Newsletter December 2023 Holiday Edition
Dear All… here is our bumper December edition!
As our last Newsletter for 2023, its tempting to look back before we start looking forward to 2024 .. can you believe it?
December 2023
Dear All… here is our bumper December edition !!!
As our last newsletter for 2023, it’s tempting to look back before we start looking forward to 2024….can you believe it?
In so doing I’d like to start with our Administrator, Laura O’Neill, because without her none of this would be happening!
It’s all too easy to glide through all our projects, meetings, social media posts, technical troubleshooting, Zoom calls, PowerPoint creations, editing requests, not to mention the basic needs of accountability to the CRA etc. and keeping the financials, and preparing agendas and Board meeting minutes, insurance payments, this MailChimp, our website… and so on... without acknowledging who makes them happen… and thanks to Laura, we do glide! Laura volunteered an incredible number of hours before we were able to pay her part-time and as we all know, there is no such thing as a part-time job, which means that she works full-time for part-time remuneration, and not only that, but evenings and weekends to keep up with our deadlines.
Since we were fortunate enough to get the grants from Telus for the documentary and The Ministry of Education and Child Care for the Early Childhood Educators Professional Development Pilot, we have been wildly time-crunched. It’s also quite amazing how long things take… there’s an idea, Sue drafts it, sends it to Laura and Julie, who send back comments, Laura incorporates the edits, Sue remembers something else, which sparks more thoughts and then there are more edits, Laura puts a document on the Thinkific platform, informs the ECEs, gets emails re the technology, Sue can’t get into Thinkific, so asks Laura to send her the info she needs… and so it goes on… over and over!
So extremely long story short, Laura, we all thank you so sincerely for all that you bring, for going more than the extra mile, keeping us on an even keel, and managing to do it all so graciously.
THANK YOU !
THANK YOU 100 WOMEN WHO CARE OF THE NORTH SHORE
WE ARE IMMENSELY grateful to 100 Women Who Care for their generous donation towards our Bursary Program. We had a growing waitlist of families applying for financial assistance for their much needed Davis Dyslexia Correction Programs. We will be able to help 6 individuals with their generous donation. 6 Individuals who will flourish and thrive instead of struggle and experience defeat. Read more HERE.
Director Gisa Straith accepting our gift on December 4th, 2023. www.100womennorthshore.com
DAVIS INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM 2023
www.davistraining.info
Sue and Nadine went to the Davis Facilitators Symposium in San Francisco... the first one since Covid. It was incredible. Davis is undergoing a major re-fit with two remarkable individuals leading the way in branding and marketing. We are all very excited, and left feeling very much tighter as a unit, very encouraged at the new organisation and the collaborative opportunities. Nadine is a human dynamo… she interviewed and filmed people, got us all way beyond our comfort levels when singing … and turned our embarrassment into joy. She has a gift!
The Early Childhood Educators Professional Development Pilot – ‘NeuroInclusivity for Early Years’ is gathering speed! We advertised, interviewed, informed and then started on the Modules. The first two provided background information about learning challenges and the existing Davis Learning Strategies for K-3 teachers. Sue and Julie added adaptations appropriate for 3-5 year olds to the Manual, and Stacey Smith, in her wonderfully gentle way, presented one Online 2-day Workshop and one In-Person 2-day Workshop in Langford, BC. They all benefitted from Julie adding her practical experience, the games she uses and her practical tips. Sue was blown away by the enthusiasm of the ECEs. It’s easy for us to be excited because we have seen the results. They were excited at the thought of using the self-management tools with their little ones! We will be keeping in touch with them all, discussing the assignments (once we’ve created them) and the evaluations early next year.
TELUS STORYHIVE Documentary – when we came up for air, we suddenly realised that the STORYHIVE deadline for the Bonus edition (trailer) was only a few weeks away. Johua Mansfield of Shiloh Music Studio is busy editing all the wonderful film he took, and Nicholas Wisdom (creator of Sue’s book cover) is working on the art for the thumbnail, and it all comes together by Dec 11…!!! We can’t wait to see how it turns out!
COME TO THE DYSLEXIC TABLE - Episode #8 - Games We Enjoy at The WDS
OUR LATEST PODCAST could be the answer to your Christmas shopping dilemma .. BOARD GAMES… we introduce 30 of our favourites and discuss the advantages of playing Board Games… verbal skills, stress reducing, organisational skills, problem solving, dexterity, learning to lose and to win, inquiry, critical thinking and collaboration and above all FUN !!!
Here is Sharon’s Article HERE, or listen to the podcast episode HERE. Here are the games we discussed:
Find It, Rush Hour, Sink and Sand, Boggle, Monopoly Deal, Conversation Cards, Jenge Maker, Lego Therapy, Connect 4, Storytime Chess, Escape Rooms, Picture Charades, Spot It, Yahtzee, Pictionary, Nowhere To Go, Dixit, Cinco Linko, Labyrinth, Shut the Box, To Get to Ride, Bananagrams, Snatch It, Cobra Paws, Ring It, Quick Cups, Spoons!
ENJOY this fun rendition of Cinderella by Matt Watson.
WE HAD OUR LAST BOARD MEETING of the year on November 30 and were delighted to welcome Del Coburn to our fundraising objective, in particular, for Autism Approach bursaries. It’s already easy to see he is a wonderful addition to our small but mighty band.
Four years ago, Sue’s first visit to one of their meetings resulted in the North Shore 100 Women Who Care donating $10,000 to fund Davis Learning Strategies Workshops for K-3 teachers. Julie Brewer, our Montessori pre-school educator, attended the subsequent Workshop and decided to use the strategies with her 3-5 year olds. She was pleasantly surprised by the results. Fast forward four years and here we are piloting DLS for Early Years, as above. Who knew ?!?
This year, thanks to Gisa’s successful ‘pitch’ to the North Shore 100 Women Who Care, Sue was invited to the December 4 meeting, to let them know who would benefit from the $9,600 donated to our Bursary Fund. We have to wonder where this donation will lead? For now, we are just very grateful for an exceptional end to our year!
It’s exhausting just writing all of this down, never mind putting it all into action ! We hope to get a little rest over the holidays… and we wish you all everything that you wish for yourselves, with plenty of joy and ease and fun and laughter. Thank you for being part of our community… we look forward to taking all this incredible energy into 2024.
Much love from all of us….Sue, Laura, Julie, Nadine, Sharon, Paddy, Gisa, Tristan and Del…
Chris Mongomery usplash
Come to The Dyslexic Table - Live Chat -Next Event will be February 1st about Procrastination
RSVP HERE.
CALENDAR
Jan 21 – 28th – Family Literacy Week
Stay tuned for more events and happenings!
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:
NEW!! We have created some information pages on our website for Legacy Giving and Donor Advised Funds. These are ways in which you can support your favourite charity. You can read all about them on our Giving Page HERE.
Canada Helps Bursary Fund Fundraising Campaign for The WDS. The Whole Dyslexic Society’s bursary fund is seeking regeneration. We have four families who have been waiting far too long for a bursary. We know the transformation a Davis program can bring to their lives! Read all about our August Challenge to raise funds for our bursary program HERE.
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 - Bursary 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 October 2023
OCTOBER is Dyslexia Awareness Month… so let’s ensure everyone knows the truth about dyslexia and how to correct it!
October 2023
Happy month of October!
OCTOBER is Dyslexia Awareness Month… so let’s ensure everyone knows the truth about dyslexia and how to correct it!
WE ARE SO BLESSED and proud to have this way of thinking…let’s get our Universal Symbol widely known! Please consider purchasing our pin and sharing it with friends, family and colleagues. Your donation helps support our VISION: ‘that any individual, child or adult, who has the 'gift' of dyslexia, will have the opportunity of reaching their full potential.’
WE ARE EXCITED to announce the making of a documentary film on Dyslexia and our aim to achieve Neuroinclusivity in education. Our project is made possible with the support from TELUS STORYHIVE, and will be available for free on TELUS Optik TV towards the end of 2024. More details to come! We start filming this month - Dyslexia Awareness Month. Check out our short ‘pitch’ film below.
WE KNOW WHAT CAUSES Dyslexia. Watch Dyslexia: Enable The Learning Difference: Sue Blyth Hall: TEDxBearCreekPark
….AND WE KNOW HOW to correct the challenges so the gift can be enjoyed and potential achieved !!! We have curated a large collection of books and websites. Please visit our website at https://www.thewds.org/parental-support for a complete list of resources.
Would you like to help us spread the word?
Share one/some of our YouTube videos. Visit our channel HERE.
Share some of our podcasts…We have 6 series. Visit our channel HERE.
What dyslexia really is…
How it can be avoided…
Talking to dyslexics who are enjoying their gift
Interviewing TEDx speakers
The Quiet Warrior – Tom Dutta
Various topics taken from Come to the Dyslexic Table
We have over 1,000 listens… next target is 5,000 !
And please do help us to continue.. this year has been incredible.
Our BURSARY Fund received an award from 100 Women Who Care which is so gratefully received.
Our OUTREACH is going to benefit enormously from a TELUS STORYHIVE grant for a documentary.
Our PREVENTION objective has been awarded a grant from the Ministry of Education and Child Care via BC Campus to create a professional development course for Early Childhood Educators.
We couldn’t be more grateful ... and busy !
We are on a roll, let’s pick up speed
Visit our Giving Page for many ways you can support our Mission & Vision HERE
Nadine Schumont of Picture Perfect Learning Solutions and WDS Board Director has opened a new Center in Stratford, Ontario; Picture Perfect Learning Center. “We're thrilled to report that our recent open house at the new Picture Perfect Learning Center was a tremendous success! Attendees had a fantastic time exploring our offerings, including information sessions on neurodiverse services, the Davis® method, and specialized tutoring. Our Early Learners Pod and Youth Pod Days received a warm welcome, emphasizing our commitment to tailored learning. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this exciting event! Stay tuned for more transformative learning experiences at Picture Perfect Learning Solutions.” To read more about Picture Perfect Learning Center and programming check out her website HERE.
Chris Mongomery usplash
Come to The Dyslexic Table - Live Chat -november 1st Topic: the Science of Reading.
RSVP HERE.
CALENDAR
We thought you might like to see what we are up to:
October 1-31st - Dyslexia Awareness Month - we have a plan to make sure people are aware!
October 1st - Come to The Dyslexic Table is about Dyspraxia
November 9-12 - DDAI Conference - San Francisco - Sue has been invited to be part of a non-profit session.
November 28th - Giving Tuesday
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.
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:
COMING SOON!! All about Legacy Giving and Donor Advised Funds
NEW! Canada Helps Bursary Fund Fundraising Campaign for The WDS. The Whole Dyslexic Society’s bursary fund is seeking regeneration. We have four families who have been waiting far too long for a bursary. We know the transformation a Davis program can bring to their lives! Read all about our August Challenge to raise funds for our bursary program HERE.
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 - Bursary 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 September 2023
Dear All! Hoping that the transition from summer holidays to school is as smooth, joyful and easy as possible. This is definitely our year ! We have had the best news we could wish for!
September 2023
Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash
Happy month of September!
Dear All
Hoping that the transition from summer holidays to school is as smooth, joyful and easy as possible. This is definitely our year ! We have had the best news we could wish for!
We have 4 Objectives, 3 of which are thriving this year!
1. Improve Outreach and a grant for a documentary from StoryHive fills that one.
2. We need to Prevent the Challenges – the grant from the Ministry of Education and Child Care via BC Campus fill that one.
3. And NOW thanks to Gisa Straith and her presentation to 100 Women Who Care on the North Shore an award of $9,000+ goes to our Bursary Fund !
HOW INCREDIBLY BLESSSED WE ARE AND HOW INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL !!!
HERE IS more information re the Telus STORYHIVE Anniversary Edition Short Documentary grant that was awarded to The WDS.
The Need for NeuroInclusivity in Education and How (working title)
We are so fortunate to get our message out there, that currently one-third of the population does not have an equal cognitive opportunity. Luckily we know how to achieve that! This link will show you the sort of films they hope we will produce. https://www.storyhive.com/watch-and-discover. LOTS of planning underway…watch this space in October!
Photo by BBC Creative on Unsplash
WE COULD hardly believe our luck when we heard that we have also been granted a substantial sum from the Ministry of Education and Child Care, via BC Campus to create a professional development module for Early Childhood Educators, those working with 3-6 year olds.
This will basically be a version of the Davis Learning Strategies which is currently for K-3 teachers.
We need to reach ECEs, gather a maximum of 24, create an information module for them and for parents.
Stacey Smith and Julie Brewer will deliver the Early DLS in November, then we will mentor the teachers and the whole pilot has to be completed by Feb 9.
IF successful… or should I say… WHEN successful, there is a possibility of the module being extended to all of BC.
Here’s to the start of the end of learning challenges !
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT???
Dreams really do come true when the work has been done, and the time is right !!!
This is a major ‘to do’ list alongside the documentary. We are always open to as much help as possible if you have a talent to share with us, please join us!
Just watch our October Newsletter as the excitement develops.
Back on the frontline... for all of you who have taken a program:
…just brush up those tools – Release, Focus and Dial !
…contact your Facilitator for a review/refresher!
…catch yourself disorienting and refocus.
…make sure you have all 3 parts to a word !
Chris Mongomery usplash
Come to The Dyslexic Table - Live Chat -october 1st: Topic is ‘Dyspraxia’
Sharon Roberts & Rachel Barwell have an excellent article for us - this month it is 'Dyspraxia’. We will be talking about this at our next Come to the Dyslexic Table Live Chat on Sunday, October 1st at 4.30pm (Pacific Time). To read more and RSVP visit our page HERE.
‘Dyspraxia’ by Sharon Roberts & Rachel Barwell, Davis Dyslexia Correction Facilitators
Going on a first dinner date is nerve wracking enough but imagine doing this while being dyspraxic! Think of all the times you require coordination skills during such an event such as clicking glasses, using two utensils at a time, trying to eat soup with a spoon and keeping the soup on the spoon til it reaches hopefully your mouth. Then after eating, you need to use the washroom which means pulling out your chair while sitting on it, getting up and then putting chair back to the table all in one easy movement and then proceeding to walk effortlessly to the washroom. If only it were that simple for someone who has coordination issues! This simple feat can be quite horrifying and humiliating! And now you are expected to go dancing? UGH!
Dyspraxia is not often talked about like its cousin dyslexia because it doesn’t always affect learning. We often center ourselves on the task of writing, spelling, reading and math. Who cares if you can’t hit a ball with a bat? However, a dyspraxic or overly clumsy child faces humiliation. It is embarrassing to be the last picked for a team or if you get on a team, people getting mad at you because you missed the mark.
Rachel Barwell, a Davis Facilitator n New Zealand would certainly support the claim of embarrassment and humiliation. Often, on first glance, people saw her as being athletic as she stood tall above everyone, but they were soon disappointed to see the physique didn’t match the skill. She ended up sitting on the sidelines.
“People don’t see the strategy that is put into place in a dyspraxic’s mind,” says Rachel. She describes a business type luncheon as “a scramble, balancing a cup of tea with saucer and spoon, having a serious conversation while your shoulder handbag is constantly slipping “ a stressful enough activity, “but then to be offered a muffin on top of it, is a sheer juggling feat... and of course people like to talk with you once you just bit into some food”… a great story line for a Mr. Bean sketch, she says.
A dyspraxic child finds it harder than other kids to join in playground games and will often fidget more than other children. Some find it more difficult learning a new skill which others do automatically, for example, cutting a straight line with scissors, pasting cut outs without getting glue all over the place. Then there’s getting dressed, buttoning or zipping up clothing often makes them the last one out for recess. It’s embarrassing!
Of course there are a list of coping strategies (as there are in other areas of learning) for those embarrassed by their clumsiness. One major coping mechanism is avoidance. Children will avoid many sports activities. Adults may avoid getting in and out of a bathtub and choose showering instead or may choose to sit down to dress to avoid falling over. One thing that is common is the fatigue people with these issues face. The conscious effort to try and coordinate and strategize and navigate avoiding clumsy accidents is exhausting.
So if you are one of those who have been described as “accident prone” or never outgrew the “awkward stage” and want to do those things like catch a ball or walk alongside another without bumping into them, there is hope. Ron Davis, in his book The Gift of Learning says dyspraxia is most commonly associated with auditory deficit disorder and it affects 2 to 4 percent of the population. He refers to it as “a clumsy form of dyslexia.” He attributes this clumsiness to a person’s natural orientation being in a very unfavorable place.
Orientation Counseling, provided in all Davis Programs, provides a better option for those struggling with balance and coordination. About midpoint of the program a coordination exercise comes into play where a person uses their orientation tools, stands on one foot and catches koosh balls. This is a great accomplishment of those who are naturally clumsy to do this while maintaining balance and as the program moves forward, the more balanced the person becomes.
But does this really work? According to Rachel, “Absolutely!
When I am oriented (in my case, aligned), I make fewer mistakes in the physical realm - stumbles, bumps, dropped items, cuts, bruises, missed catches, fewer accidents.”
Sharon Roberts, Davis Facilitator, Ontario https://dyslexia.ca/
Rachel Barwell, Davis Facilitator, New Zealand https://masterdyslexia.co.nz/
CALENDAR
We thought you might like to see what we are up to:
October 1-31st - Dyslexia Awareness Month - we have a plan to make sure people are aware!
October 1st - Come to The Dyslexic Table is about Dyspraxia
Throughout October we will continue our Bursary Fundraiser: Sponsor a Family
October 3rd - Say Dyslexia is at the Legislature in Victoria organised by Dyslexia BC
Don’t forget our Universal Symbol for Dyslexia ‘Gifted with Dyslexia’ Pins HERE
November 9-12 - DDAI Conference - San Francisco - Sue has been invited to be part of a non-profit session.
November 28th - Giving Tuesday
Christina Rossi is a very accomplished custom cookie baker – and now we have Gifted with Dyslexia cookies to add to the pins !
Check out Chrissy’s Cookie Jar – this is her Facebook link - HERE.
We are still working on the dyslexic ice-cream idea – do you have any suggestions for us? info@thewds.org
Enjoy and have a fabulous September!! your Board….Sue, Laura, Julie, Nadine, Sharon, Paddy, Gisa, Tristan.
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.
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:
NEW! Canada Helps Bursary Fund Fundraising Campaign for The WDS. The Whole Dyslexic Society’s bursary fund is seeking regeneration. We have four families who have been waiting far too long for a bursary. We know the transformation a Davis program can bring to their lives! Read all about our August Challenge to raise funds for our bursary program HERE.
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 - Bursary 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 August 2023
Dear All – there wasn’t going to be an August issue, but now there is, because so many amazing things are appearing… so it’s bullet point style this time with more to follow!
August 2023
Happy month of August!
Dear All – there wasn’t going to be an August issue, but now there is, because so many amazing things are appearing… so it’s bullet point style this time with more to follow!
Maybe start with some laughter?
https://www.facebook.com/reel/234388156206952
Best quote ever from Kerwin Rae …. ‘ADHD is a hypersensitivity to boredom’ !
Sponsor a Family August Challenge
The Whole Dyslexic Society’s bursary fund is seeking regeneration. We have four families who have been waiting far too long for a bursary. We know the transformation a Davis program can bring to their lives! Read all about our August Challenge to raise funds for our bursary program HERE.
CALENDAR
We thought you might like to see what we are up to:
August 1 – Come to the Dyslexic Table was a lively conversation about Resilience – What’s Change got to do with It? The podcast will be out shortly.
September 1 – Come to the Dyslexic Table will be discussing this interesting article on Auditory Processing! A huge thank you to Sharon for all her research and enlightening, thought provoking articles.
In the Fall – Nadine is hosting an Improv Class with Theatre Sports – unlocking more creative potential !
November 9-12 - DDAI Conference - San Francisco - Sue has been invited to be part of a non-profit session.
OCTOBER DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTH
We are planning for our October – Dyslexia Month campaign and focussing on our pins again.
Christina Rossi is a very accomplished custom cookie baker – and now we have Gifted with Dyslexia cookies to add to the pins !
Check out Chrissy’s Cookie Jar – this is her Facebook link - HERE.
We are still working on the dyslexic ice-cream idea – do you have any suggestions for us? info@thewds.org
OUTREACH AND GRANTS
Telus StoryHive grant awarded:
This month we start our Telus StoryHive documentary mentoring/training… ‘Why the Need for Inclusivity in Education and How’.
If you have a point(s) that you feel we should emphasise… please email us at info@thewds.org.
Grants applied for: BC Campus, Loyal Protestants, Epcor and Domtar … please send positive thoughts their way !
Connection made with Big Sisters who run a Study Buddy program … thank you Gisa … looking forward to where this leads!
Julie found Darius Namdaran of BulletMap Academy…. love his mind mapping! Check out his site HERE.
PAPER: Being of a certain age, I need to see things on paper to read them… not a fan of reading off a screen.
So, sadly I use a lot of copy paper… but just bought Sugar Sheet paper ! Made from sugar cane fibre, no trees involved !
It’s great and you can recycle it ! “The Best Alternative to Not Printing”… and I’m not on commission
Come to The Dyslexic Table Live Chat September 1st: Topic is Auditory Processing Disorder
Chris Mongomery usplash
Sharon Roberts has penned another excellent article for us - this month it is 'Auditory Processing Disorder'.
We will be talking about this at our next Come to the Dyslexic Table Live Chat on Friday September 1st at 4.30pm (Pacific Time). To read more and RSVP visit our page HERE.
Auditory Processing Disorder Sharon Roberts, Davis Dyslexia Correction Facilitator, Kitchener, ON
I never really began to fully comprehend auditory processing issues until one day I was sitting in a very busy coffee shop with my son. High school students were lined up, dishes were clanging, buzzers were going and mixed conversations were overheard. My son, who was about 10 at the time, only remarked about the song playing way off in the background. This was a song, I literally strained to hear. Yet for him it was as distinguishable as the rest of the coffee shop’s noises. No wonder verbal instructions and noisy classrooms were a challenge for him, because if he couldn’t distinguish the dominant noise and drown out the others, how could he pay attention?
People with auditory processing disorder can have a hard time hearing small sound differences in words. For example one could say, “ Look at the cows over there,” and yet they may hear, “Look at the owls on the stairs.” Sounds may be reversed or jumbled such as the classic ‘pasghettie’ instead of spaghetti. Multiple sounds may be heard as one sound. All of this leads to difficulty with phonemic awareness, a skill necessary for traditional reading methods. Not all dyslexics have auditory discrimination problems and symptoms can vary from mild to extreme, but other signs can include, difficulty following a sequence of instructions, a weak auditory memory and weak comprehension of something just heard leading to the misunderstanding what others said.
Basically, they will pass a traditional hearing test but with auditory processing, their brain isn’t getting what the ears are hearing, but what it thinks they are hearing. Sounds familiar? It’s a form of disorientation. Instead of having confusion over letters, there is confusion with sounds. This confusion makes processing difficult, makes it hard to think while listening or phonetically decoding and leads to slowness in interacting things heard with things seen.
In addition, because the listening and balance systems are highly integrated, (they share the same vestibular-cochlear apparatus) those who struggle with APD often have difficulty with co- ordination. The vestibular system is a system of balance and motion located in the inner ear.
This part of the brain uses both sides of the body to support the child’s balance which allows one to know their place in space. Good balance helps one sit still, concentrate and control the eye movements necessary for reading, writing and coordination.
Auditory issues, like other learning and attention issues can affect a child’s everyday life. For example, does the child mishear sounds and words? Maybe you find the child is easily overwhelmed in noisy environments and copes better in quieter settings? Does your child have trouble with spelling or phonics? Maybe conversations or verbal directions are hard to follow? Separate testing from a typical hearing test is needed to confirm the suspicions.
Therapy and technological equipment is available, but I personally found the techniques behind the Davis Dyslexia Correction® Method very helpful. We had our son retested around 1 to 2 years following his program and he was in the “normal” range. This followed his mastering the sight words and daily implementation of the orientation exercises. I am not sure if I had APD, but I did have problems following lectures and remembering what was said without writing notes. Now, I frequently listen to podcasts and the odd auditory book while driving and seem to retain the important parts, and of course, I was able to do that following a Davis Dyslexia Correction ® Program.
The Davis Program tackles the cause of the learning struggles and gets to the root of the problem, allowing the participant to discover their confusions and correct them. With auditory processing, the orientation procedure combined with introducing symbols that are responsible for the challenges, has the ability to solve the problem. It has the potential, (depending upon the dedication to the follow up) to permit the client to re-enter the workplace or school free from technology, accommodations and coping strategies.
Sharon Roberts, Davis Facilitator, Ontario https://dyslexia.ca/
Enjoy and have a fabulous summer !! your Board….Sue, Laura, Julie, Nadine, Sharon, Paddy, Gisa, Tristan.
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.
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:
NEW! Canada Helps Bursary Fund Fundraising Campaign for The WDS. The Whole Dyslexic Society’s bursary fund is seeking regeneration. We have four families who have been waiting far too long for a bursary. We know the transformation a Davis program can bring to their lives! Read all about our August Challenge to raise funds for our bursary program HERE.
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 - Bursary 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 July 2023
HAPPY CANADA DAY – hoping you all had a wonderful long weekend and your summer holidays are on the horizon! We are taking a little break from Board meetings but there is still plenty for us to do.
July 2023
Happy month of July!
HAPPY CANADA DAY – hoping you all had a wonderful long weekend and your summer holidays are on the horizon! We are taking a little break from Board meetings but there is still plenty for us to do. The sad news is that we didn’t get any funding from the Government’s Community Services Recovery Fund, which is hard to take when there was $400M on offer!
OUTREACH
HOWEVER – the good news is that we rattled off an application for the Telus StoryHive grant of $20,000 for a 25 min documentary – and we got it ! Ironic that we spent weeks on the one we didn’t get and a couple of days on the one we did get. There must be a message in there somewhere? Laura created this ‘pitch’ video which helped us to get the award! Watch HERE. The project’s current title is ‘The Need for NeuroInclusivity in Education and How.’ They give us a mentor, suggest film crew, editors etc. and then launch the film on Telus Optik ! Very exciting ! We could choose our own film crew if anyone has any contacts, we’d love to hear from you.
COME TO THE DYSLEXIC TABLE Live Chat will be on August 1 (missing July 1) – the article crafted by Sharon Roberts is: Resilience – What’s Change Got to do with it? Our clients typically are not comfortable with change… so come and join us – you can register HERE and will receive a Zoom link.
EMERGING AUTHORS, Victoria, BC – Sue was grateful to have her book accepted for the Greater Victoria Library’s Emerging Author event. She wasn’t able to go but her book had a great time HERE.
DYSLEXIA IN THE WORKPLACE: When we talk about dyslexia, we tend to focus on children and their struggles in the education system. Recently ‘Made by Dyslexia’ came out with these interesting statistics:
Although 66% of HR leaders say they understand the value of Dyslexic Thinking - only 14% of dyslexic employees agree, and while 64% of employers feel their recruitment processes identify Dyslexic Thinking - only 4% of dyslexics agree. We think it would be worthwhile to contact the CPHRBC organisation to see if they would be interested in the information we can share. There is HR in all large corporations, and they might decide to donate to us ! Read the research document HERE. On a personal note (Sue) I think its so sad that Made by Dyslexia know about the talents, and yet have no idea, or do not embrace, why both the challenges and talents exist… heyho, one day!
Photo by ian dooley on Unsplash
ICE CREAM FUNDRAISER:
Ongoing… details re: the Ice Cream Fundraiser are still in the works… keep thinking of a really great dyslexic ice cream flavour!
COMMUNITY
Nadine has kept our Community Objective alive with a wonderful pottery event. She says “the pottery event on the weekend was a hit! Everyone had such a great time. We had two moms and four kids, along with myself, making a total of seven participants. We all agreed that we would love to go again. Currently, we don't have the final mugs as they need to dry first. After that, they will be dipped in the colors of our choice and then fired to be ready for use. I will be picking them up in five weeks.”
Next time she’s organising some improv ! Sounds loads of fun!
Photo by Hannah Wright on Unsplash
FACILITATING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES:
I find it interesting that your brain wires itself to match your native language. Wiring patterns seem to reflect grammatical characteristics specific to different languages, so looking at their brain scans, are there certain languages that would be easier for us right-brain dominant folk? I know Spanish is the language most likely to sound how it is spelt, but it would be interesting to know if it lights up the right brain more than the left. Read the article HERE.
Come to The Dyslexic Table Live Chat
Chris Mongomery usplash
Sharon Roberts has penned another excellent article for us - this month it is 'Resilience - What’s Change Got To Do With It?'.
We will be talking about this at our next Come to the Dyslexic Table Live Chat on Tuesday August 1st at 4.30pm (Pacific Time). To read more and RSVP visit our page HERE.
Resilience - What’s Change Got to Do With It? Sharon Roberts, Davis Dyslexia Correction Facilitator, Kitchener, ON
Good mental health is often linked to being resilient. Resiliency is the ability to bounce back from difficult life experiences or challenges, otherwise known as change. The idea of change is something that is often unwelcome by many experiencing dyslexia. Change simply means ‘something becoming something else’ and can be found in both the external and inner worlds. Knowing the difference is the key. Experts believe that resiliency is a taught skill requiring qualities such as confidence, competence, and control.
Some of these qualities can be absent in a dyslexic’s repertoire. The gift of altering your perceptions readily, without the ability to control when needed, undermines one’s confidence as mistakes are a common occurrence. Dyslexia isn’t just a reading problem; it can affect how we follow instructions and conversations and getting along with others. These misperceptions undermine our confidence and competence and without tools to control our imaginations, we can easily let our minds wander to a place filled with anxiety and /or depression. This can be even more magnified because we have that ability to experience our imagination as reality. Meanwhile this ability helps us in other areas such as creative endeavors or sports but is detrimental to bouncing back from unexpected changes.
Confusion is commonplace with a dyslexic person, so structure provides a sense of security or grounding. Changes in their orderliness of environment such as furniture rearrangement, moving households, scheduling changes, feeling rushed or any kind of loss or strife will further lower their threshold of confusion. This is why parents often see emotional outbursts associated with change in their dyslexic child. Being able to “roll with the punches” is a great life skill and a Davis concept program tailored to this need can provide someone with tools to manage themselves while facing a change.
These concepts, often meaningless to a picture thinker, are necessary to acquire some of the ingredients for resiliency such as: viewing change as a challenge or opportunity, relying on past successes, seeing their choices, having patience, confidence, and competence. This helps one adapt to change and become more resilient.
In addition, the Davis Method offers tools to relax and control the perceptual abilities when needed. In addition, we model the concepts of change, consequence, time, sequence and order, to place these abstract concepts into the real world. It goes beyond memorization or understanding.
Ron Davis’s book, The Gift of Dyslexia, says “When someone masters something, it becomes a part of that person. It becomes part of the individual’s thought and creative process. It adds the quality of its essence to all subsequent thought and creativity of the individual”
For example, riding a bike involves more than understanding. It’s the experience of riding it that provides the mastery. The same principle applies to mastering these concepts. Mastery inputs the meaning in a concrete way and provides the experience to fall back upon. Repeated experiences using and applying these tools builds confidence to manage changes and increase resilience. Life is unpredictable and riding the wave makes those ups and downs more manageable.
Sharon Roberts, Davis Facilitator, Ontario https://dyslexia.ca/
CALENDAR
We thought you might like to see what we are up to:
August 1 - Live Chat – Resilience: What’s Change Got to Do With it?
We have #1 Time Blindness, #2 The Invisible Dyslexic, #3 Keyboarding and Cursive Writing on Podbean, Spotify & YouTube
August 23, Creator Info Session #1: Welcome to Telus StoryHive
September 7, Creator Info Session #2 - The Business of Screen Media
September 19,26, October 3,10,17,24 Why Ty Parent Support Course – Online live with Sue Hall
In the Fall – Nadine is hosting an Improv Class with Theatre Sports – unlocking more creative potential !
November 9-12 - DDAI Conference - San Francisco - Sue has been invited to be part of a non-profit session.
January 13, 2024 Creator Info Session #3: Meet Your NSI Mentor
Photo by frank mckenna on Unsplash
AND FINALLY – A LITTLE OUT OF SEASON – BUT SIMPLY HILARIOUS – thank you to Matt Watson, Vancouver Island for recording RINDERCELLA for us !
Enjoy and have a fabulous summer !! your Board….Sue, Laura, Julie, Nadine, Sharon, Paddy, Gisa, Tristan.
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.
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 June 2023
We are in the midsummer month of June ! Everything is still so lush and green, even my veggie seeds are forging ahead!
June 2023
Happy month of June!
We are in the midsummer month of June ! Everything is still so lush and green, even my veggie seeds are forging ahead!
FUNDRAISING:
We at The Whole Dyslexic Society are also forging ahead with our Bursary Capital Fund goal … more applications to foundations for grants are on their way, and we are investigating the world of legacy giving. Some of you know that T.J. Firenze kindly volunteers her time to help you apply for the Disability Tax Credit; well her husband, Carmelo, was kind enough to talk to us about Legacy Giving and we would like to make a list of financial planners and estate lawyers who would be willing to offer our cause to their clients.
SO please… if you know of someone just email us? Thank you ! info@thewds.org
Photo by sheri silver on Unsplash
ICE CREAM FUNDRAISER:
Ice Cream goes hand in hand with summer, right ? Well…next month we plan to announce a competition centred on ice cream flavours… so get those taste buds honed into a new flavour you would love to enjoy, with maybe a quirky dyslexic title … ? more soon !
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Julie Brewer discovered this award … the deadline is very soon, June 9, sorry for the short notice… we have so many students to be proud of! To read more and nominate HERE
Come to The Dyslexic Table Live Chat
Chris Mongomery usplash
Sharon Roberts has penned another excellent article for us - this month it is 'Resilience - What’s Change Got To Do With It?'.
We will be talking about this at our next Come to the Dyslexic Table Live Chat on Tuesday August 1st at 4.30pm (Pacific Time). To read more and RSVP visit our page HERE.
Resilience - What’s Change Got to Do With It?Sharon Roberts, Davis Dyslexia Correction Facilitator, Kitchener, ON
Good mental health is often linked to being resilient. Resiliency is the ability to bounce back from difficult life experiences or challenges, otherwise known as change. The idea of change is something that is often unwelcome by many experiencing dyslexia. Change simply means ‘something becoming something else’ and can be found in both the external and inner worlds. Knowing the difference is the key. Experts believe that resiliency is a taught skill requiring qualities such as confidence, competence, and control.
Some of these qualities can be absent in a dyslexic’s repertoire. The gift of altering your perceptions readily, without the ability to control when needed, undermines one’s confidence as mistakes are a common occurrence. Dyslexia isn’t just a reading problem; it can affect how we follow instructions and conversations and getting along with others. These misperceptions undermine our confidence and competence and without tools to control our imaginations, we can easily let our minds wander to a place filled with anxiety and /or depression. This can be even more magnified because we have that ability to experience our imagination as reality. Meanwhile this ability helps us in other areas such as creative endeavors or sports but is detrimental to bouncing back from unexpected changes.
Confusion is commonplace with a dyslexic person, so structure provides a sense of security or grounding. Changes in their orderliness of environment such as furniture rearrangement, moving households, scheduling changes, feeling rushed or any kind of loss or strife will further lower their threshold of confusion. This is why parents often see emotional outbursts associated with change in their dyslexic child. Being able to “roll with the punches” is a great life skill and a Davis concept program tailored to this need can provide someone with tools to manage themselves while facing a change.
These concepts, often meaningless to a picture thinker, are necessary to acquire some of the ingredients for resiliency such as: viewing change as a challenge or opportunity, relying on past successes, seeing their choices, having patience, confidence, and competence. This helps one adapt to change and become more resilient.
In addition, the Davis Method offers tools to relax and control the perceptual abilities when needed. In addition, we model the concepts of change, consequence, time, sequence and order, to place these abstract concepts into the real world. It goes beyond memorization or understanding.
Ron Davis’s book, The Gift of Dyslexia, says “When someone masters something, it becomes a part of that person. It becomes part of the individual’s thought and creative process. It adds the quality of its essence to all subsequent thought and creativity of the individual”
For example, riding a bike involves more than understanding. It’s the experience of riding it that provides the mastery. The same principle applies to mastering these concepts. Mastery inputs the meaning in a concrete way and provides the experience to fall back upon. Repeated experiences using and applying these tools builds confidence to manage changes and increase resilience. Life is unpredictable and riding the wave makes those ups and downs more manageable.
Sharon Roberts, Davis Facilitator, Ontario https://dyslexia.ca/
EXCELLENT ARTICLE – ‘Dyslexia and Reading Science’ - as always from Abigail Marshall, DDAI Webmaster. Read article HERE.
CALENDAR
We thought you might like to see what we are up to:
June 7th - Laura attends CRA webinar
June 10 – Nadine is hosting her students to a pottery class !
June 22nd - Laura attends Grant Connect Webinar
August 1 - Live Chat – Resilience: What’s Change Got to Do With it?
We have #1 Time Blindness and #2 The Invisible Dyslexic Podbean, Spotify & YouTube
September 19,26, October 3,10,17,24 Why Ty Parent Support Course – Online live with Sue Hall
In the Fall – Nadine is hosting an Improv Class with Theatre Sports – unlocking more creative potential !
November 9-12 - DDAI Conference - San Francisco - Sue has been invited to be part of a non-profit session.
A very happy June to you all… always open to all your requests and suggestions… your Board….Sue, Laura, Julie, Nadine, Sharon, Paddy, Gisa, Tristan.
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.
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 May 2023
Happy month of May ! For me, this is my favourite month - everything is so
fresh and green, then there's all the bulbs and trees in bloom, we hope you
are enjoying it!
May 2023
Happy month of May !
For me, this is my favourite month - everything is so fresh and green, then there's all the bulbs and trees in bloom, we hope you are enjoying it!
Come to The Dyslexic Table Live Chat
Chris Mongomery usplash
Sharon Roberts has penned another excellent article for us - this month it is 'Comparing Keyboarding Skills and Cursive Writing'.
We will be talking about this at our next Come to the Dyslexic Table Live Chat on Thursday June 1 at 4.30pm (Pacific Time). To read more and RSVP visit our page HERE.
So many schools are offering technology for our talented picture-thinkers which sounds like a wonderful idea ... but is it really? Join us - we'd love to hear your experiences and thoughts - and once again, we will compile a podcast from the Live Chat. www.thewds.org/podcasts has links to all our podcasts.
Comparing keyboarding Skills and Cursive Writing: by Sharon Roberts, Davis Dyslexia Correction Facilitator, Kitchener, ON
https://pixabay.com/images/id-209152/
Few people still write with pen and paper, let alone in cursive script. Keyboarding has taken over this art form. However, researchers believe that cursive writing is important to cognitive development and the brain’s sensor motor region. There’s a substantial learning difference between handwriting cursive letters and typing or tracing those same letters. However, with the abundance of smartphones, laptops and tablets for reading and writing text…is writing cursive still important, or is it an outmoded learning tool? Should we focus on keyboarding skills and ignore teaching cursive writing?
Cursive writing trains the brain to integrate various forms of information at once, including visual and tactile inputs, while applying fine motor skills, according to Dr William Klemm, a neuroscience professor. This provides similar benefits to the brain as learning to play a musical instrument.
While cursive writing involves introducing a new set of symbols, for some dyslexics, it is a faster way to write and the distinction of letters is more clear. It teaches organizational skills and assists children in composing their own thoughts and ideas. Printing is more difficult due to the frequent stop and start motion when forming letters.
One researcher believes cursive writing improves reading and spelling abilities because it requires one to write from left to right so letters will join in proper sequence. This enhances spelling because of the connectivity of the letters, says Virginia Berlinger, researcher, writer and professor of Educational Psychology. Additionally, the hand acquires knowledge of spelling patterns through movements that are used repeatedly in spelling - a similar phenomenon that occurs when pianists or typists learn patterns of hand movements through continued repetition. Pictures of brain activity demonstrate that sequential finger movements used in cursive writing activate massive regions of the brain involved in thinking, language and working memory.
Is learning cursive the right move for your picture thinking child, considering that two dimensional symbols are often their nightmare? In my experience, some prefer it and eliminating it from a curriculum, eliminates options, especially if the Davis tools are being used at the same time.
It’s quite commonplace for clients to have difficulty with printing neatly. There are many reasons for this including intentional poor penmanship - a great way to hide poor spelling or hide uncertainty on punctuation, grammar or sentence structure. Intentional bad handwriting is not necessarily connected to disorientation. It’s also worth noting that sometimes poor penmanship is the result of inadequate instruction to build the necessary skills. Originally, cursive writing was a class in itself, scheduled daily.
For those who just can't do it despite honest efforts, there is hope. As with all of the Davis programs providing orientation is the key to figuring out the cause of the problem. Once we experience the positive effects of being oriented, we also become aware of the experience of being disoriented. The disorientation experienced is a result of some sort of confusion resulting in an emotion. When writing, there are stimuli that make the handwriting messy and these stimuli fall into two basic categories: line and shape triggers and motion triggers. I feel we are missing out in many ways by avoiding cursive writing, what do you think?
Sharon Roberts, Davis Facilitator, Ontario https://dyslexia.ca/
Another Board Director, Julie Brewer joined me, Sue Hall, to present a session at the Sooke Teachers' Association Conference on April 21, 2023. We had so much fun, as the teachers were so receptive. Every time we present a session like this their response is 'we had no idea our students
could think like this!' They seemed to enjoy the information I shared re correction and prevention,
and then Julie was able to share her personal experience as a parent whose child took a correction program ... and a Montessori Pre-School teacher who has been using the preventative Davis Learning Strategies with her 3-5 year olds - some of whom were non-English speaking when they joined her class. Now they are keeping up with their peers - she's surprised, impressed and grateful. We are very hopeful that one day we will have a school piloting DLS for 3 years, seeing the success, and encouraging others to join in.
We thought you might like to see what we are up to:
June 1 - Come to the Dyslexic Table Live Chat – Comparing Keyboarding Skills and Cursive Handwriting
November 9-12 – Davis Dyslexia Association International Conference in San Francisco – Sue Hall joining the non-profit panel and hosting a break-out session.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
FUNDRAISING: – need we say more – our scope widens with our resources.
So please add your energy to all our grant applications, philanthropic requests and help us to welcome in a very full bursary fund.
We are also working on our own fundraiser for this year… we have a bursary waiting list… there’s a very real need.
A very happy May to you all… always open to all your requests and suggestions… your Board….
Nadine continues 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.
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 April 2023
Difficult to believe we are one quarter through this year already… do you feel time is going faster than ever ?
April 2023
Photo by Mark Olsen on Unsplash
Difficult to believe we are one quarter through this year already… do you feel time is going faster than ever ?
Funny I should say that… we had our first Come to the Dyslexic Table Live Chat on April 1, following Sharon Robert’s article on ‘Time Blindness’ in our March Newsletter.
It was fun to hear the various challenges connected to time and many of them relate to time words like ‘when’ ‘then’ ‘now’ ‘before’ ‘after’.
Unless you know the meaning of time, they are also meaningless and will cause disorientation, resulting in missed appointments, flights, meals and often the appearance of being rude.
This was a real team effort, thank you Sharon for the article, Nadine for the discussion idea, Laura for the organising, those who joined us and Tristan who will be posting the edited Live Chat as a Podcast in series 6. Watch this space!
Come to The Dyslexic Table
Chris Mongomery usplash
This month Sharon has written about Invisible Dyslexics, she and I both come under that category. We did OK at school, and now we know we could have done so much better if we’d been taught the way we learn.
The Live Chat discussing our invisibility will take place on Monday May 1, at 4.30pm PDT. The official figures for those with dyslexia range from 10-15% but they only reflect the individuals who get tested.
From my observations, and research undertaken by Dr Linda Silverman (in Upside Down Brilliance) there will be at least as many who go undetected. We estimate at least one third of the population have the gift of dyslexia (used in an umbrella term to encompass dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADD, ADHD and many more so-called learning disabilities).
I am an Invisible Dyslexic: by Sharon Roberts, Davis Dyslexia Correction Facilitator, Kitchener, ON
Photo by https://pixabay.com/images/id-2304469/
I AM AN INVISIBLE DYSLEXIC – Sharon Roberts
While organising some things recently, I found some old report cards. They provided a sad tale of a student who showed promise and who was eventually categorised as being average, later attending summer school for High School maths and science in order to move forward.
I describe myself as promising because I was an accelerated student; meaning I took Grade 3 and 4 together. I don’t recall any specific testing, but somehow at a young age I demonstrated some above average abilities and was therefore pushed forward… therefore I was smart… right ? That was the argument I gave myself throughout my academic life when the report cards indicated otherwise. I was described as average, not working to my full potential and inattentive.
In my mind, I did try. Doing well was important to me. I managed to get into University, but encountered similar problems, especially with one History professor who point blank said he was disappointed and expected more from me. I avoided courses that focused on multiple choice exams because I just couldn’t do them. I managed to scrape through my LSATS (Law entrance exams – 3hrs of reading and multiple choice questions) despite clocking out after one hour. Needless to say, I didn’t pursue a career in law!
Fast forward 25 years when my son had completed a Davis Dyslexia Correction program and I was about to embark on my training to become a Davis Dyslexia Correction Facilitator. In training we are provided with the same tools as a regular program would provide. I suspected I had dyslexia but still kept quiet. The quiet whisper in my ear became a roar when I pursued training in nutritional counselling several years later. It consisted of independent study, all exams were multiple choice online and 80% was the pass mark. Thanks to my Davis tools I got 90’s except for Anatomy in the 80’s.
Imagine what I may have been able to achieve academically if I had been introduced to these tools in my early years! Sometimes the symptoms of dyslexia are obvious, sometimes not. Those I refer to as ‘the invisible ones’ get by, are able to read and write, get average grades and float along under the radar. They could have done so much better IF (tried) no…. IF they had been taught the way they learn. You might think that early intervention is the answer… let’s find the potential dyslexics and give them more of what they find difficult already. That is not our solution. What if the classroom teacher could teach the basics of literacy to the whole class in a way that worked for the whole class. Davis Learning Strategies do just that… they provide a safe environment for all children, including the obvious and the invisible dyslexics. They are the key to NeuroInclusivity in school, the end of so-called learning disability labels and the answer to achieving a student’s full potential. Children like me would no longer be seen as lazy, unmotivated and inattentive… happy children, happy parents, happy teachers. www.davislearn.org and www.thewds.org/prevention.
‘COME TO THE DYSLEXIC TABLE’ ..on MAY 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 !
SUGGESTED READING:
Thomas West’s third book – Seeing What Others Cannot See – the hidden advantages of Visual Thinkers and Differently Wired Brains
He wrote In the Mind’s Eye: Creative Visual Thinkers, Gifted Dyslexics and The Rise of Visual Technologies -- in 1991, and Thinking Like Einstein: Returning to Our Visual Roots with the Emerging Revolution in Computer Information Visualization
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:
On Saturday April 22, Nadine Schumont of Picture Perfect Learning Solutions will have a booth at this event in Stratford, Ontario. Drop by and say Hi! For more information reach out to nadine at: pictureperfectlearning@gmail.com
Thanks to a very generous donation, we are delighted to have the funding for our operations this year. We cannot express how grateful we are to the donors until we invent some new words!
Last year, our Society benefitted enormously from having Laura as our part-time paid administrator; not only for the typical admin duties, but her knowledge/skills improved our social media, our data bases, our procedures, our functioning. She is amazingly thorough, ethical, very creative and always works with integrity, having our best interest foremost and we are excited to look forward to more Laura this year!
We thought you might like to see what we are up to:
April 12 – Sue Hall and Sharon Roberts talk with Sky Bridges of APTN TV in Winnipeg.
April 21 – Julie Brewer and Sue Hall present at the Sooke School District Professional Development Day.
April 22 - Stratford Mother’s Day Event to support Autism
April 23 – National Book Day
April 25 – Paddy Carson Edmonton Pro D on Davis Learning Strategies
May 1 - Come to the Dyslexic Table Live Chat – Finding the Invisible Dyslexic
May 6 – Emerging Authors – Sue Blyth Hall - Victoria
May 6 – Field Trip for Nadine’s Clay Club to a Pottery Studio.
June 1 - Come to the Dyslexic Table Live Chat – Comparing Keyboarding Skills and Cursive Handwriting
November 9-12 – Davis Dyslexia Association International Conference in San Francisco – Sue Hall joining the non-profit panel and hosting a break-out session.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
FUNDRAISING: – need we say more – our scope widens with our resources.
So please add your energy to all our grant applications, philanthropic requests and help us to welcome in a very full bursary fund.
We are also working on our own fundraiser for this year… we have a bursary waiting list… there’s a very real need.
“A very happy April/Spring to you all… always open to all your requests and suggestions… your Board….”
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.
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 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
-
2024
- Nov 6, 2024 Newsletter November 2024 Nov 6, 2024
- Sep 30, 2024 Newsletter October 2024 Sep 30, 2024
- Aug 1, 2024 Newsletter August 2024 Aug 1, 2024
- Jun 18, 2024 Newsletter July 2024 Jun 18, 2024
- Jun 6, 2024 Newsletter June 2024 Jun 6, 2024
- May 14, 2024 Newsletter May 2024 May 14, 2024
- Apr 14, 2024 Newsletter April 2024 Apr 14, 2024
- Mar 7, 2024 Newsletter March 2024 Mar 7, 2024
- Feb 7, 2024 Newsletter February 2024 Feb 7, 2024
- Jan 4, 2024 Newsletter January 2024 Jan 4, 2024
-
2023
- Dec 4, 2023 Newsletter December 2023 Holiday Edition Dec 4, 2023
- Sep 29, 2023 Newsletter October 2023 Sep 29, 2023
- Sep 12, 2023 Newsletter September 2023 Sep 12, 2023
- Aug 4, 2023 Newsletter August 2023 Aug 4, 2023
- Jul 5, 2023 Newsletter July 2023 Jul 5, 2023
- Jun 5, 2023 Newsletter June 2023 Jun 5, 2023
- May 9, 2023 Newsletter May 2023 May 9, 2023
- Apr 7, 2023 Newsletter April 2023 Apr 7, 2023
- Mar 1, 2023 Newsletter March 2023 Mar 1, 2023
- Jan 16, 2023 Newsletter January 2023 Jan 16, 2023
-
2022
- Dec 12, 2022 Newsletter December 2022 Dec 12, 2022
- Oct 1, 2022 Newsletter October 2022 Oct 1, 2022
- Aug 14, 2022 Newsletter August 2022 Aug 14, 2022
- May 18, 2022 Newsletter May 2022 May 18, 2022
- Apr 6, 2022 Newsletter Birthday Edition ! April 2022 Apr 6, 2022
- Feb 18, 2022 Newsletter February 2022 Feb 18, 2022
- Jan 10, 2022 Newsletter January 2022 Jan 10, 2022
-
2021
- Dec 10, 2021 Newsletter December 2021 Dec 10, 2021
- Nov 17, 2021 Newsletter November 2021 Nov 17, 2021
- Oct 14, 2021 Newsletter October 2021 Oct 14, 2021
- Sep 14, 2021 Newsletter September 2021 Sep 14, 2021
- 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
- Apr 3, 2021 Newsletter April 2021 Apr 3, 2021
- Mar 1, 2021 Newsletter March 2021 Mar 1, 2021
- 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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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