Dyslexia took off in 2021 and we hope for your continued efforts to help us go viral/global… whatever it takes to show we are proud of our learning style ! There are free downloadable Gifted with Dyslexia digital stickers you can attach to any appropriate material, use as a reminder to use your tools etc. Download them HERE.
Davis Learning Strategies, www.thewds.org has all the details to get your teachers interested
Julie Brewer, Sharon and Sue made a welcoming video. Check it out HERE.
Julie and Sue are working on a DLS promotion webinar for teachers. If you would like to book an info session please contact us at info@thewds.org.
NEW
Free Why Ty for teachers and parents; designed to inform re: the challenges and the solutions. Check out the free course HERE.
Sue Hall, Sharon Roberts and Nadine Schumont will soon be able to provide a Why Ty 6 week course; designed for parents to help visual learners with their homework. To read more about this course for parents visit HERE. If you would like to book a session with Sue, Sharon or Nadine please contact us at info@thewds.org.
HELP ?
We are setting our WDS goal this year for a major sponsor… if you have any contacts please do let us know. It’s never what you know, its always who you know, and someone who is dyslexic or has a dyslexic family member is a perfect partner for us.
FISH DON’T CLIMB TREES
AUDIO BOOK Sue is thrilled to say that very shortly, hopefully by Feb 1, FDCT will be available as an audio book, so watch this space www.fishdontclimbtrees.com ! SOO excited. She is launching a FDCT cartoon at the same time.
FDCT Hard cover, paperback and e-book versions available at this link HERE, as well as Amazon etc.
Please add comments this year wherever you buy from.. Sue has paperbacks for just $20.
ALSO coming soon… FDCT Workbooks ! Sue’s book talks about the new paradigm in education, SO she has created several workbooks for parents, teachers as a follow-on from her book. There is a Spelling Program, a Telling Time program, a Grammar program, a taking Math further program and a Study Skills program, all designed for those who have our wonderful way of thinking and learning (whether they know it or not ).
VIDEOs
Sue’s March 2021 TEDx: Dyslexia: Enable the Learning Difference. Besides sharing to all your friends, teachers etc. please comment. Let’s get those algorithms working in our favour! Watch HERE.
Sharon Roberts (Facilitator in Ontario and WDS Board Director) created this wonderful cartoon. Please share this one, and comment too ! Watch HERE.
Sharon is now working on a video about Executive Function and the Life Concepts would be beneficial !
We are constantly adding to The Whole Dyslexic Society’s You Tube Channel - please subscribe, again those algorithms! Watch HERE.
We plan to have the next series of podcasts as video/podcasts featuring all our Canadian Facilitators.
MAKING 2022 EASIER:
If you are Home Schooling/Home Learning you can book a support session with this link HERE.
APP – Picture Grammar – developed by Tessa Halliwell, a UK Davis Facilitator, assists trigger word mastery. Download from the Apple Store HERE. Download for Android HERE.
WHATEVER NEXT?
As a result of many of the TEDx coaches being Toastmasters, Sue got invited to one of their groups called The Professional Edge.
She hopes all these new contacts open doors for our outreach/fundraising.
If you have any requests, suggestions, concerns please do let us know, we are truly here to support you in the best way we can.
Here’s to a fabulous happy, healthy, successful 2022.
With love and gratitude, Sue, Laura, Nadine, Sharon, Paddy, Julie, Gisa and Tristan.
Our Giving Guide:
Purchase our Gifted with Dyslexia Pins. Purchase our Pins Here
TruEarth Eco-Friendly Laundry Soap and Products. 20% of all sales go to our Society. Please follow the link to our Tru-Earth product page to purchase. Tru-Earth Eco-Friendly Products Here
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below. Read More…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
We have Note Cards for sale at The Card Project. Visit The Card Project Here
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video. For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
We gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. We have a variety of donor options. Thank you !
Canada Helps - General Fund
Canada Helps Tribute - Donate in honour of or in memory of a loved one.
Canada Helps Securities - A donation of securities or mutual funds is the most efficient way to give charitably. Since capital gains taxes don't apply, our charity receives the full fair market value when the security is sold, and you get a tax receipt which reflects your larger contribution. This allows you to give more and get more.
We are a registered charity with the PayPal Giving Fund. You can donate to our organization using your PayPal account with no fees. Thank you ! PayPal Giving Fund
Newsletter December 2021
Dear Everyone – thank you! Thank you for being you, for supporting us mentally, energetically and sometimes financially! Every one of our fabulous team values you enormously.
December News
Dear Everyone
Thank you! Thank you for being you, for supporting us mentally, energetically and sometimes financially! Every one of our fabulous team values you enormously.
Speaking of the team, this year we welcomed two new Board members, Nadine Schumont and Sharon Roberts, both in Ontario – Sharon has since qualified as a Davis Autism Coach.
FUNDRAISING: This being the second year of Covid we followed the 2020 example and launched our Walk and Talk the DYS out of Dyslexia in August. Nadine and Sharon really helped it take off in eastern Canada. We added an Auction with amazing items, in the most part due to Julie Brewer.
Following on from the Auction we forged a new fundraising link with Tru Earth Eco Products – such a great company reducing plastic in landfills. Please order via the link on our website, and then we get 20% donated to us by Tru Earth! There is a banner to this link right at the top of each WDS website page. Think of them for Christmas presents? Visit our fundraising page here.
We published another Podcast series interviewing Sue’s fellow TEDxers. We now have 28 subscribers and 990 listens… www.thewds.org/podcasts. We have been approached re advertising which is a good sign!
We raised $12,000 – which was fantastic and sounds a lot – however 8 bursaries ($12,000) to 6 Facilitators – and it’s gone already. 2 West Coast, 4 East Coast Facilitators making 9 bursaries in total this year.
Grants: We are hopeful the Loyal Protestants will be able to help our bursary fund. We just heard that the Davis Canadian Facilitators Association have awarded us a bursary for 2021 - thank you! We’ve applied to RBC for Admin funding because Laura, our Administrator, is paid part-time and often works for us full time. There is no way we could achieve what we do without her, so we need to rectify this!
DLS: We were able to help 2 attendees with DLS fees (July Workshop) and 1 school in Saskatoon, with their workshop. In return they will be giving us some informal data, so we can encourage others. DLS is an amazing product that would make the lives of teachers so much easier with the best result that the learning challenges won’t have a chance to develop. Nadine requested a video for teachers who are interested in DLS and need a segue into booking a program – Julie, Sharon and I had fun creating one – www.thewds.org/prevention .
Julie and Sue are working on the next step, an online Pro D presentation covering both what dyslexia is, how it can be corrected and prevented. Julie is focussing on getting DLS into the Montessori School system, Sharon is working on the Mennonite system and Sue is ever hopeful for the Waldorf system and Paddy is an ever present force in Alberta. Stacey Smith in Calgary is our Canadian DLS presenter and online presentations mean we can reach teachers more easily!
OUTREACH: Sue likes to think of her TEDx as significant Outreach 2,667 views – please do circulate -something to do with algorithms and TED will boost us. View HERE. WDS has a YouTube Channel too. Visit our channel HERE.
We publish a Newsletter pretty much every month and our postings on Social Media have increased this year. www.thewds.org/newsletters
COMMUNITY: Sadly, no Summer Camps this year, we live in hope for next year; we ran 2 disability tax credit information sessions for parents with TJ Firenze who is kind enough to donate her services. Hopefully there will be one in 2022.
CURRENTLY: Nadine is working on ADD and ADHD; Sharon is working on Executive Function; Sue is creating Homeschooling support products – taking Davis further. Tristan is taking a course on podcasting.
OUR GOALS FOR 2022: Gisa, Nadine and I want to focus on getting a major sponsor for 2022. If you have clients with connections, please let us know, its always who you know, not what you know. We need a major corporation/philanthropist to take us under their wing financially. Sue will continue working on materials to support Homeschoolers. All of us want DLS in at least 3 schools next year. We will plan another Walk and Talk Fundraiser in 2022.
and last by definitely not least…
Gifted with Dyslexia PINS
We launched the concept of a universal symbol for dyslexia – from idea to design to production to marketing and distribution. We had a glitch with the first batch, but they are now better than ever.
First it was just a fundraiser… then we thought we would like the symbol more than that… it could be an emblem that pulls the Davis family together. Facilitators have so many products, books, films, apps etc. and yet the general public will not know that we are all part of the same Davis fold.
Then we thought why not go further with this idea... even if it were added to non Davis materials it would bring a tiny bit of energy closer to the idea of dyslexia being a gift… shifting perception from Learning Disability to us being Learning Able is key. It is not a trademark, or logo, it is simply a symbol, an emblem – hopefully one day just as well known as the pink ribbon. It says “We support the idea of dyslexia being a gift”. Corporations could be seen as dyslexic friendly employers !
So firstly, please help us with the actual pins – think stocking stuffers ! www.thewds.org/pins
Secondly, in January we will get good quality digital images out to you all and explore the idea of physical stickers for existing products/companies… images along these lines, you can they can choose.
Thirdly, this is what we all wish you, and a very much happier 2022 !
With love and gratitude, Sue, Laura, Nadine, Sharon, Paddy, Julie, Gisa and Tristan.
Our Giving Guide:
Purchase our Gifted with Dyslexia Pins. Purchase our Pins Here
TruEarth Eco-Friendly Laundry Soap and Products. 20% of all sales go to our Society. Please follow the link to our Tru-Earth product page to purchase. Tru-Earth Eco-Friendly Products Here
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below. Read More…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
We have Note Cards for sale at The Card Project. Visit The Card Project Here
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video. For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
We gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. We have a variety of donor options. Thank you !
Canada Helps - General Fund
Canada Helps Tribute - Donate in honour of or in memory of a loved one.
Canada Helps Securities - A donation of securities or mutual funds is the most efficient way to give charitably. Since capital gains taxes don't apply, our charity receives the full fair market value when the security is sold, and you get a tax receipt which reflects your larger contribution. This allows you to give more and get more.
We are a registered charity with the PayPal Giving Fund. You can donate to our organization using your PayPal account with no fees. Thank you ! PayPal Giving Fund
Newsletter November 2021
Hoping you are managing to enjoy the sunny dry days in between the deluges . Only 6 weeks to the shortest day and we are looking forward to next year, reflecting on the best way we go forward.
November News
Dear Everyone
Hoping you are managing to enjoy the sunny dry days in between the deluges . Only 6 weeks to the shortest day and we are looking forward to next year, reflecting on the best way we go forward.
I (Sue) am going to start with a huge request. Is there anyone out there who could donate 30 hrs of their time to us… whether one week, or over one month… to search for foundations likely to fund us. If you are able to help with grant writing that is even more wonderful. This person might not be dyslexic… as it involves reading through all sorts of eligibility rules etc. I glaze over after visiting 2 or 3 sites. We always need bursary funds, and we always need operating funds for administration, which is harder to come by. We have a short list to offer as a started. If you are indeed that Christmas fairy, please let us know asap… we are on a wonderful roll at the moment and only want to keep the momentum going ! Contact me HERE.
We remain true to our 4 Objectives:
www.thewds.org/bursaries has a great video from Julie Brewer and an amazing testimonial from a bursary recipient in Ontario.
Not only did our award help him to change his life, but his Facilitator found his program a profound experience.
We have been able to award 4 bursaries already, thanks to your generosity in our Walk and Talk fundraiser in the summer.
www.thewds.org/prevention has a new video from Julie, Sharon and myself which aims to welcome teachers who have just heard about Davis Learning Strategies and wonder what to do next. We were able to financially help a school in Saskatoon send teachers to a DLS Workshop, and look forward to hearing their success stories.
www.thewds.org/pins is part of our Outreach program… one of my students who was ‘iffy’ about disclosing her dyslexia after her program, was very excited to wear it to school the day after her review session. That’s a win in our view ! We are getting orders from around the world… please send us links to any organisations you feel we should contact.
We have started to record our next series of Podcasts, and we are building a collection of relevant videos on our YouTube Channel, please do share !
Thanks to Tru Earth Fundraising we have a fabulous new connection with Tru Earth Eco Products. As long as you use this link to order the products, Tru Earth donates 20% to the WDS. Don’t just go to their website, it has to be this link. Not only are they an award winning company that has wonderful products that help reduce landfill, they like to give back too! SO… if you are thinking of early Christmas shopping, please go to this link for a win/win/win solution!
Don’t forget we have some cards on our website too, particularly the whale, the rabbit and the snowman. Visit our website or order our page at The Card Project.
We still hope that our Community objective will be able to re-start in 2022 with a long awaited family summer camp weekend !
We are always open to your suggestions – what you need us to tackle. We thank you so much for being part of our purpose.
Take care and stay well, your Board.
Our Giving Guide:
Purchase our Gifted with Dyslexia Pins. Purchase our Pins Here
TruEarth Eco-Friendly Laundry Soap and Products. 20% of all sales go to our Society. Please follow the link to our Tru-Earth product page to purchase. Tru-Earth Eco-Friendly Products Here
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below. Read More…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
We have Note Cards for sale at The Card Project. Visit The Card Project Here
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video. For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
We gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. We have a variety of donor options. Thank you !
Canada Helps - General Fund
Canada Helps Tribute - Donate in honour of or in memory of a loved one.
Canada Helps Securities - A donation of securities or mutual funds is the most efficient way to give charitably. Since capital gains taxes don't apply, our charity receives the full fair market value when the security is sold, and you get a tax receipt which reflects your larger contribution. This allows you to give more and get more.
We are a registered charity with the PayPal Giving Fund. You can donate to our organization using your PayPal account with no fees. Thank you ! PayPal Giving Fund
Newsletter October 2021
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend … and what better time of year to say thank you, thank you for our Gift of Dyslexia ! Some of you may feel your way of thinking hasn’t always been a gift, but for those of you who have been through a program and discovered how to work with your gift… wahooo ! Look at all the talents that come with it !
October News
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend !… and what better time of year to say thank you, thank you for our Gift of Dyslexia ! Some of you may feel your way of thinking hasn’t always been a gift, but for those of you who have been through a program and discovered how to work with your gift… wahooo ! Look at all the talents that come with it !
When I was training to be a Facilitator I sat through session after session with Ron Davis and my soon-to-be peers, so envious of all the perceptual talents I was hearing about… then one day, I guess because I was in a safe place, my 3D thinking returned. I must have switched it off to survive at school... I know I used to take 2D photos of the pages of the text book to hold onto the information for the exams. I didn’t know I’d switched off the way I was born to think and process… it was very exciting when it returned… yay, I have this gift too! However, so many of you have this gift to a far greater extent than I do; you use it in the world of sport, art, design, photography, strategy, research, business, theatre, music, the trades, healing, you can find anything anywhere, notice every detail, problem solve, you are so empathetic… who wouldn’t want to be you ?
October 2021 is Dyslexia Awareness month
and we have launched a magnetic Gifted with Dyslexia pin, to show the world we have a gift… we are NOT learning disabled, we may not learn the way we are taught, but we are LEARNING ABLE. We have to get this message across to everyone, because everyone knows someone who has a so-called learning challenge. So let’s do it ! Let’s get these pins out to friends, family, teachers, other dyslexic organisations. Let’s wear it with pride !
If someone asks “What is that ?”
You can say with a smile “I’m dyslexic”.
They might look puzzled and you can continue “It’s a gift” .
They might still look puzzled and want to say; but I thought it was a learning disability.
The door is now open and you can send them to the book, The Gift of Dyslexia, or the main website, www.dyslexia.com, or any Facilitator’s website, and most of all www.thewds.org/pins to order their pin! Davis Facilitators all over the world are ordering them and we would like it to be as recognisable as the pink ribbon which shows the pride of a breast cancer survivor.
We wanted the symbol to be positive, not focussing on ‘b’s and ‘d’s getting muddled… we want to bring people to the understanding of our perceptual ability. SO many organisations figuratively pat us on the head, oh dear you can’t read but we’ll find something you’re good at and give us band-aid solutions. It has to stop. We have to inform, present the cause and the solutions for correction and best of all prevention. It takes a teacher just 2 days to learn to present our methods to their whole class (preferably K/1) so every child has a Cognitive Equal Opportunity.
SO THANK YOU to everyone who reads this, supports us financially and energetically, thank you to our incredible Administrator, Laura, who puts all our ideas into being, thank you to our amazing volunteer Board, Nadine, Sharon, Paddy, Julie, Gisa and Tristan, who all have lives and jobs, and manage to carve some time for us. Thank you to all the amazingly wonderful students, young and old, and their families who advocate for us. Thank you to all the brave teachers who are daring to introduce Davis Learning Strategies into their classrooms … and of course, thank you to Ron Davis, without whom none of this would be happening !
Lots of love and gratitude to you all… Happy Canadian Thanksgiving !
NEW FUNDRAISER !!
We are so excited to be partnering with TruEarth in our latest fundraising campaign. The Whole Dyslexic Society will be receiving 20% of every order placed with TruEarth. Please follow the link below to order on our dedicated product page. Thank you !
Our Giving Guide:
Purchase our Gifted with Dyslexia Pins. Purchase our Pins Here
TruEarth Eco-Friendly Laundry Soap and Products. 20% of all sales go to our Society. Please follow the link to our Tru-Earth product page to purchase. Tru-Earth Eco-Friendly Products Here
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below. Read More…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
We have Note Cards for sale at The Card Project. Visit The Card Project Here
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video. For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
We gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. We have a variety of donor options. Thank you !
Canada Helps - General Fund
Canada Helps Tribute - Donate in honour of or in memory of a loved one.
Canada Helps Securities - A donation of securities or mutual funds is the most efficient way to give charitably. Since capital gains taxes don't apply, our charity receives the full fair market value when the security is sold, and you get a tax receipt which reflects your larger contribution. This allows you to give more and get more.
We are a registered charity with the PayPal Giving Fund. You can donate to our organization using your PayPal account with no fees. Thank you ! PayPal Giving Fund
Newsletter September 2021
SO PROUD OF US ALL !
We did it ! we raised $12,005.00 in one month and we know of more donations on their way ! So many wonderful people supported our Walk and Talk the DYS Out of Dyslexia with likes, shares, posts, donations, bids on our Auction items, listening to our 4th series of podcasts, People of Passion and ordering our Gift of Dyslexia Pins!
September News
SO PROUD OF US ALL !
We did it ! we raised $13,000.00 in one month and we know of more donations on their way ! So many wonderful people supported our Walk and Talk the ‘DYS’ Out of Dyslexia with likes, shares, posts, donations, bids on our Auction items, listening to our 4th series of podcasts, People of Passion and ordering our Gift of Dyslexia Pins! Even the list is exhausting ! The entire Board could not be more grateful. We look forward to spending your donations wisely, improving the outreach, getting DLS into schools, providing bursaries and keeping our community together.
YOUR BOARD:
Its time to congratulate the whole Board. This fundraiser would never have happened without the technical skills of Laura O’Neill. She is the most overworked and underpaid Administrator anyone could wish for. Our Ontario Facilitators gave us a geographic/historical introduction to their area which you can see on the WDS Facebook. Lovely to be able to travel vicariously!
Here is a Facebook post from Sharon Roberts, and I resonate with every point:
“I did it .. 301,000 as of 7 this morn. This is what the walk taught me:
1: Accountability is important. Thanks to all who supported me financially and Facebook.
2: Even though I feel I am slow, I can still do it.
3: Giving to a cause over rides any feeling of discomfort.
4: Being around nature is refreshing even if humidity is at 80 percent.
5: I have the beginnings of a good habit ...that is rewarding.”
It appears Sharon managed Boston, Paris and Scotland in one day... Copenhagen and Vienna had to wait till the next day !
Nadine encouraged donations, hiked and paddled and swam and not even a knee injury deterred her, that’s dedication !
Julie almost single-handed filled the Auction site with fantastic items! Tristan published our podcasts which created a 3,000% increase interest, while Paddy, Gisa and Sue added donations they were delighted to report lost inches.
Just to illustrate what we are made of: at the time of our Sept 9 Board Meeting, Laura got delayed in traffic and ended up on the Bowen Ferry. She simply ran the Zoom meeting from her truck on the ferry! We are all relentless, only 9 days after our fundraiser we are planning what’s next ... so if any of you have a request… if there is anything at all that we can help you with, please just let us know!
PREVENTION
Davis Learning Strategies Workshops: One workshop took place in July – Nadine and Sharon attended it and one took place August 30/31 for an entire school in Saskatchewan which is VERY exciting. Tiffany Klassen is a Davis Facilitator in Hepburn and hopes to be able to support the teachers. We are delighted to have been able to support them financially and hope this is the first of many schools to use the DLS. Julie’s Montessori Pre-School has been using DLS for over a year now. As soon as one little boy was through the gates, first full day of school, he asked “can we do clay today?” Learning really can be fun!
OUTREACH
September 1, Surrey Schools Summer Pro D – Sue was lucky enough to be invited to present at this Pro D and thanks to the organiser we managed everything online without too many technical difficulties! They seem very interested in the DLS, so fingers crossed !
COMMUNITY: RESOURCES
Homeschooling/Homelearning/Online Learning
So many of you are contemplating the new school year and deciding what is best for your children. Sue would like to let you know that she is restructuring the rest of this calendar year to be available to work with those of you who decide to homeschool/homelearning or are taking Online schooling courses, adults too.
August 30 – Sept 3 – Back to School Refresher week
These weeks will be Homeschool/Homelearning/Online Learning Support weeks:
Sept 13-17, 27 to Oct 1; Oct 11-15, 25-29; Nov 8-12, 22-26; Dec 6-10
She is happy to look at the curriculum/courses you are following and together decide on words to master, concepts that need to be understood through mastery. She can cover spelling, time, Math, grammar, sentence structure, master any foundational concept such as geography, terms in science, French, technical terms … basically just have fun with learning so the information stays.
She’s excited – she loves taking Davis programs a little further, and looks forward to hearing from you. She hopes this lightens the load and wants to remind you there is a Resources page on the WDS website which we will constantly be adding to. Contact Sue HERE.
Reading:
FYI: One of our adults just pointed out that he enjoyed reading screenplays because all the white space allowed his imagination to create the film… who knew !?!
Films: We are adding films to the Resource page . We always recommend that you either watch the film first, or watch it with your child as there are many various degrees of sensitivity.
Netflix:
Agriculture - Kiss the Ground, The Biggest Little Farm
Sea Life - My Octopus Teacher
Forests - Fantastic Fungi and Judy Dench – Trees (YouTube)
YouTube:
Travel and History -
The Ideal Education: I just found my favourite person, the late Sir Ken Robinson, talking to Sadhguru about education. It’s long, 1 ¾ hrs, but there’s something about listening to wise men that makes the time fly. I hope you enjoy it. Watch HERE.
So here’s to a new school year that turns out to be even better than you could imagine – please let us know what you need – take care and stay well. We are all in this together, please send us your comments and items for the Newsletters… take care,
Sue, Laura, Julie, Nadine, Sharon, Paddy, Gisa and Tristan.
Our Giving Guide:
Purchase our Gifted with Dyslexia Pins.
Visit our Pins Page Here
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below.
Read MOre…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
We have Note Cards for sale at The Card Project.
Visit The Card Project Here
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video.
For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
We gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. Thank you !
Canada Helps
We are a registered charity with the PayPal Giving Fund. You can donate to our organization using your PayPal account with no fees. Thank you !
PayPal Giving Fund
Newsletter July 2021
Summer is here. Check out all of the fun ways you can participate in our Walk & Talk the ‘DYS’ out of Dyslexia 2021.
July News
Hi there ! So school is over and the weather is just lovely – what could be better !
I hope the last school year was kind to you, and that using your Davis tools led you towards the success you aimed for.
Davis Films !
Thanks to a fabulous team of New Zealand Facilitators we have two WONDERFUL new films ! The first one is purely explaining dyslexia - watch below or watch HERE.
The second one has the Davis component. Watch HERE.
Please share far and wide, subscribe, comment… it’s a truly amazing resource.
Picture Grammar App !
Tessa Halliwell, a UK Facilitator, created this incredible App. She has created drawings for the meanings of all the trigger words, sometimes more than one meaning for them. She is thorough! This doesn’t mean we just look at the image and think we’ve mastered the words, we still need to clay them, but it offers a fabulous understanding of what we need to make.
Pioneers!
Did you know you were ‘lighthouse customers’? As we continue to bring new words and phrases into our language (?) I have discovered this term – early adopters are the first customers to adopt a new product or technology before the majority of the population does. They're often called ‘lighthouse customers’ because they serve as a beacon of light for the rest of the population to follow, which will take the technology or product mainstream. So a huge thank you to everyone who is reading this for being that beacon of light. We rarely know how many people we reach and touch or know that their lives are better for that contact, so hopefully these two films mentioned above will add to our voltage!
Expectations!
The more children I work with, the more I am convinced that our public education system is moving away from a child-development perspective. It just seems insane to me the expectations tied to formal reading and writing instruction that now begin in kindergarten. Here's a comment that was posted to www.dyslexia.com on the main website that seems to reflect these unrealistic expectations: READ HERE. Why do they set up small children for failure so early on?
Family Summer Camp weekend:
The YMCA at Gibsons is not able to run summer camps this year – they hope to open in the fall, and have offered us October 1-3, not Sept 17-19 as planned. A few families have expressed interest but not enough to run camp this year. We will give it another go next summer when we can have more freedom and during the warm summer months.
Lastly, and definitely not least ! We have just launched our second annual fundraiser…
Walk and Talk the DYS out of Dyslexia: STEP UP - and Gifted with Dyslexia Pins - and an Online Auction!
We have been SO busy creating this major event, the sponsored walk/activities, the universal symbol for dyslexia, and collecting fabulous items for our Online Auction, another series of Podcasts – all happening in August ! www.thewds.org has all the details.
Please do join in – have fun with it all – challenge yourselves, your friends etc., spread the word about the pins, share the podcasts and decide what you are going to bid on (August 21-28)! Make it part of your fabulous summer – yours gratefully on behalf of those we can assist… Sue, Laura, Paddy, Nadine, Sharon, Julie, Gisa and Tristan.
Our Giving Guide:
Participate in our August Campaign, Walk & Talk the ‘DYS’ out of Dyslexia - Step Up & Virtual Auction. Registration opens July 1st.
Walk & Talk the ‘DYS’ out of Dyslexia Page
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below.
Read MOre…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
We have Note Cards for sale at The Card Project.
Visit The Card Project Here
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video.
For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
We gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. Thank you !
Canada Helps
We are a registered charity with the PayPal Giving Fund. You can donate to our organization using your PayPal account with no fees. Thank you !
PayPal Giving Fund
The Quiet Warrior Show Podcast with Tom Dutta & Sue Hall
The Quiet Warrior Show Podcast with Tom Dutta interviews Sue Blyth Hall, Chair and Founder of The Whole Dyslexic Society.
The Quiet Warrior Show Podcast with Tom Dutta interviews Sue Blyth Hall, Chair and Found of The Whole Dyslexic Society. They talk about her book Fish Don’t Climb Trees, her experience raising her dyslexic son, training as a Davis Facilitator and discovering she is dyslexic, plus the 3 components of dyslexia. Her message that everyone is learning-able, some children just don’t learn the way they are taught.
Watch on YouTube
Listen Here
Newsletter May 2021
Save the month of AUGUST – get into training now for our second, an even more successful Walk and Talk the DYS out of Dyslexia - STEP UP !
May News
Save the month of AUGUST – get into training now for our second, and even more successful Walk and Talk the DYS out of Dyslexia - STEP UP !
Last year we set a goal of raising $8,000 by walking the equivalent of 8,000 kms – the distance from the west coast to the east coast of Canada.
This year we thought the only way is up ! So we’ve raised our goal to $10,000 and included a virtual auction. Registration opens July 1st.
Those of you in the Vancouver area will know about the Grouse Grind, the ultimate keep-fit challenge. It is known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster” and there are 2,830 steps.
If Sue did the Grouse Grind steps all in one go, she’d probably need airlifting off the mountain, but… she has decided to climb 2,830 steps on local trails from August 1-31, plus 5,000 steps (4kms) per day.
Photos will be taken along the way ! Some of the Board are attempting the actual Grouse Grind – even more photos!
So the challenge is out there – how many sponsored steps or kms are you going to walk, bike, swim each day in August ? Registration details will be on the website shortly.
We need to fill the bursary fund, as we find ourselves in the second year of challenging financial times for so many people. The learning challenges are still there when the $s are scarce.
Our first Online Auction – the week of August 22-28 – we have some incredible items already: Axe-Throwing, a website design….
Our fourth series of Podcasts – People of Passion – is in the making already and will be launched ready for August. Sue is lucky to be able to interview fellow TEDx speakers, some of the coaches and curation team, all of whom are so passionate about the work that they do. Its been a wonderful opportunity to learn a little more about them and their connections with dyslexia.
AND …. we are also launching a Universal Symbol for Dyslexia – did you know currently there is no universal symbol for dyslexia ? Well there isn’t, so we decided to create a positive one.
We are so grateful to Amanda Jane Green who donated her design to the Society www.jewellerajgreen.com. We have these goals:
To create a positive symbol before anyone else does – we avoided the usual mixing up of ‘b’s and ‘d’s to stay positive.
To be a physical symbol of pride in our way of thinking and learning, hopefully around the world.
To fundraise for our charity – full transparency - we will make about $1.00 CAN on each pin.
For Facilitators to give a pin to their newly ‘corrected’ dyslexic on completion of a program to add to their pride.
To add to the Davis profile – people may ask the wearer what is that pin for?
They could be seen by the student as a reminder to use their tools, and no-one else would know.
To have them available to anyone with dyslexia, in the broadest sense of the word, in an attempt to reverse the thinking that we are disabled in any way
They have a magnetic fixing, so can be a fridge magnet too !
They will be available to the public on our website shortly. Here’s a preview !
Sue’s TEDx – Dyslexia: Enable the Different Learner - 1,500 views on YouTube – May 12 ! Please keep sharing and commenting !
3 Facilitators; Nadine Schumont in Canada, Jacalyn Stewart in the USA and Rachel Barwell in New Zealand formed Think Tank Marketing, to help Davis Facilitators get their message out, particularly on social media.
They sent out a challenge to Davis Facilitators around the world for 500 shares of Sue’s TEDx in the month of April – how’s that for Davis-family support ? And Sue was also privileged to be invited to speak at one of their Zoom meetings on April 10th! So grateful !
Sue appeared on The Quiet Warrior Podcast May 6 - Watch HERE
She will be interviewed on ‘Have the Conversation’ podcast - July 21 – will send out the link asap.
She is delighted to be speaking to Surrey Schools on September 2.
There is interest in our methods from a small school in North Vancouver as a result of the talk, which is VERY exciting !
WORRY:
Here are some encouraging statistics for those trying to give up worrying:
40% of what we worry about...will NEVER happen… it’s like putting a 40% deposit on a house you’ll never own.
30% of what we worry about...has ALREADY happened… so we can’t change it.
12% of what we worry about...are needless worries about our health… the 3 day headache is rarely a tumour.
10% of what we worry about...are petty, miscellaneous worries… what shall we have for dinner.
That leaves 8% for legitimate worries.
Which means that 92% of what we worry about is TOTAL NONSENSE…and that nonsense not only keeps us from being at our best…it keeps us from actually living!
So don’t …
RESOURCES:
Seth’s YouTube video, What is 2e Twice Exceptional? is an interesting take on qualities that you probably see in your children. www.sethperler.com. Watch Video HERE.
Julie Brewer discovered that her local public library will lend out audio books if she was able to provide a letter (from Sue) to establish a learning challenge. Maybe see if your library has that same resource ?
COMMUNITY:
Family Summer Camp weekend September 17-19, 2021.
Sue is in touch with the YMCA at Gibsons, to find out the projected requirements and will be sending out an email to all students shortly.
Minecraft Club ! A huge thank you to Nadine Schumont for creating this opportunity !
Welcome New Minecraft Members - You are invited to take part in the Picture Perfect Learning Solutions [PPLS] Minecraft Club.
Who are we? We are picture thinkers ages 6 to 18 who have completed a Davis program and love to create things, especially Minecraft things!
Why we do it? We play Minecraft to give ourselves a healthy outlet for our natural ability to see in 3D and to allow this gift to grow, learn, and explore in a safe and fun environment.
When do we play? As a group we like to meet most Saturday Mornings, 9:30 EST, other than the 3rd week of each month. The server is open at all times, many of the members play at different times. For those living in a different time zone, you are welcome to suggest a time for your groups to meet that best suit your local time.
What is required? To play in the PPLS Realm you must have completed a Davis program, have your Davis facilitator and parent permission, and own the Minecraft Bedrock version.
Next steps: If you would like to check out our PPLS Minecraft Club, contact Nadine Schumont with the requirements above at pictureperfectlearning@gmail.com to receive your Minecraft link.
Hoping you are all having a fabulous month – getting out into the beauty that May offers us. Take care, stay well, and think about your August endeavours .
Sue, Laura, Paddy, Nadine, Sharon, Julie, Gisa, Tristan
Our Giving Guide:
Participate in our August Campaign, Walk & Talk the ‘DYS’ out of Dyslexia - Step Up & Virtual Auction. Registration opens July 1st.
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below.
Read MOre…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
We have Note Cards for sale at The Card Project.
Visit The Card Project Here
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video.
For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
we gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. Thank you !
Canada Helps
Newsletter April 2021
Happy Spring everyone; we have a lot of news to share. Firstly, a little reminder, we publish and send this newsletter to our subscribers each month. Please consider subscribing so that you receive updates on what’s happening in our community.
April News
Welcome:
We are excited to welcome Sharon Roberts to our Board, she is a Davis Facilitator in Waterloo, ON and is dedicated to getting Davis Learning Strategies into schools. She adds to Nadine’s WDS Ontario presence!
Please can we slow down this time of year ? The snowdrops are over, and some of the crocus, daffodils and camelias are hanging on… and my favourite magnolias are just coming out. I want it to be this time of year for a long time... maybe a little warmer... but it needs to last longer! At the WDS we are not been slowing down at all ! Our Administrator, Laura, is tireless. She has to know every detail for every project we get involved with, every improve-ment to the website, or the social media, she’s amazing. Our website now has a text to speech option ! Whatever next ?
Time Sensitive:
T J Firenze is offering a second free information session on applying for the Disability Tax Credit – Tuesday April 13 at 7pm (Pacific). Please let me (Sue) know that you’d like to get a Zoom invitation. info@thewds.org
Outreach:
Sue is over the worst …her Tedx Talk, Dyslexia: Enable the Different Learner, went out on March 27 as part of www.tedxbearcreekpark.com ‘s livestream virtual event. She was SO relieved to see what an amazing job the film editor did to seamlessly delete her 4 bloopers during filming ! All the talks are now being sent to the big Ted in New York for approval, and fingers crossed, the talks will go on their YouTube Channel in about 4 weeks time. She is very grateful for all the positive chat comments, texts and emails she’s received. It’s a message that so many people need to hear, and can relate to. She was privileged to be able to deliver it!
SketchNotes – Following the talk, Sue received an incredible keepsake thanks to Deborah Le Frank of www.visuallifestories.com. Deborah listened to the talk and sketched the main points – you can see everything ins there ! Check out her Visual Life Stories and Verbal to Visual. I think learning to Sketchnote would be a huge asset for anyone studying, we are adding her website to our Resource page.
Interviews: Sue has been invited to appear on The Quiet Warrior Podcast – April 26; Have the Conversation podcast July 21; and a Vlog - Picture It Marketing on April 10.
Pro D: Sue will be talking to Surrey Schools Pro D on Sept 1, 2021.
Networking: Gisa, Laura and Sue had a Zoom call with a representative from www.jack.org an amazing organisation which trains young people to be there for peers who are struggling. We hope to be a resource for those with learning challenges.
Podcasts: We are up to 657 listens! Tristan and Sue will be recording a new series of podcasts featuring her fellow Tedx Speakers and some of the coaches ! Will be lots of fun!
Ontario: Nadine rarely stops and is busy creating her local Stratford Dyslexia resource site.
Fundraising:
It will soon be time to launch our second, and even more successful Walk and Talk the DYS out of Dyslexia for August, combined with an online Auction. Julie has amassed some fabulous prizes already! I’m bidding for the Axe Throwing ! there’s a website design too ! We are incredibly grateful for a $3,000 donation to start us off this year!
PINS; there is no universal symbol for dyslexia – so we thought we would create a positive one, with dyslexia being a gift. They will be available from a client’s facilitator, or on our website shortly. Here’s a preview – we chose a magnetic fixing ! Thank you to Amanda Jane Green for donating her design - www.jewellerajgreen.com.
Laura is investigating a Bottle Drive initiative – more news soon.
Most importantly, we need a grant to actually pay Laura for all the hours that she currently donates to us. We wouldn’t be existing as we are now without her, she’s literally vital to us.
If anyone is good at understanding grant applications or even better writing them… please let us know!
Prevention:
Sadly we were 4 short of the minimum number for the April DLS Workshop to run, but we have two more dates booked: July 19/20 and 22/23, 20210.
Community:
Sue divided her students up into 6 local groups of clients and offered a Zoom call to each group. We ended up with 8 families in one Zoom call and it was fun to listen to all the ideas – never in short supply with our creative demographic! Nadine is in the process of developing a Minecraft platform so ‘corrected’ dyslexics can game together – more news soon!
Fingers crossed the Family Summer Camp weekend will take place September 17-19. 2021 – more news soon!
We aim to serve you, so please let us know of any issue you’d like us to tackle… enjoy this wonderful Spring season…take care and stay well.
Sue, Laura, Paddy, Julie, Nadine, Sharon, Gisa, Tristan.
Our Giving Guide:
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below.
Read MOre…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
We have Note Cards for sale at The Card Project.
Visit The Card Project Here
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video.
For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
we gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. Thank you !
Canada Helps
Newsletter March 2021
Dear Everyone its March already! Touch wood we’ve had our annual snowfall; the snowdrops and crocus are telling us spring is doing its best to arrive !
March News
Photo by Yoksel 🌿 Zok on Unsplash
Dear Everyone its March already! Touch wood we’ve had our annual snowfall; the snowdrops and crocus are telling us spring is doing its best to arrive! This is always a time of looking back and envisioning our future as its AGM time. As the WDS’ AGM had to be virtual, we decided to split it into two parts – the first part Feb 25 was looking back at 2020 and the business part – not the most exciting, but the necessary part. The second part on March 4 is where we look forward and plan our 2021 efforts. So let’s look back first (Click below).
And Now Let’s Look Forward to 2021
Photo: TEDxBearCreekPark March 27, 2021
March 27 – Sue’s TEDx Talk www.tedxbearcreekpark.ca – go to their Facebook page also, interviews are being posted regularly. Please REGISTER, even if you are not able to watch, the total number of registrations makes such a difference to the event’s outreach for every speaker. Please post to all your social media, email all your friends. We get one chance to get a message out that affects 1/3rd of the population.
April 13, 2021 7PM (Pacific) – Disability Tax Credit information session - the second one kindly donated by T J Firenze of Firenze Financial. She can provide assistance to apply for any disability, across Canada. Email us if you would like to attend: info@thewds.org.
April 15/16 – Davis Learning Strategies Workshop Online – again please post to social media, email elementary school teachers, and homeschoolers, especially those parents who are also acting teachers during these very unusual times. Event Flyer Here.
Sue has just updated her client database – long overdue - she always organised her students into Adults, Teenagers and Children.
It was staggering to see most of the 9 and 10 years olds are now in the young adult category!
Way to feel old ! It has also been exciting to catch up with some of them, and hear their news.
They are living proof that there is no learning disability, just a learning difference.
September 17-19 – Family Summer Camp weekend, YMCA Gibsons – fingers crossed – SAVE THE DATE and let Sue know you’d like to come. info@thewds.org
Photo by Scott Goodwill on Unsplash
Your Contributions:
Sue’s TEDx talk has brought home to her that although she might be the person delivering it, it is made up of every single student, every parent and every enquiry she’s ever met. She hopes it does you all justice. There were boundaries she would gladly have gone over, but the opportunity was way too valuable to miss. Thank you all ! And please tell us what you would like us to tackle, your contributions are truly valued.
Look for us Here:
Podbean & Spotify (Fish Don’t Climb Trees),YouTube (The Whole Dyslexic Society)
Talented Students:
Post client database update, Sue has been contacting some students she lost touch with and hearing their news has been a huge treat. SO, we are starting a Talented Dyslexics page on the WDS website and would love your success stories, academic or not, and a photo if you are OK with that going on the website. Sue often used to say to her students ‘you’ll be just fine once you’ve left school’ and she is hearing that they are way better than fine, SO talented, and SO excited to be able to pursue their dreams!
2021 WALK AND TALK THE ‘DYS’ OUT OF DYSLEXIA - GOAL $10,000
Our Giving Guide:
See how donations can result in tax credits by reading the article below.
Read MOre…Tax Benefits of Charitable Donations
We have Note Cards for sale at The Card Project.
Visit The Card Project Here
Partial proceeds go to The WDS from sales and rentals of Ed Roman’s highly acclaimed “Red Omen” video.
For more information on renting or buying Red Omen click here
we gratefully accept donations through our Canada helps charity page. Thank you !
Canada Helps
Celebrating 40 Years - The Ron Davis Story
Photo: https://blog.dyslexia.com/ron-davis-discovery/
“Forty years ago – in 1981 – Ronald Dell Davis stumbled on a breakthrough idea.”
That breakthrough idea was the discovery of the root cause of Dyslexia. Disorientation.
To read more visit Dyslexia the Gift Blog Here
To read The Ron Davis Story visit here
Absurdities of English Spelling
Photo by Amador Loureiro on Unsplash
The following is an article by The English Spelling Society on Poems showing the absurdities of english spelling.
The classic spelling poem is Chaos by Gerard Nolst Trenité, published by SSS in Journal 17.
I take it you already know
I take it you already know
Of tough and bough and cough and dough?
Others may stumble, but not you,
On hiccough, thorough, lough and through?
Well done! And now you wish, perhaps,
To learn of less familiar traps?
Beware of heard, a dreadful word
That looks like beard and sounds like bird,
And dead: it's said like bed, not bead -
For goodness sake don't call it deed!
Watch out for meat and great and threat
(They rhyme with suite and straight and debt).
A moth is not a moth in mother,
Nor both in bother, broth in brother,
And here is not a match for there
Nor dear and fear for bear and pear,
And then there's dose and rose and lose -
Just look them up - and goose and choose,
And cork and work and card and ward,
And font and front and word and sword,
And do and go and thwart and cart -
Come, come, I've hardly made a start!
A dreadful language? Man alive!
I'd mastered it when I was five!
Quoted by Vivian Cook and Melvin Bragg 2004,
by Richard Krogh, in D Bolinger & D A Sears, Aspects of Language, 1981,
and in Spelling Progress Bulletin March 1961, Brush up on your English.
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2022
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2021
- Dec 10, 2021 Newsletter December 2021 Dec 10, 2021
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- Oct 14, 2021 Newsletter October 2021 Oct 14, 2021
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- Jul 18, 2021 Newsletter July 2021 Jul 18, 2021
- May 27, 2021 The Quiet Warrior Show Podcast with Tom Dutta & Sue Hall May 27, 2021
- May 18, 2021 Newsletter May 2021 May 18, 2021
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- Feb 11, 2021 Celebrating 40 Years - The Ron Davis Story Feb 11, 2021
- Feb 11, 2021 Absurdities of English Spelling Feb 11, 2021
- Feb 11, 2021 "Is there really a ‘science of reading’ that tells us exactly how to teach kids to read?" Feb 11, 2021
- Jan 16, 2021 Newsletter January 2021 Jan 16, 2021
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2020
- Dec 4, 2020 Newsletter December 2020 Dec 4, 2020
- Nov 4, 2020 Newsletter November 2020 Nov 4, 2020
- Oct 5, 2020 Dyslexia Awareness Week October 5-9, 2020 Oct 5, 2020
- Sep 18, 2020 Newsletter September 2020 #2 Sep 18, 2020
- Sep 6, 2020 Newsletter September 2020 Sep 6, 2020
- Aug 15, 2020 Newsletter August 2020 Aug 15, 2020
- Aug 2, 2020 North Vancouver Organization Launches Campaign Aug 2, 2020
- Jul 26, 2020 Newsletter July 2020 Jul 26, 2020
- Jun 9, 2020 Newsletter June 2020 Jun 9, 2020
- Jun 8, 2020 The Learning Ally Spotlight on Dyslexia On-Demand Sessions Available Now Jun 8, 2020
- Jun 8, 2020 Canada Helps chance to win $20,000 for the month of June Jun 8, 2020
- Jan 24, 2020 Global Morning News - Month of Giving Jan 24, 2020
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2019
- Dec 16, 2019 Sue Hall and one of her students took part in the CKNW Kids Fund Telethon on Giving Tuesday, 2019. Dec 16, 2019
- Dec 2, 2019 100 Women Who Care of The North Shore Support The WDS Dec 2, 2019
- Nov 26, 2019 North Shore Community Foundation Grant Nov 26, 2019
- Nov 26, 2019 Newsletter November 2019 Nov 26, 2019
- Oct 29, 2019 Davis Learning Strategies Basic Teacher Workshops - the missing piece. Oct 29, 2019
- Oct 29, 2019 Thank you Davis Dyslexia and Autism Facilitator’s Association of Canada for your gracious donation Oct 29, 2019
- Oct 29, 2019 Thank you 100 Women Who Care Oct 29, 2019
- Oct 14, 2019 Ed Roman's "Red Omen" - partial proceeds to support The Whole Dyslexic Society Oct 14, 2019
- Oct 5, 2019 What if English were phonetically consistent Oct 5, 2019
- Aug 24, 2019 The Dyslexic Reader Issue 11, 2019, Vol 79 Aug 24, 2019
- Aug 23, 2019 Community Flax to Linen Growing Project Aug 23, 2019
- Jul 1, 2019 The WDS Newsletter - July 2019 Jul 1, 2019
- Mar 1, 2019 The WDS Newsletter - March 2019 Mar 1, 2019
- Jan 1, 2019 The WDS Newsletter - January 2019 Jan 1, 2019
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2018
- Oct 1, 2018 The WDS Newsletter - October 2018 Oct 1, 2018
- Jul 1, 2018 The WDS Newsletter - July 2018 Jul 1, 2018
- Mar 1, 2018 The WDS Newsletter - March 2018 Mar 1, 2018
- Jan 18, 2018 Vegas Night in West Vancouver Jan 18, 2018
- Jan 18, 2018 Dyslexia: Learning disorder or gift? Jan 18, 2018
- Jan 18, 2018 Dyslexia Can Be A Gift Jan 18, 2018
- Jan 18, 2018 Unique Program Helps Dyslexics Fulfill Potential Jan 18, 2018
- Jan 18, 2018 It's not always as easy as 1-2-3 Jan 18, 2018
- Jan 18, 2018 Unraveling 'math dyslexia' Jan 18, 2018
- Jan 18, 2018 The Whole Dyslexic Society's Shift Event Jan 18, 2018
- Jan 18, 2018 Seeing dyslexia as a 'gift,' rather than disability Jan 18, 2018
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2017
- Dec 1, 2017 The WDS Newsletter - December 2017 Dec 1, 2017
- Oct 1, 2017 The WDS Newsletter - October 2017 Oct 1, 2017
- May 1, 2017 The WDS Newsletter - May 2017 May 1, 2017
- Jan 1, 2017 The WDS Newsletter - January 2017 Jan 1, 2017