The

~
Dys•lex´•ic Read´•er
VOL. 47 Davis Dyslexia Association International ISSUE 1 • 2008

Celebrating the 12th Anniversary of DDAI

with Friends from Around the World!
HE THIRD INTERNATIONAL DAVIS
Facilitators Symposium was held
in Las Vegas, Nevada October 14
through 18, 2007. This event marked
the 12th anniversary of the founding of
Davis Dyslexia Association International
in 1995 and was attended by delegates
from 17 countries.
Two years after the founding of
DDAI, in 1997 there were all of 17
licensed Davis Facilitators in the world
– six in the United States, 2 in Mexico
and 9 in Europe. By 2003, over 275
Facilitators were providing Davis
(Cont’d on p. 4)
Evening fun and games at the Davis
Symposium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

IN THIS ISSUE
News & Feature Articles
Celebrating DDAI’s 12th Anniversary . .1
Davis “Graduate” Admitted to
Georgetown University . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Jacob – Up the Ladder of Success . . . .3
Dutch Punch and Judy Delight Crowds
at the Las Vegas Symposium . . . . . . .5
Famous Dyslexics Remember . . . . . . . .5
The Making of a Bookworm . . . . . . . .9
Implications of Self-Regulation Abilities
for Academic Achievement . . . . . . .12
DLS Bring Back the Smile: Another
New Davis DVD! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
The Myth of Early Intervention . . . . .13
Courage & Perseverence Rewarded . .17
Joaquín: Diario de un éxito . . . . . . . .18
Regular Features
In the Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Book Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-8
Q&A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-16
New Davis Licensees . . . . . . . . . .23-25
Davis Workshops . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-28
Davis “Graduate” Admitted
to Georgetown University
McGrath’s Personal Essay are really no words to express how
Addresses Dyslexia Trials grateful we are for all you did for her.
Marcia Maust, Davis Facilitator in Berlin, Love, Randi
Pennsylvania shared some happy news with (Cont’d on p. 11)
us. Her client, Casey McGrath, was recently
admitted to Georgetown University. She
learned the news from Casey’s mom, Randi,
in a short, joyous note:
Dear Marcia,
I hope you and your family are happy
and well. I wanted to pass on some
more good news. Casey was accepted
to Georgetown, which is extremely
difficult to get into. We screamed,
cried, and hugged for quite some time.
This would have been completely
unthinkable without you. I’m attaching
her acceptance letter and the
application essay she wrote. There Casey McGrath, admitted to
prestigious Georgetown University.
PAGE 2 THE DYSLEXIC READER

In the Mail:
Thank you, Uncle Davis!
Constance Chua, Davis Facilitator in
Singapore, recently received the following
letter:
Constance,
This is just to thank you for spending
time helping us last week. To give
you and DDAI some feedback, Justin Davis spell-reading method, finished
came back from his first day of school the following list:
yesterday and reported he had spelling
today.
In the evening after Chinese
tuition, we did some Koosh ball
exercises and he learnt his spelling.
Previous to this, learning each spelling
Copyright 2001 Randy Glasbergen. www.glasbergen.com
list was a horrid, tortuous, week-long
affair for both of us. We tried phonics,
we tried breaking down the words into
syllables, etc., etc. We tried to note
special triggers in the words. If we
worked really hard, after a week of
repetition and reminders, we’d get
them right in time for the spelling test.
Yesterday evening, we sat down
for about 20-25 minutes and using the
After spell-reading, Justin wrote them
out himself and was able to get them
burrow crocodile
all correct. Even though he hesitated
octopus eyrie
over some words the first time he
stable sea creatures
penned them, he was able to correct
scientist coop
himself and know when he was about
scaly winter
to make a mistake. He spelled them all
correctly the first time, just by spell-
reading and whole-word recognition.
This is amazing as it has never
been so easy and painless for both
of us. He could still remember the
spelling today with no review, half-
asleep at 6:40 in the morning while
waiting for the school bus and he
happily wants me to test him again
afterwards.
Please extend our thanks to
“Uncle Davis.” God bless him for
helping other dyslexics and their mums.
Jacqueline Yih
Uncle Davis should know that Justin is
just seven years old! He did the Davis
Reading Program for Young Learners
in early July, 2007.

The Dyslexic Reader is published quarterly by Davis Dyslexia Association International (DDAI), 1601 Bayshore Hwy.,
Suite 260, Burlingame, CA 94010 USA. Tel. +1 (650) 692-7141.
OUR GOALS are to increase worldwide awareness about the positive aspects of dyslexia and related learning styles;
and to present methods for improving literacy, education and academic success. We believe that all people’s abilities
and talents should be recognized and valued, and that learning problems can be corrected. EDITORIAL BOARD:
Laura Zink de Diaz, Alice Davis & Abigail Marshall. DESIGN: Gideon Kramer. SUBSCRIPTIONS: one year $25 in US,
add $5 in Canada; add $10 elsewhere. BACK ISSUES: send $8.00 to DDAI. SUBMISSIONS & LETTERS:
We welcome letters, comments and articles. Mail to DDAI at the above address. VIA FAX: +1 (650) 692-7075
VIA E-MAIL: editor@dyslexia.com INTERNET: www.dyslexia.com

The opinions and views expressed in articles and letters are not necessarily those of DDAI. Davis™, Dyslexia Correction®, Davis Symbol Mastery®, Davis
Orientation Counseling®, and Davis Learning Strategies® are trademarks of Ronald D. Davis. Copyright © 2006 by DDAI, unless otherwise noted.
All rights reserved.
THE DYSLEXIC READER PAGE 3

Jacob – Up the
Ladder of Success
By Casey Linwick-Rouzer
Facilitator, Sugarland, TX
It is always rewarding to complete a
Davis Program with a client, but there
are those who stand out as especially
satisfying and enjoyable. My experience
with Jacob Dozier was just one of
those cases.
When Jacob’s parents brought
him for an assessment, he had not been
formally diagnosed. Their sensitive and
much less prevalent. He took seriously
creative 8-year-old had many symptoms
his assignment to try different activities
of dyslexia and ADHD, and was
with and without his “hands,” and
exhibiting a high level of frustration
returned on day two with a full report,
and declining self-confidence in the
including “Food tastes better with my Eight year old Jacob, during his
second grade. Brandt, Jacob’s father,
Alignment!” Davis program, with his creation,
recalled experiencing similar traits and
Jacob had a real feel for his Dial “Robo-Dog.”
difficulties during his own school
and enjoyed experiencing each of the
years.
levels before installing it. Although he the reading exercises but he accepted
“from the moment he took a while to master the upper case them quickly once he realized there was
realized he was in control alphabet without looking, he used no pressure. Soon he noticed how much
release and dial so expertly that he he was improving: he progressed from
of his ‘hands,’ he seemed
hardly seemed frustrated. He readily early first grade level reading with
to blossom right before
noticed his own disorientations, and multiple mistakes to late 2nd grade
my eyes.”
reached for the letter that caused it, level with few mistakes and excellent
Jacob was very eager for a leaving me delightedly speechless! comprehension.
solution to his difficulties with reading. We established a pattern of Jacob is particularly good at
His parents also hoped he would come release, dial, hands, and balance before Symbol Mastery, and he especially
to enjoy reading, as well as gain playing Koosh each time, which easily enjoys working with his family. He is
self-confidence and some control translated to release, dial, and hands quickly climbing the ladder to success.
over his behavior when frustrated. when we returned to our work. I put His positive attitude and eagerness to
Jacob’s reading assessment Jacob in charge of reminding me take charge of his own situation are
showed huge disorientations with whenever we started a new activity. He attributes that will serve him well in
trigger words, word recognition and delighted in taking this responsibility, school and out, from now on.
announcing his dial setting right away. Congratulations on a GREAT
program, Jacob! 
pronunciation at an early first grade
level. He also added an “ah” sound At first Jacob was reluctant to do
to the ends of most content words.
Jacob was a candidate for
Alignment, and from the moment he
realized he was in control of his “hands,”
he seemed to blossom right before
my eyes. Reading for disorientation
gave him immediate confidence.
He delighted in exclaiming “Hands
jumped!” and quickly mastered
bringing them back. Not only did he
make fewer mistakes than during his
assessment, but that “ah” sound was

Jacob with his parents and

sister at Support Training.
PAGE 4
Davis Facilitators Symposium . . . (cont’d from p. 1)
programs. As of this writing there are
455 Davis Facilitators offering help
to adults and children in 40 nations
across the globe, in 31 languages.
Although most delegates were
from the USA and Canada, Facilitators
also came from Iceland, Italy, China,
New Zealand, Colombia, Mexico,
Costa Rica, France, Germany, Greece,
Nederland, England, Ireland, Belgium
and Israel. We are truly a diverse
group, and the Symposium offered
a wonderful opportunity to discover
how much dedication, generosity and
unity exist within that diversity.
The many presentations offered
attendees valuable news and information.
Especially popular was the fascinating
talk by Ron Davis about the new Davis
Autism Approach. There were also many
other topics to learn about: creative
ideas and strategies for marketing
Davis services, recent developments
in dyslexia research, insights into
Congratulations to Lot Blom and her
husband Michel Paré, who took
advantage of the Las Vegas location to
get married during the Symposium!
No, not all Davis Facilitators are men!
successful delivery of Davis Math
Mastery programs, news of the
continuing implementation of Davis
Learning Strategies in schools, advice
on enhancing listening skills, to name
just a few.
Many participants took advantage
of the nightlife, fine dining, and
entertainment offered in Las Vegas.
The Cirque de Soleil shows were
particularly popular. Our own talent
show ended with an explosion of fun,
laughter and balloon volleyball led
by Auguste the Clown (aka Michele
Siegman). One Facilitator, Lot Blom
from Holland, even got married to
her sweetheart, Michel, in Las Vegas!
A special thank you to Paula
McCarthy, DDAI Office Manager, who
displayed a remarkable ability to remain
calm, patient, cheerful, polite, “oriented”
and always available, even during the
busiest and most chaotic moments in
the exhibition hall! 
Ron and Alice Davis.
Carol Nelson, Bernice Taylor, Tracey
Trudell, Shelly Cotton.
Lynn Chigounis, Colleen Millslagle,
Michele Siegmann, Angela Odom, Kim
Bezanson, Paula McCarthy, Kim Carson.
THE DYSLEXIC READER
What we liked best
about the Symposium.
Some comments . . .
I am rejuvenated and ready to
implement new ideas!
A great way to “recharge” my
Davis battery!
The great feeling that unites us all
and spreads over the whole world.
The knowledge that we are part of
a team dedicated to humanity –
and we know we receive guidance
and reassurance from Ron and
Alice and all of their team.
Being with like-minded people,
sharing our stories and concerns,
and the ENERGY and enthusiasm
we all share. I am so blessed to
be on this journey!
Being with like-minded people,
feeling so comfortable–so accepted!
Abigail Marshall, Susan Nikolic-Vicentic,
Petra Pouw-Legêne.
Rebecca Landes, Martha Payne, Lisa Spratt,
Mrs. John Mertz, Charlotte & Bill Foster.
Guess what word this model represents
in this display by Supervisor-Specialist
Charlotte Foster?
THE DYSLEXIC READER PAGE 5

Dutch Punch and Judy Delight

the Las Vegas Symposium Crowd
The Dutch delegation brought Punch
and Judy with them to Las Vegas. Jan
Klaassen and his wife Katrijn are the
Dutch incarnation of the characters
most English speakers know as Punch
and Judy. During the Symposium Jan
and Katrijn delighted the crowd.
Jan needed to deliver a mysterious
package. Having undergone a Davis
Dyslexia Correction Program, he
intended to demonstrate its benefits,
reading the address and delivering the Ron a pair of wooden shoes. After
package. But… uhm… he forgot to
bring his glasses. He was attended by behind to be bronzed and placed on
dancing Dutch girls, but they too
were unable to decipher the address.
Fortunately, a passing parrot
revealed the mystery: it was a parcel
for Ron Davis. Ron confirmed that
indeed, the package was addressed to
him, and upon opening it, discovered
an antique edition of Treasure Island.
Having completed his mission,
Jan was drawn to the Las Vegas casinos,
but Katrijn was determined not to let
him out of her sight. Poor Jan – Katrijn
won that ‘discussion!’ Meanwhile the
dancing Dutch girls sang of a dyslexic
boy, Berend Botje, who turned left
when he should of turned right and
accidently discovered America.
Treasure Island wasn’t the only
gift Ron received from Jan and the
Dutch girls. The entertainment
culminated when the group handed
all, poor Ron had to leave his shoes
public display at the Dyslexia
Discovery Exibit in Christchurch,
New Zealand a few months ago!
Our appreciation to the Dutch
delegation, Jan, Katrijn, and the
all-dancing, all-singing Dutch girls,
for a very entertaining show!
Thanks to Lot Blom for the
photos and story of the Dutch Punch
and Judy Show. You can read more about
this and other news relating to dyslexia
and picture thinking in general at
Lot’s blog:
www.picturethinking.blogspot.com/
And you can learn more about
the Dyslexia Discovery Exhibit in
Christchurch, New Zealand at
www.cmct.org.nz/dde/index.html 

Famous Dyslexics Remember

Paul Orfalea founded
Kinko’s in l970, at age
22. By the time he sold
it to Fed–Ex in 2004,
it was the world’s
leading business
services chain. Today,
there are over 1,500
Fed-Ex Kinko's worldwide. Orfalea is
dyslexic, with ADHD. He’s easily
bored, which motivates him to take
on interesting projects. As a child
he didn’t have much self confidence
but says those difficulties helped him
later: “If you have a healthy dose of
rejection in your life, you are going to
have to figure out how to do it your
way.” He developed excellent
communication skills, which served
him well in business. Orfalea believes
his challenges taught him to delegate.
One of his mottos is, “Anybody else
can do anything better than me.” He
is now a philanthropist and visiting
professor in Global and international
Studies.
Alice Sebold is the
author of three novels,
Lucky, The Lovely
Bones, and Almost
Noon. She recalls
from childhood that
everyone in her
family was a reader
except her. Her father, mother, and
sisters devoured all kinds of books, all
the time. Not Alice: she was dyslexic,
though no one realized it at the time.
“Stupid was how I felt,” she’s written.
“Humiliation, shame, despair – these
are good things,” she told an audience
at the San José Museum of Art in
California in l999, “they create a kind
of motivation.” Eventually, in her
twenties, she began to enjoy novels.
By her thirties she began reading
“old dead authors.” Throughout her
life she’s loved poetry and says it
influenced her writing. “Now, in a
way that seemed impossible when
I was a child, I read maniacally. And
I read everything my family did.”
Danny Kessler, 26, has
dyslexia and ADHD. He
also founded Angels with
Attitude, sponsoring
self-defense workshops
for women. As a child,
he had low self-esteem,
but was determined. “They give A’s
for memorizing, for writing an essay,
but not for being a leader,” he says.
The NY Times quoted him saying, “I
told myself I’d never be a lawyer or
doctor. But I wanted to make a lot of
money. I became cool with teachers,
and developed a rapport with them.”
In 2004, he won an Edson Student
Entrepreneurship Initiative award.
Danny gives talks internationally on
self defense and entrepreneurship
for youngsters with dyslexia and
ADD. He’s also Lightweight Coach
and Assistant Head Instructor in
American Pankration, the largest
College Mixed Martial Arts Club
in the US, and is part owner of a
Martial Arts gym in Phoenix, Arizona.
PAGE 6
International
Davis Dyslexia
Correction ®
Providers
The Davis Dyslexia
Correction program is
now available from more
than 450 Facilitators
around the world.
For updates, call:
(888) 805-7216 [Toll free]
or (650) 692-7141 or visit
www.dyslexia.com/
providers.htm
 Argentina
Silvana Ines Rossi
Buenos Aires
+54 (114) 865 3898
 Australia
Brenda Baird
Brisbane
+61 (07) 3299 3994
Sally Beulke
Melbourne
+61 (03) 572 51752
Anne Cupitt
Scarness, Queensland
+61 (074) 128-2470
Mary Davie
Caringbah NSW
+61 (02) 9524 3837
Jan Gorman
Eastwood / Sydney
+61 (02) 9804 1184
Bets Gregory
Gordon NSW
+61 (4) 1401 3490
Gail Hallinan
DLS Presenter-Mentor
Naremburn /Sydney
+61 (02) 9405 2800
Barbara Hoi
Mosman / Sydney
+61 (02) 9968 1093
Eileen McCarthy
Manly / Sydney
+61 (02) 9977 2061
Marianne Mullally
Crows Nest, Sydney
+61 (02) 9436 3766
Jayne Pivac
Mordialloc / Melbourne
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Berala / Sydney
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Michelle Roach
Sydney +61 (02) 9680 1610
Heidi Rose
Pennington /Adelaide
+61 (08) 8240 1834
 Austria
Annette Dietrich
Wien +43 (01) 888 90 25
Gabriele Doetsch
Leutasch/Innsbruck
+43 (5) 214 64 57
Jacinta Fennessy
Wien +43 (01) 774 98 22
Ina Barbara Hallermann
Riezlern +43 5517 20012
THE DYSLEXIC READER
Humorous Insights into
Asperger Syndrome
A review by Alice Davis
A dear friend recently gave me a gift: a copy
of All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome by Kathy
Hoopman. She chose this gift because she
knows I love cats and because she has heard
me complain many times about my husband
who retains many of the characteristics from
his profound autism during childhood. It
warmed my heart and touched me deeply.
I immediately fell in love with the All Cats Have Asperger
endearing and humorous photographs of Syndrome
cats and kittens. But, more importantly, this
By Kathy Hoopman
author’s affectionate, playful and detailed Hardcover: 72 pages, English
insights about characteristics of individuals Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
ISBN-13: 978-1843104810
with Asperger Syndrome gave me a deeper
Price: $14.95
appreciation for their unique qualities and
their great potential.
It also helped me finally realize and
accept that my husband will never agree to
wear socks with elastic in the ankles, let
anyone else except me give him a haircut,
or (just like my cats) learn to love garlic and
red pepper the way I do. 
About the Author
Kathy Hoopmann lives in Dubai with her husband
and three children. She is also the author of the
Asperger Adventure series for younger children;
Haze, Blue Bottle Mystery, Of Mice and Aliens,
and Lisa and the Lacemaker, all published by
Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
This book is available from the DDAI bookstore
and at www.dyslexia.com/bookstore.
Three Views of an
Austistic World
A review by Abigail Marshall
Born on a Blue Day is the autobiography
Born on a Blue Day: Inside
of Daniel Tammet, an autistic savant who,
among other accomplishments, set a world the Extraordinary Mind of
record by memorizing and reciting pi to more an Autistic Savant
than 22,500 digits. Tammet’s facility for By Daniel Tammet
mathematics and numbers is matched by a Hardcover: 240 pages, English
Publisher: Free Press; 1st ed (Jan. 9, 2007)
natural affinity for languages; he is fluent
ISBN-10: 1416535071
in at least 10 languages, and once proved
ISBN-13: 978-1416535072
his ability for the sake of a television
documentary by accepting a challenge
to learn Icelandic in one week. for himself as an adult. He is the eldest of 12
Tammet’s book is an uplifting story, as children, raised in an impoverished family who
much a tribute to the value of love in human did not have the benefit of a firm diagnosis,
but provided their son with love, support and
relationships as it is a recounting of his
childhood and his journey to find a place unconditional acceptance. Somehow his
THE DYSLEXIC READER PAGE 7

 Austria (cont’d)
parents had an innate sense of when to tolerate with each. Words also have shapes and color
and indulge their son’s inexplicable differences, – the book’s title comes from his perception
Marika Kaufmann
Lochau
and when to gently nudge him toward of Wednesday as blue, like the number 9.
developing the skills needed to survive in a Solutions to complex mathematical equations +43 (05574) 446 98
neurotypical world. For example, when they appear to him immediately as a distinctive  Bahrain
realized that their son could not safely play landscape of colors and shapes; similarly, he Sameera Sadiq Al Baharna
Manama
+973 555 201
unsupervised with children his own age, they easily remembers the words to new languages
 Belgium
opted for an adult chess club, where Daniel’s by the shapes and colors that he sees with
knack for the game becomes a doorway to each new word. Thera Brugghe
Roeselare
+32 (051) 24 63 40
acceptance as well as an opportunity to practice Born on a Blue Day is also a tale of
Ann Devloo-Delva
the give-and-take of social relationships. courage and holds some surprises. At age 19,
Tammet provides his readers with a view Daniel volunteered to serve for a year in a Veurne
of the inner world of the autistic mind, as he foreign country, teaching English in Lithuania. +32 (058) 31 63 52
Inge Lanneau
Beernem
describes his navigation through a confusing For him, merely taking a local train on his
and sometimes overwhelming world – his own to the orientation session for volunteers +32 (050) 33 29 92
hypersensitivities to sounds and smells, his is a new and almost overwhelming experience Peggy Poppe
Antwerpen
+32 (474) 50 23 32
acute need to impose order on his daily – and yet he spends his year abroad forming
Edith Rotenburg
existence, confusions arising from his overly new friendships, experiencing a new language,
literal interpretation of verbal instructions. culture and foods. Gradually, Daniel’s world Houtain – St. Siméon
The book is all the more fascinating because is transformed from one of a life isolated +31 (04) 374 27 87
Viki Vandevenne
Bonheiden
Daniel is also a synesthete – his facility for by his own idiosyncrasies, to one surrounded
numbers comes from the unique geometric by good friends, and ultimately, his life +32 (0473) 30 41 51
shapes, movement and colors he associates partner.   Brazil
Ana Lima
Rio De Janeiro
A Father’s Journey +55 (021) 2295-1505
to Understanding  Bulgaria
Daniela Boneva
A review by Abigail Marshall Ruse
+35 (988) 531 95 06
 Canada
Unstrange Minds is written by Roy Richard
Wayne Aadelstone-Hassel
Grinker, a cultural anthropologist, married
to a psychiatrist. He is also the father of a North Vancouver
teenaged autistic daughter. In a quest to better +1 (604) 988-7680
Jean-Pierre Arbour
Ottawa, Ontario
understand the place that autism occupies in
society, the author combed historic records +1 (613) 792-4068
and traveled throughout the world, to South +1 (866) 792-4067 (Toll-Free)
Raylene Barnhill
Fredericton, New Brunswick
Africa, to India, to South Korea, to learn how
autistic children are viewed and raised, and +1 (506) 458-0494
how their parents cope. Darlene Brown
Smithers/Prince Rupert
+1 (250) 847-3463
Dr. Grinker is highly skeptical of claims
Paddy Carson
that autism rates are increasing, and believes
that diagnosis has increased simply in tandem Edmonton/Alberta
with rising awareness. Before the 1970s +1 (780) 489-6225
Dyslexia Resources Canada
Shelley Cotton
autism was not widely understood, and children
with autistic profiles were often labeled Sharon Roberts
Waterloo, Ontario
+1 (519) 746-8422
mentally retarded or schizophrenic. Changes
and broadening of diagnostic categories in the +1 (800) 981-6433 (Toll-Free)
DSM-III and DSM-IV prompted doctors to Sandy Farrell
Unstrange Minds: Hudson, Quebec
+1 (450) 458-4777
become more alert to the symptoms of autism
Remapping the World
Renée Figlarz
among children with developmental delays.
Montreal, Quebec
When autism was added as specific qualifier of Autism
for special education services in the US, By Roy Richard Grinker +1 (514) 815-7827
Publisher: Basic Books; Paul Forster
Victoria, BC
reported rates exploded–a development that
+1 (250) 888-9925
1st Ed. (Jan. 1, 2007)
Dr. Grinker feels is the natural outgrowth of Language: English
the lack of adequate services for children Sher Goerzen
Maple Ridge/Vancouver
ISBN-10: 0465027636
+1 (604) 290-5063
without a specific diagnosis, providing even ISBN-13: 978-0465027637
more incentive to label even borderline quirky
or unusual children as autistic.
PAGE 8
 Canada (cont’d)
Gerry Grant
Supervisor-Specialist
Workshop Presenter
Waterloo/Toronto
+1 (519) 498-2424
Corinne Graumans
Medicine Hat Alberta
+1 (403) 528-9848
Sue Hall
West Vancouver
+1 (604) 921-1084
D’vorah Hoffman
Toronto +1 (416) 398-6779
Sue Jutson
Vancouver, B.C.
+1 (604) 732-1516
Mary Ann Kettlewell
London, Ontario
+1 (519) 652-0252
Carol Livermore
Ottawa, Ontario
+1 (800) 394-1535 [Toll Free]
Julie Locke
Truro, Nova Scotia
+1 (902) 895-9015
Yuko Kimura McCulloch, Ph.D.
Vancouver, B.C.
+1 (604) 222-2258
Helen McGilivray
Oakville/Toronto
+1 (905) 464-4798
Susan Nikolic-Vicentic
Newmarket/Toronto
+1 (905) 953-0033
Tina Panaritis
Montreal, Quebec
+ 1 (514) 690-9164
Judy Parley
Taber, Alberta
+1 (403) 330-9873
Rocky Point Academy
Stacey Borger-Smith
Lawrence Smith, Jr.
Calgary +1 (403) 685-0067
+1 (866) 685-0067 (Toll-Free)
Kendra Rodych
Saskatoon/Saskatchewan
+1 (306) 979-7323
Catherine Smith
Oakville/Toronto
+1 (905) 844-4144
1-888-569-1113 toll-free
Edwina Stone
Whitehorse, Yukon
+1 (867) 393-4489
Bernice Taylor
Riverview, NB
+1 (506) 386-4624
Tracy Trudell
Wallacetown Ontario
+1 (519) 762-2001
Kim J. Willson-Rymer
Mississauga, Ontario
+1 (905) 825-3153
Cheryl Wood
Huntsville, Ontario
+1 (705) 783-2763
 China
Yvonne Wong Ho Hing
Hong Kong
+852-2810-0282
Livia Wong
Hong Kong
+852-2810-0282
THE DYSLEXIC READER
In traveling throughout the world, the language skills are limited, she is able to
attend a regular school with the help of a
author finds that the Internet has similarly
become a valuable tool for raising awareness, classroom aide, and by high school she is a
in a world where autism in the past has often valued member of the school orchestra.
been a source of shame and hidden from Fascinated by animals, she hopes someday to
view. But he also discovers become a zookeeper. As I
that the prognosis is often read the father’s cataloguing
“I think that Isabel’s
better for autistic children of his daughter’s limitations,
tenacity and capacity
raised in rural, less I couldn’t help thinking of
developed areas, where for growth portends a Daniel Tammet’s transition to
their behavioral quirks more intriguing and adult independence. Too often,
seem better tolerated. independent future Dr. Grinker seems to see his
At home he takes us than her father daughter’s disabilities rather
on another journey, as he than realize the power of her
expects.”
describes his daughter’s gifts. It is Isabel’s mother who
education and growth. His pushes for French lessons as
love for his daughter is compelling, but often a bridge toward better communication skills,
it seems that he sees her through the eyes of who lobbies for cello lessons as a form of
the condition he labels a “disease.” For example, sensitization therapy for the child’s acute
early in the book he comments that he aversion to touch and sound. I wonder what
cherishes the idea of having his daughter the epilogue will be to this story – somehow
in his home indefinitely, never needing to I think that Isabel’s tenacity and capacity for
stress over future college or marriage. But growth portends a more intriguing and
Isabel may have other ideas – though her independent future than her father expects. 
Ten Things Every Child with
Autism Wishes You Knew
A review by Abigail Marshall
Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes
You Knew is the simple, practical book I wish
Dr. Grinker would read. Written by Ellen
Notbohm, the parent of an autistic child, this
thin volume comes with deep, from-the-heart
wisdom. It counsels parents and teachers
alike to respect, love and appreciate their
children as individuals, and not merely to
see them through the lens of their disability.
She points out that “normal” children have
tantrums and squabbles with other children,
too – some of the many challenges the child
presents are merely part of growing up. She
tries to help the reader see the world as the
autistic child must see it and feel it, helping
to explain how the child’s behavior is often
a very normal and understandable reaction to
a world of overwhelming sensory confusion.
Yes, there are often overwhelming
Ten Things Every Child with
challenges, and the functional capacity and
Autism Wishes You Knew
prognosis for each child is variable – but
underneath it all, behind whatever barrier By Ellen Notbohm
created by odd behavior and poor Paperback
Publisher: Future Horizons (Jan. 1, 2005)
communication skills – there is a human
Language: English
being yearning to be understood, and a ISBN-10: 1932565302
child who simply needs faith, guidance
ISBN-13: 978-1932565300
and support as he grows. 
THE DYSLEXIC READER PAGE 9

The Making of  Colombia

Laura Zink de Díaz
Bogotá +57 (1) 429-6312
a Bookworm  Costa Rica
Maria Elena Guth Blanco
By Linda Daniels San Jose
+506 296-4078
Marcela Rodriguez
Davis Facilitator in Providence, Rhode Island
Alajuela
+506 442-8090
Sometimes it’s hard to believe that my
 Cyprus
12-year-old bookworm didn’t recognize
all of the letters of the alphabet a mere Alexis Mouzouris
Limassol
+357 25 382 090
four years ago, or that a neuro-psychologist
 Ecuador
predicted a long struggle to achieve literacy.
These days, we pry books out of Ana Magdalena Espin
Cormac’s hands each night and are Vargas
Ambato +593 (2) 854 281
careful about what we leave lying around.
Nora Cristina Garza Díaz
If it’s in print and at hand, he’ll read it. He’s Ambato +593 (3) 282 5998
especially fond of film reviews, perhaps of chapter books, the fatter the better. Carmensol Herdoíza
because we only recently lifted the ban on To this day, Charlotte’s marvelous blend Ambato +593 (3) 284 9344
Cristina Mariela Lara
Salazar
PG-13 movies. “Maybe I can’t go see them,” of intelligence, humor and compassion remain
he snorts, “but you can’t stop me from the standard against which Cormac compares Ambato + 593 (2) 854 281
reading about cool movies.” Point taken. all teachers. Few measure up, and the ones Inés Gimena Paredes Ríos
We can’t stop him from reading, period, who do are special indeed. Recently, I came Ambato +593 (2) 854 281
 Finland
Elisabeth Helenelund
although my husband and I do draw the line across a “reading survey” Cormac’s literacy
teacher asked him to complete. In answer to Borga +358 400 79 54 97
“Some kids go through a phase the question, “How did you learn to read?”  France
where they idolize super-heroes he had a one-word answer: “Charlotte.” Christine Bleus
Saint Jean de Gonville/
or sports figures. Cormac’s The wonder of Davis, as Charlotte Genève +33 450 56 40 48
hero was and is a Facilitator, herself would be quick to point out, is its Corinne Couelle
Marsannay-le-bois/Dijon
+33 (0380) 357 953
Charlotte Foster.” premise that picture thinkers have gifts to
Jennifer Delrieu
unwrap, not disabilities to disown. So when
Cormac says “Charlotte” is how he learned Voisins le Bretonneux/Paris
+33 (01) 30 44 19 91
at dinner-time contraband beneath the table.
to read, he means the person and the methods
Françoise Magarian
Our first helpful hint to a new teacher is to
check Cormac’s lap for a book before starting she employed. That’s a great comfort to a Legny/Lyon
newly licensed Facilitator like myself, sitting +33 (0474) 72 43 13
Carol Ann Nelson
a lesson. It’s amazing how many false
Boulogne-Billancourt/Paris
assumptions of A.D.D. turn out to be D.B.D. – across the table from an anxious client on
Devoted Book Devourer. You know how some Monday morning. Will I measure up? Will +33 (0) 1 49 09 12 33
he become a bookworm or simply happily Odile Puget
Segny/Geneve
New Englanders stock up on milk and bread
+33 (0) 450 418 267
before a snow storm? Around our house, we literate, able to read anything he wants when
stock up on books before libraries close for a he wants? Doesn’t matter. What matters is Guilaine Batoz Saint-Martin
that I can point him where he wants to go. La Bastidonne/Marseille
+33 (0490) 08 98 56
federal holiday. Most of Cormac’s discretionary
 Germany/Deutschland
income is spent on books and his favorite
Theresia Adler
tee-shirt proclaims, “As soon as I finish this
chapter...” and the next and the next. Bannewitz
+49 (0351) 40 34 224
Ute Breithaupt
Naturally, we have a Davis Facilitator
to thank for all of this bookishness. Some Langenselbold
kids go through a phase where they +49 (06184) 93 84 88
Ellen Ebert
Ammern
idolize super-heroes or sports For Cormac, that was directly
figures. Cormac’s hero was and to the big-kid books he had +49 (03601) 813-660
is Davis Facilitator Charlotte longed to read for himself from the Cornelia Garbe
Berlin +49 (030) 61 65 91 25
Foster. Even the state where she earliest age. With his permission, I
Astrid Grosse-Mönch
lives has a golden aura for him. conclude my profile with his own words Buxtehude
New Jersey isn’t just a place. (see the following page), written for a +49 (04161) 702 90 70
recent class assignment.  Anna-Maria Gunselmann
Hirschaid
It’s where Charlotte parted the
sea of disorientation and led +49 (954) 341 70 00
Cormac to the Promised Land
 Why I Read
PAGE 10 THE DYSLEXIC READER
 Germany/Deutschland
(cont’d)
Das Legasthenie Institut
Ioannis Tzivanakis
Specialist Trainer
Workshop Presenter
DDA-DACH Director By Cormac Hopkins
Wilfried Bähr
Hamburg
+49 (040) 25 17 86 23 To me, reading is a nice quilt on a myself every day while I was with
Christine Heinrich
Schwäb Gmünd
cold winter's night or a cool root beer Charlotte doing a Davis program. It
+49 (0717) 118 29 74 on a hot summer's day. My favorite was exhausting. Now, it’s
Sonja Heinrich
Supervisor-Specialist
types of books are fantasy and so normal I don’t think
DDA-DACH Director realistic fiction. I read a lot of about reading when I
Garbsen/Hannover
+49 (040) 25 17 86 23 manga and graphic novels. read. I just read.
Kirsten Hohage Some of my favorite books People tell me I
Nürnberg
+49 (0911) 54 85 234 are the Redwall series by read too fast. They also
Ingrid Huth Brian Jacques, Naruto by say I talk too fast, but
Berlin
+49 (0179) 896 8007 Masashi Kishimoto, I can’t help it. That’s
Mechtild Hylla Full Metal Alchemist how my mind works.
Kassel
+49 (0561) 602 78 20
by Hiromu Arakawa, I’m saying one
Christine Jacob and the Harry Potter sentence and thinking
Lörrach
+49 (07621) 134 60
books by J.K. Rowling. of the next one in my head.
Rita Jarrar The first book I read by myself I read for fun and enjoyment.
München
+49 (089) 821 20 30
was Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel It requires no work, just your
Inge Koch-Gassmann in second grade. I read out loud by imagination (and I don’t like work).
Buggingen
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Angelika Kohn
Steinheim-Kleinbottwar
+49 (07148) 66 08 By Mary Pozzi
Marianne Kranzer
Königsfeld
+49 (07725) 72 26
Anneliese Kunz-Danhauser
Rosenheim
+49 (08031) 632 29 I am a sister to a dyslexic ten year old.
Sabine La Due I wonder what goes on in his head when
Stuttgart
+49 711 47 91 000 he tries to read.
Gundula Patzlaff I see him claying words with Rhonda.
Stuttgart I want him to be very successful in life.
+49 (0711) 23 64 86 0
Margit Pleger I am a sister to a dyslexic ten year old.
I pretend that he can read fine.
Wetter/Dortmund
+49 (02335) 84 87 60
Colette Reimann I feel sad for him that he struggles every day.
Landshut I worry that he might never get the hang of reading.
I cry when I think of how he might never be
+49 (0871) 770 994
Ursula Rittler
Stuttgart a fluent reader.
+49 (0711) 47 18 50
Phoebe Schafschetzy I am a sister to a dyslexic ten year old.
Hamburg
+49 (040) 392 589
I understand how reading doesn’t come easy for him
Margarethe Schlauch- I say encouraging words to him so he won’t give up.
Agostini I dream of how some day he will own a ranch just
Volklingen
+49 (0689) 844 10 40 like my dad.
Gabriela Scholter I try to read to him whenever I can.
Supervisor-Specialist I hope that he won’t let his reading problems keep him from getting a good education.
Stuttgart
+49 (0711) 578 28 33
I am a sister to an improving dyslexic ten year old!
Inge Starck
Battenberg/Eder
+49 (06452) 93 28 88 Mary Pozzi wrote this poem after her brother completed a Davis program with Davis
Facilitator, Rhonda Erstrom, in Vale, Oregon.
THE DYSLEXIC READER PAGE 11

Casey Goes to Georgetown . . . (cont’d from p. 1)  Germany/Deutschland

(cont’d)
As part of her application packet to Dyslexia Correction Program changed her Beate Tiletzek
Georgetown University, Casey submitted a life. After reading the essay, I’m sure you’ll Waldkraiburg
personal essay describing her “trials” and agree that Casey McGrath is an amazing +49 (08638) 88 17 89
Andrea Toloczyki
Havixbeck/Münster
challenges in school, and how her Davis young woman!
+49 (02507) 57 04 84

Stepping Past Labels

Ulrike von Kutzleben-Hausen
Deisslingen
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Dr. Angelika Weidemann
By Casey McGrath Ulm +49 (0731) 931 46 46
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Stuttgart
Helen Keller wrote: “Character cannot be I stepped past my labels and boundaries
developed in ease and quiet. Only through and took three honors classes my freshman +49 (0711) 55 17 18
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Evagelia Apostolopoulou-
Armaos
strengthened, ambition inspired, and success confidence grew, and I stepped further away
achieved.” This quote sums up my story. from those boundaries. I challenged myself Patras +30 (261) 062 21 22
What were my trials? I was the only kid with more rigorous academics and Zoe Deliakidou
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grade, I could not multiply. In fourth grade, officer, a retreat leader, and managed the or +30 6934 662438
I gave up recess to retake failed math tests. men’s soccer team. I faced my performance Irma Vierstra-Vourvachakis
Rethymnon / Crete
I am dyslexic. Words and symbols were anxiety dead on by joining the speech team +30 283105 8201
jumbled in my mind. I was chronically and performing at tournaments. I learned or 69766 40292
disoriented, which felt like motion sickness how to rise above adversity, push myself to  Iceland
Áslaug Ásgeirsdóttir
Mosfellsbaer
discover my potential, and welcome life’s
“I was chronically disoriented, challenges. I learned never to let any one +354 861-2537
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Snaefellsbae
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living on an endless but my trials strengthened me in every way– Gudrún Benediktsdóttir
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spiritually, psychologically, and emotionally–
and made me who I am today. Did my trials +354 822 0910
with a headache. It was like living on an inspire ambition? They molded me into a Gudbjörg Emilsdóttir
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Kópavogur
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notes. I wanted to be great at something, but My trials enabled me to connect with the trials Sigurborg Svala
it seemed I could not do anything right. Most of others–their frustrations, heartaches, losses, Gudmundsdóttir
Mosfellsbaer
of my childhood was spent studying while +354 566-8657
other kids played because homework took me “My trials enabled me to connect Stefanía Halldórsdóttir Wade
with the trials of others–their Kopavogur
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frustrations, heartaches, losses,
Ingibjörg Ingolfsdóttir
tested me, labeled me, documented the
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Was this my future?—a mental wheelchair of
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kick that chair down a cliff and learn to run. and lifting their spirits is what I do best. That +354 863 2005
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DLS Presenter-Mentor
My parents learned about a dyslexia knowledge and my love of science led me to
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PAGE 12
 Iceland (cont’d)
Hugrún Svavarsdóttir
Mosfellsbær
+354 698-6465
Thorbjörg Sigurdardóttir
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Margret Thorarinsdottir
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Paula Horan
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Sister Antoinette Keelan
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Eliana Harpaz
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or 054-441-0789
Judith Schwarcz
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Pearl Zarsky
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Elisa De Felice
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Alessandro Taiocchi
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Implications of Self-Regulation
Abilities for Academic Achievement
By Abigail Marshall
Independent research shows that
children’s self-regulation abilities –
including the ability to alternately
shift and focus attention and inhibit
impulsive responding – are uniquely
related to early academic success and
account for greater variation in early
academic progress than do measures
of intelligence.
In a study reported in the March/April 2007
edition of Child Development, researchers
Clancy Blair and Rachel Peters Razza
suggest that curricula designed to improve
not only early academic abilities, but also
self-regulation skills may be most effective
in helping children succeed in school.
Clancy Blair, lead author of the study
and Associate Professor of Human
Development and Family
Studies at Pennsylvania
State University,
explained, “By the time
children start school, they
are expected to be able to
sufficiently regulate
attention, impulsivity, and
emotion so as to commu-
nicate effectively and to
jointly engage in learning
experiences with teachers
and classmates.
“For some children,
however, self-regulation
abilities may be slow in
developing, leading to
problems in the transition
to school and increased risk for early school
failure.”
The researchers examined the role of
self-regulation in emerging academic ability
in 141 children aged 3-5 years, evaluating the
extent to which distinct but overlapping aspects
of the children’s developing self-regulation
skills were associated with emerging math and
literacy ability in kindergarten. They found
that all aspects of children’s self-regulation are
uniquely related to their academic abilities, over
and above their intelligence. One particular
aspect of self-regulation – the inhibitory
control aspect of brain function used in
planning, problem solving, and goal-directed
THE DYSLEXIC READER
activity – is predictive of all academic
outcomes but was particularly associated
with early ability in math.
With this study in mind, it is noteworthy
that Davis Learning Strategies, developed as a
classroom-based program for primary grades
(ages 5 to 8), includes specific techniques
geared to helping children develop their ability
to focus attention (Davis
Focusing), release stress
and tension, develop the
ability to self-regulate
their energy level, and
match their behavior to
external expectations
(Davis Dial-Setting).
During five years of
pilot studies, it was
discovered that these
techniques helped ALL
children enhance and
improve their reading
and language arts skills,
no matter what their
learning style or reading
level. Today teachers
continue to find that in classrooms imple-
menting Davis Learning Strategies, strong
readers become stronger in language and
grammar skills and weaker readers begin to
read effortlessly. Davis Learning Strategies
have also been found not only to prevent
special education placement in later school
years, but to increase the number of students
qualifying for Gifted Education placement. 
Citation: Clancy Blair, Rachel Peters Razza (2007)
Relating Effortful Control, Executive Function,
and False Belief Understanding to Emerging Math
and Literacy Ability in Kindergarten
Child Development 78 (2), 647–663.
doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2007.01019.x
THE DYSLEXIC READER PAGE 13

 Lebanon
Davis Learning Strategies “Bring Back Samar Riad Saab
Beirut
the Smile:” Another New Davis DVD! +961 3 700 206
 Malaysia
Hilary Craig
I Can Do It – The Confidence Davis self-regulation strategies to Kuala Lumpur
to Learn is a 12-minute video improve focus, listening and +60 (36) 201 55 95
featuring comments by learning, as well as how  Mexico
teachers, parents, and students students use clay for modeling Silvia B. Arana García
Mexico, D.F.
+52 (55) 5540-7205
about their experiences in a concepts and vocabulary, and
Cathy Calderón de la Barca
school implementing Davis Koosh balls to improve focus
Learning Strategies. and spatial perception.  México D.F.
Advanced Workshop
Presenter
Davis Learning Strategies
(DLS) is a set of powerful Fr o m t h e v i d e o +52 (55) 5540-7205
techniques for teaching any subject Hilda Fabiola Herrera Cantu
Culiacan, Sinaloa
+52 81 6677 15 01 19
to students of any age. These strategies “It’s just been a blessing to us and our
help students be successful, self-motivated family, our school, and our community.” María Silvia Flores Salinas
and self-disciplined. The video features –Kathy Pozzi, parent Supervisor –Specialist
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+52 (81) 8378 4846
students and teachers using DLS strategies in “It is something that they love.”
Laura Lammoglia
a school in Vale, Oregon, as well as comments –Rhonda Erstrom, teacher
from parents and educators about the benefits “And that’s what Davis does: it brings Tampico, Tamaulipas
+52 (833) 213 4126
to their children and the school in general as
Alejandra Garcia Medina
back the smile.”
a result of implementing Davis Learning –Darlene McConnell, principal Huixquilucan
Strategies throughout the school. +52 (55) 1085 5608l
Maria Lourdes Gutierrez
You can view excerpts from the DVD
Mexico D.F.
The self-regulation strategies integral adapted for on-line viewing, at
to DLS teach children to be physically and www.davislearn.com/information/videos.htm +52 (55) 5595 8442
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great results. In the video, you’ll see teachers
available now. DVD price: $9.00
and students in Vale, Oregon, using three Ana Elena Payro Ogarrio
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The Myth of Early Intervention Lydia Gloria Vargas
Garza García Monterrey NL
+52 (81) 8338 2226
 Netherlands
By Abigail Marshall
In theory, early intervention for learning involving kids from 2nd to 8th grade. All kids Liesbeth Berg-Schagen
Vleuten
+31 (030) 604-9601
difficulties should be a good thing: catch met DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for dyslexia
Ineke Blom
the children before they fail, give them what at the outset.
they need to succeed as early as possible. One set of kids from each age group Dorpstraat
+31 (020) 436-1484
received an intervention geared to building
Lot Blom
But in the field of dyslexia remediation,
the focus on early intervention has given rise more automatic sublexical decoding skills with Utrecht +31 (030) 271 0005
to an unfortunate, and very untrue, myth: specific training in syllable identification; Lieneke Charpentier
that the child who is not reading by 3rd Nieuwegein
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“the focus on early Hester Cnossen
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quote somber statistics about the Veghel +31 (495) 641 920
intervention has given
percentage of children who never learn Monique Commandeur
rise to an unfortunate, Sterksel +31 (06) 13 94 97 54
Ratnavali de Croock
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Alexandra De Goede
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Mine de Ranitz
Driebergen
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to look at how older kids (6th to 8th graders) since Italian is a phonetically regular language, Christien De Smit
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Leonardus D’Hoore
compared to younger ones (4th to 5th graders) this is an effective strategy for phonetic
in their rate of improvement with reading decoding. That is, the syllable pa will always Sluis +31 (0117) 56 29 40
fluency, with two different interventions. be pronounced /pa/ no matter where it Marijke Eelkman Rooda-Bos
Both interventions had been shown to appears in a word. Gouda +31 (0182) 517-316
increase reading accuracy in prior studies The alternate intervention was based on
PAGE 14 THE DYSLEXIC READER

 Netherlands (cont’d) claims that these phonics-based programs are

Johanna Fokkens “research-based,” the research is not geared
Beilen +31 (0593) 540 141 to mature, skilled –fluent– reading. Instead,
Ina Gaus
Santpoort-Zuid
the research tests the one thing that older
+31 (023) 538-3927 children are not particularly good at learning:
Jan Gubbels improved ability to recognize words in isolation.
Maastricht
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And because of this deficit in the studies,
Sue Hillier-Smith
the researchers have done very little to develop
Breukelen or study programs aimed at fluency
+31 (0346) 265 059 development. In other words, they haven’t
Judith Holzapfel
Deventer
bothered to study the programs that are
+31 (0570) 619 553 likely to help older children.
Mia Jenniskens Of course, such programs do exist–
Eindhoven “In the US, the strong
+31 (040) 245 9458 but as they tend not to employ the phonetic
Trudy Joling
emphasis on phonetic strategies strategies already labeled as being supported
Laren may explain both the high rates
+31 (035) 531 00 66
by research, they are viewed with disdain,
Marie Koopman
of reading failure and the early seldom implemented in schools, and remain
Bilthoven intervention myth.” unresearched. So we end up with only
+31 (030) 228 4014 programs that are neither effective to build
Carry Kuling
Heemstede a hemispheric stimulation, using a computer reading fluency nor to help older children
+31 (0235) 287 782 program that displays words in the right or improve their skills: hence the abiding myth
Edith Kweekel-Göldi that the child who reaches age 8 without
Soest +31 (035) 601 0611
left visual fields in order to enhance left
reading is already a lost cause. 
Imelda Lamaker
hemispheric development.
Hilversum The results of the study were that older
+31 (035) 621 7309
The Study: Fluency Remediation in Dyslexic
children did as well as younger children in Children: Does Age Make a Difference? by
Irma Lammers
Boxtel +31 (411) 68 56 83 the rate of gains made in reading fluency and Patrizio E. Tressoldi, Maria Luisa Lorusso,
Yvie Leenaars-de Rooÿ various tests of reading accuracy, with one Federica Brenbati and Roberta Donini, Universita`
Bavel +31 (0161) 433 449
di Padova, Padova, Italy [DYSLEXIA, Published
exception: with the phonetic based, syllable
ZeiZei Lerninstitut
online in Wiley InterScience, DOI:
Drs. Siegerdina Mandema
training, the younger children did better on 10.1002/dys.359]
Specialist Trainer tests of words read in isolation.
Advanced Workshop
© Abigail Marshall; first published Nov. 7, 2007, at
Presenter
In other words – at least with the “Dyslexity”– dyslexity.blogspot.com
DDA-Nederland Director particular interventions studied, older kids
Robin Temple could do just as well as younger, at least for
Specialist Trainer
Workshop Presenter
Maria Hoop
the important end goals of improved reading
fluency and accuracy of text reading.
Quotables
+31 (0475) 302 203
Sjan Melsen
But this brings up another question: by Notables ...
Arnhem what is the source of the early intervention
+31 (026) 442 69 98 myth? As the Italian researchers noted, very
Cinda Musters
Amsterdam
few studies of reading interventions look at the “The cure for
+31 (20) 330-78 08 end goal of reading fluency. A meta-analysis boredom is curiosity.
Bert Neele in 2003 showed that “90% of the studies There is no cure for
Melick
+31 (61) 259 8802
included standardized dependent measures curiosity.”
Marianne Oosterbaan
of real word-reading accuracy, whereas none
–Dorothy Parker,
Zeist +31 (030) 691 7309 included measures of fluency.” But deficits
writer, poet
Fleur van de Polder-Paton in fluency are the most persistent, even after
Schiedam
+31 (010) 471 58 67
accurate decoding is learned (more easily in
Petra Pouw-Legêne
phonetically transparent languages, with more
“If toast always lands
DLS Nederlands Director difficulty in irregular systems like English
Beek +31 (046) 437 4907
butter-side down,
or Danish). Thus, tests of single word reading
Karin Rietberg
and cats always land
Holten +31 (0548) 364 286
accuracy provide no indication of how the
on their feet, what
Jacqueline van Rijswijck
child will fare as a reader over the long term;
happens if you strap
Venray +31 (0478) 58 73 98 many dyslexics grow to adulthood reliant on
toast on the back of
Lydia Rogowski Wijnberg slow and laborious decoding.
Helmond +31 (0492) 513 169 In the US, the strong emphasis on
a cat and drop it?”
Hanneke Schoemaker
Wageningen
phonetic strategies may explain both the –Steven Wright
+31 (0317) 412 437 high rates of reading failure and the early comedian, actor
intervention myth. Despite sanctimonious
THE DYSLEXIC READER PAGE 15

 Netherlands (cont’d)
Statistics 101
Q: I am curious, do you have statistics or Ilse Schreuder
regional maps reflecting the number of Aalzum/Dokkum
+31 (051) 922-0315
Silvia Jolanda Sikkema
diagnosed cases of dyslexia in the US,
in both adults and children? Drachten
+31 (0512) 538 815
Suzan Sintemaartensdijk
A: I’m sorry, we don’t have any statistics
reflecting diagnoses of dyslexia. Because Akersloot
there is no uniform agreement on either the +31 (25) 131-26 62
By Abigail Marshall Romina Toroz
Utrecht +31 (61) 280-1821
definition or diagnostic criteria for dyslexia,
Karima P.A. Turkatte
nor uniform procedures for diagnosis, it is
Outgrown or overcome?
likely in any case that such statistical reports Amsterdam
Q: Is Dyslexia something you grow out of ? would be subject to dispute. Currently, there +31 (020) 696 4379
Marieke Uiterwijk
Leiden +31 (071) 576 2533
If testing reveals you have dyslexia, do you is also no mechanism for tracking the number
Mieke van Delden
need to be tested again years later to see if of diagnosed cases in the US. However,
anything has changed? depending on who you ask, the estimates Leek +31 (059) 4514985
Agnes van den
Homberg-Jacobs
A: “Dyslexia” is a word used to describe of incidence of dyslexia in the US vary
a pattern of thinking and learning that is from about 5% to 20%. America Limburg
characteristic of the dyslexic person. It will +31 (077) 464 23 22
No thanks, mom! Annette van der Baan
Amsterdam
not be “outgrown.”
However, there is no standardized way Q: I really think the Davis method would +31 (020) 420-5501
to test for dyslexia, and testing often involves help my child, but he absolutely refuses to Hetty van der Well
touch the clay or to try catching the Koosh Oss +31 (041) 263 6403
Annemarie van Hof
looking for specific academic weaknesses,
Utrecht +31 (030) 65 86 700
such as difficulty performing phonetic tasks balls. Is there something else can we do
Juchke van Roozendaal
or reading. Many educators still view dyslexia instead?
only as a weakness or disability. As a result A: The key element of the Davis program Oss +31 (0412) 690 312
Willem Van Ulsen
Groningen
and philosophy is that we only work with
individuals who want the program. Given +31 (050) 542 3941
your son’s refusal to participate, I'm not sure Tienke Veenstra-Sierhsma
Meppel
+31 (0522) 254 453
that he fits that description.
The desire to use the Davis approach has Lia Vermeulen
to come from your son–so the first step is Huizen +31 (062) 3671530
Christien Vos
Tolbert +31 (0594) 511 607
really simply to ask him if this is something
he wants to do.
Lucie Wauben-Cruts
Elsloo +31 (046) 437 0329
If the answer is “no” there really is
nothing you can do to make him use or Christa Wiersma
benefit from the Davis tools. Instead you’ll Onna (bij Steenwijk)
+31 (0521) 523 303
Gerda Witte-Kuijs
have to help him find a different path that he
they have not developed diagnostic tests that is comfortable with. You can probably identify Heerhugowaard
look for the talents and strengths that are a list of things that he is good at and enjoys. +31 (072) 571 3163
typically also part of dyslexia. For that Explore some creative ways to integrate his  New Zealand
reason most educational testing for dyslexia preferences with his learning needs. This Kirsteen Britten
is not really complete and may not always Christchurch
+64 (3) 348 1665
would not be the same as following the
be accurate.
Vivienne Carson
Davis approach–but the ultimate goal is to
While dyslexic children do not merely find your son’s strengths and interests and Auckland
“outgrow” their early learning problems, then find learning strategies that suit them. +64 (09) 520-3270
many do overcome them. Thus, the specific It sounds like there is a very strong Catherine Churton
DDA-Pacific Director
Supervisor-Specialist
symptoms or problems identified early in emotional component to what your son will
life may no longer exist in adulthood, and and will not do. There is nothing wrong with Auckland
therefore would not be measurable. A that. In general there is an emotional aspect +64 (021) 448 862
Jennifer Churton
Auckland
dyslexic adult who has learned to read well to most triggers or learning barriers. But
is still dyslexic–but has learned the skill that you can only address and move beyond +64 (09) 360 494
once was difficult for her. If she performs them with an individual who wants to do so. Ann Cook
Warkworth/Auckland
+64 (0) 9 422 0042
well on a reading test, some testers might Perhaps if your son experiences success and
Martine Falconer
conclude that she is not dyslexic, but this positive reinforcement in other aspects of
merely reflects the limitations of such testing. learning, his confidence will increase and Christchurch
The person's overall style of thinking and he will be more willing to give the Davis +64 (03) 383-1988
learning has probably not changed. techniques a try.
PAGE 16 THE DYSLEXIC READER

 New Zealand (cont’d) My brother wears me to make any decisions about medication in
Konstanca Friedrich-Palzer out just watching him! consultation with your brother’s doctor.) Once
Motueka/Nelson your brother learns these exercises, they need
+64 (03) 527 8060
Q: My youngest brother is seven years old,
to be reinforced on a daily basis with adults
Tina Guy
and was diagnosed with ADHD last fall. I
Nelson +64 (03) 547 4958 visited your website, but found that most of in his life. The more they can be integrated in
Wendy Haddon it pertains to dyslexia. Where can I get more a casual way into his daily life, the better.
Mosgiel +64 (03) 489-8572 information about ADHD? My parents have Keep your brother ACTIVE in age-
Rochelle Harden appropriate, energy expending activities,
Wanganui
been home schooling him. They are pretty
+64 (027) 306-6743 much at their wits end with medication. My such as supervised out-door play, classes in
Margot Hewitt brother’s doctors have prescribed several martial arts or gymnastics, or family outings
Kaiapoi +64 (03) 312-0496 kinds, but he has had bad reactions to some. like bike riding or hiking. Your brother has a
Alma Holden lot of energy and you need to provide him an
Alexandra The medication he is currently taking isn’t
+64 (027) 485-6798 strong enough. He wears me out just watching appropriate outlet for it. Limit his exposure
Bronwyn Jeffs to TV and videogames as much as you can,
Christchurch
him! He’s unmanageable, very impulsive, and
in favor of outdoor activities – try to give him
+64 (03) 344-2526 has no attention span. School starts shortly
Glenys Knopp and I know my parents want to get him back as much outside time as possible.
Darfield +64 (03) 317-9072 into the school system. I read on your website Be careful about his diet. Cut out fast
Raewyn Matheson food and sugar-laden treats in favor of foods
DLS Mentor
that people with ADHD need to become
Inglewood aware of their own energy level and with complex, more slowly digested
+64 (027) 411-8350 develop sensitivity to the energy carbohydrates and protein. This
Sally Ann McCue means whole grain rather than
Nelson
levels of others. But how can a
+64 (03) 545-1779 seven-year-old understand this? white bread, fresh fruit rather than
Tania McGrath
candy and soda. Make sure that he
Christchurch
A: We do have a program for has good dietary sources of essential
+64 (03) 322 41 73 ADHD, described in some fatty acids. This can be a whole-
Shelley McMeeken detail in Ron Davis’ book,
Dunedin
family endeavor, as eating right
+64 3 456 5058
The Gift of Learning. For is good for everyone. (See:
Kerrie Palma the most part, we work www.dyslexia parent.com/mag38.html)
Rodney with children aged eight
+64 (09) 425 5941
Spend as much time as you can
Jocelyn Print
and over. Your insight that with your brother, and reinforce the
Kaikoura +64 (03) 319 6711 the ADHD program would dial-setting tools by helping him pay
Alison Syme be more difficult for a seven-
Darfield +64 (03) 318-8480
attention to where others' dials are set,
year-old than for an older child or an
Lorna Timms
and think about where his should be set.
Christchurch
adult is correct. The methods we use CAN This will take time for him to integrate –
+64 (03) 363 9358 be taught to children as young as five, but
Margot Young
so regular adult reinforcement will help.
Auckland
we do that in school-based programs with a You may want to gently introduce
+64 (0) 9 638 3627 lot of reinforcement over time. It simply is Concept Mastery, as described in The Gift of
 Philippines not reasonable to expect a very young child Learning, by having him make clay models
Imelda Casuga to pick up these skills and incorporate them for the concepts such as self, change, cause,
Baguio City
+63 (744) 42 29 01
within the course of a one-week, intensive effect… Because your brother is so young,
 Poland
program such as the one described for older these concepts will take more time than they
Agnieszka Osinska
children. There are some exceptions, of course would with an older child, but it will help
Warsaw – children who are mature for their age –but him to think about and explore them.
+48 (22) 658-2237 it is unlikely that a seven-year-old boy with
 Portugal
The book, The Myth of the ADD Child:
Ana Catarina Gil de
ADHD would have that degree of readiness. 50 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Behavior
Almeida Nonetheless, I do have some suggestions. and Attention Span Without Drugs, Labels, or
Lisboa +35 (121) 781-6090 The methods we use are described in Coercion, by Thomas Armstrong, contains a
Maria Teresa Henriques
Lisboa +351 (21) 847-3515
The Gift of Learning. These self-regulation lot of good suggestions for other ways to help
strategies work best when the individual is not your brother learn to regulate his behavior.
Sofia Vassalo Santos
Lisboa+35 (191) 911-2565 medicated. If you or your parents are able This will all take time and should
Cristina Rocha Vieira to spend time working with your brother, I ideally be approached with all family
Coimbra
+35 (123) 943-7732
suggest the following: members on board and supportive. A
Go through the following mental, self- Davis Facilitator can probably offer more
 Republic of Singapore regulation exercises described in the book suggestions and perhaps provide some
Phaik Sue Chin
Singapore +65 6773 4070
with your brother: Release, Alignment, support now, even if your brother is not
Constance Chua
Dial-Setting, and Koosh Ball coordination yet ready for the formal Attention Mastery
Singapore +65 6873 3873 exercises. (These tools may not work for a Program. Check our Davis Facilitator listings
medicated individual. Your parents will need for a Facilitator near you. 
THE DYSLEXIC READER PAGE 17

 Serbia
Jelena Radosavljevic
Kraljevo
+38 (163) 762 87 92
 South Africa
Sharon Gerkin
Durban +27 (82) 82 85 180
 Spain
Silvia María Sabatés
Rodrigo
Madrid +34 (091) 636 31 44
Courage and Perseverance  Switzerland/CH
Tinka Altwegg-Scheffmacher
Rewarded St. Gallen
+41 (071) 222 07 79
Monika Amrein
Anna Stephens, from Leicestershire England, Zurich +41 (01) 341 8264
gained her Davis Facilitator licence in the fall Regula Bacchetta-
Bischofberger
Horw /Luzern
of 2006. Since then she has spent her time
building a private consultancy business – and +41 (041) 340 2136
garnering awards! Priska Baumgartner
Wettingen
+41 (056) 426 28 88
Anna’s journey has been a challenging
Renate Blum-Muller
one. Despite being one of only two Davis
Facilitators in the East Midlands area, she Full-Reuenthal
found that interest in dyslexia was very low. +41 (56) 246-18 66
Michelle Bonardi
But Anna was not deterred. She was awarded Castel S. Pietro, Ticino
a Fellowship of the Institute of Personnel +41 (091) 630 23 41
Vicki Brignoli
Lumino +41 (091) 829 05 36
and Development, and joined Women in
Carole Dubosson
Management (an arm of the Chartered
Institute of Management). Anna has attended Veyras/Sierre
many meetings to spread the word about +41 (027) 452 62 02
Brigitta Dünki
Rafz + 41 (079) 318-8300
dyslexia and the Davis Method, has been
Ursula Fischbacher
featured on radio and has given talks for the
benefit of the general public Orpund +41 (032) 355 23 26
and those already working with Mieke Friederichs
Reinach
+41 (061) 712 42 06
dyslexics. But she continued
Heidi Gander-Belz
to find that very few were
interested in listening. am I talking about? DLS Presenter-Mentor
Monchaltorf
+41 (01) 948 1410
In September, Anna’s Dyslexia? Dealing with
Elisabeth Gerber
work was recognised when the stigma associated
she received an award for with this disability Mettmenstetten
“courage.” The inscription on the certificate, especially as an adult, who is apparently +41 (044) 767 10 54
Katharina Grenacher
Bern +41 (031) 382 00 29
signed by Member of Parliament, Patricia successful, takes courage. Since finding a
Elisabeth Gut
Hewitt, states: way of overcoming her dyslexia Anna has
“In recognition of the amazing and inspiring devoted her time to helping adults and Grut +41 (044) 932 3242
contribution you make to the lives of others employers deal with this ‘hidden’ disability. Ursula Hirzel Egler
around you.” In Leicestershire where the term is not widely Stäfa +41 (01) 926 2895
Christa Jaeger
Riehen
While Anna was collecting her award recognised this also takes courage.”
the following statement was read to the After receiving her award Anna stated, +41 (061) 641 4667
watching audience: “It’s wonderful to be recognised for my work. Consuelo Lang
Lumino
+41 (091) 829 05 36
“Anna is an inspiration not only to women but I was beginning to think that nobody was
Claudia Lendi
to all adults who want to change their lives. It listening or noticing that I was even there.
I always expected to do a fair amount of St. Gallen
+41 (071) 288 41 85
takes courage, and Anna is an example of a
promotional work once I received my licence,
Beatrice Leutert
person who has that courage. She gave up a
but I have to admit that I didn’t think that
highly successful career in business to help Stein am Rhein
+41 (052) 232 03 83
others – that takes courage. She ‘came out’ soliciting interest would be as challenging as
Maya Muraro
and faced, as an adult, a learning disability it has been. I’ve been quite taken aback at how
little people know about dyslexia generally, Stäfa +41 (079) 704 03 07
Erika Meier-Schmid
that cripples children with labels of ‘lazy’
although it gets talked about more and more.
and ‘stupid’ and leaves them as adults under- Bonstetten
+41 (01) 700 10 38
achieving and lacking in confidence. What I quickly realised that instead of promotion to
PAGE 18 THE DYSLEXIC READER

 Switzerland/CH (cont’d)
sell a service I first had to undertake what “This campaign has taken
Verena Luisa Moser
was essentially an educational campaign. me and continues to take me
Aarau +41 (062) 823 65 92 This campaign has taken me and continues into new territory.”
Christine Noiset to take me into new territory, such as writing
Renens/Lausanne
+41 (021) 634 35 10 or
newsletters and sending 14,000 emails. At about 1,000 people. She has also been invited
(079) 332 2775 first I found it a bit daunting, but now I’m to write an article for a local magazine and
Véronique Pfeiffer excited to see what will happen next!” joined the debate on a local radio late night
Zürich +41 (01) 342 22 61
Hilary Rhodes
Anna’s not slowing down. Her latest show as to whether to recommend Ritalin
Chesieres-Villars exploits have involved supporting Brian for AD/HD. Anna has also been invited to
+41 (024) 495 38 20 Mayne (author of several goal-setting books introduce the Davis Method to the local
Regine Roth-Gloor branch of the Dyslexia Association. 
Mohlin/Basel
using pictorial techniques) in a live talk to
+41 (061) 851 2685
Doris Rubli-Huber
St. Gallen
+41 (071) 245 56 90
Benita Ruckli
Joaquín: Diario de un éxito
Sigigen +41 (041) 495 04 09
or (079) 719 31 18
Lotti Salivisberg
Basel +41 (061) 263 33 44
Sonja Sartor
Winterthur
+41 (052) 242 4015
Marianne Schutz
Zofinger
+41 (62) 752 8281
Andreas Villain
Zürich +41 (076) 371 84 32
Catherine Warner
Geneva
+41 (022) 321 70 42
Margit Zahnd
Gerolfingen
+41 (079) 256 86 65 or
(032) 396 19 20
 United Arab Emirates
Linda Rademan
Dubai +9714 348 1687
 United Kingdom
Nicky Bennett-Baggs
Gt. Gaddesden, Herts
+44 (01442) 252 517
Sue Bullen
Joaquín, orgulloso de su modelo
Por Laura Zink de Díaz, Facilitadora, Bogotá,
Ayrshire, Scotland (y mostrando en los ojos el centelleo
+44 (01292) 591 797
Colombia (Pero más que todo, por Gertrudis
Pardo, la mamá de Joaquín !) característico de su picardía) durante su
Sarah Dixon programa Davis en diciembre, 2006.
East Horsley, Surrey
+44 (01483) 283 088 A finales del año 2006, trasladé mi centro de Joaquín me dediqué a estudiar todos mis
Susan Duguid
London
Davis a Bogotá Colombia. En diciembre la materiales Davis…
+44 (0) 8000 272657
famillia Escobar se comunicó conmigo Cuando conocí a Joaquín tenía nueve
Dyslexia Correction Centre respecto a la posibilidad de un programa Davis años y era un jovencito muy listo que luchaba
Georgina Dunlop para su hijo, Joaquín. ¡Iba a ser mi primer con desorientaciones bastante extremas. Sus
Jane E.M. Heywood
DLS Mentor & Presenter cliente! Quería ofrecerle el mejor programa padres hablan inglés con tanta naturalidad
Ascot, Berkshire posible, pero estaba algo preocupada, porque como el español y la familia viaja a menudo
+44 (01344) 622 115
Christine East
el traslado de mi negocio– a Estados Unidos. Joaquín
Kingsbridge, Devon los trámites para establecer “Noto una gran diferencia asiste al Colegio Nueva
+44 (0) 8000 272657 una empresa colombiana y entre su comportamiento Granada, un colegio
Hilary Farmer antes y después del
Oxford, Oxon
obtener una visa que me bilingüe en Bogotá donde
+44 (01865) 326 464 permitiera trabajar programa.” dictan la mayoría de sus
Nichola Farnum MA legalmente en el país – clases en inglés y muchos
London +44 (0) 8000 272657 habían ocupado toda mi atención durante de sus textos vienen de Estados Unidos. En
Jacqueline Ann Flisher
Hungerford Berks
casi un año. ¡Desde enero, no había trabajado casa la familia cambia de español a inglés
+44 (0) 8000 272657 con un cliente de carne y hueso! ¡Ojalá que constantemente y con mucha facilidad. Joaquín
Maureen Florido no se me hubieran olvidado mis destrezas de también, y a menudo cambiamos de idioma
Harleston, Norfolk
+44 (0) 8000 272657
facilitadora! La semana antes del programa durante su programa. (A propósito, en Estados
  United Kingdom (cont’d)
hay un poco de incertidumbre acerca de los tres
Carol Forster
ejercicios de lectura, deletrear, puntuación
con imágenes, etc. Hoy hablé con la profesora Gloucester
quien te va a buscar para hacer el entrenamiento. +44 (0) 8000 272657
Achsa Griffiths
Sandwich, Kent
Yo quisiera repetir el entrenamiento con ella,
o mejor aún, ir con Joaquín para afianzar su +44 (01304) 611 650
confianza y la mía en que estemos haciendo Axel Gudmundsson
London
+44 (020) 8341-7703
todo como es debido.
8 febrero, 2007... Tessa Halliwell
Barrow upon Soar, Leics
+44 (01509) 412 695
Te cuento que Joaquin ha venido trabajando
Karen Hautz
en la casa dos palabras semanales (de la lista
de Davis), además de 10 palabras en inglés London
de su ortografía. A veces logra memorizarlas +44 (0207) 228-2947
Unidos se considera que la facilidad con que
Annemette Hoegh-Banks
Berkhamsted, Herts
cambian de idioma los niños bilingües es indicio todas, a veces solo la mitad, pero ha subido
de altos talentos intelectuales). Sin embargo, de un 20% a un 50% en el examen de +44 1442 872185
Joaquín tenía graves dificultades con la lectura ortografía, y a veces 100%. Lo veo mucho más Catherine Hooper
Camborne
y la ortografía, su atención, muy dispersa, no tranquilo, ya acepta trabajar en el programa, +44 (01209) 717 754
se llevaba bien con los compañeros de clase, y en el colegio su profesora del Centro de Phyllida Howlett
y sufría de hiperactividad. Aprendizaje le está trabajando en las prácticas Haverfordwest,
Pembrokeshire
+44 (01437) 766 806
Para el último día de su programa, yo de lectura, de modo que yo solo estoy
Angela James
me sentía cansadísima y a pesar de un esfuerzo trabajando la plastilina y las pelotas Koosh.
sincero, dudaba de que el programa le había 20 febrero, 2007... Reading, Berkshire
+44 (0118) 947 6545
Liz Jolly
ayudado. Pero en esto podemos aprender la Me reuní con las profesores de Joaquín hoy.
lección que aparentemente a mí me toca Su profesora de curso me mostró una Fareham, Hants
aprender una y otra vez: hay que tener fé en evaluación general que les hizo hace pocos +44 (01329) 235 420
Lisa Klooss
London
el método. En vez de contarles lo que pasó días y no hay ninguna área de preocupación.
con Joaquín, les ofrezco unas citas de mi Sabiendo que su nivel de lectura aún está por +44 (0208) 960 9406
subsiguiente correspondencia por e-mail debajo del nivel del curso, ella deja que ésta Sara Kramer
con Gertrudis, su mamá: London +44 (0) 8000 272657
Marilyn Lane
la haga la profesora del Centro de Aprendizaje.
7 enero, 2007... Esa profesora también dió un concepto muy Redhill +44 (0173) 776-9049
Gracias por ofrecerle a la profesora de Joaquín positivo desde que está trabajando con las Isabel Martin
Crowborough East Sussex
+44 (0) 8000 272657
del Centro de Aprendizaje la capacitación técnicas Davis. También la sicóloga quien es
Fionna Pilgrim
para ayudantes cuando ella vuelva de sus el centro de todas las acciones que se toman
vacaciones. Yo le he colaborado a Joaquin a con Joaquín en el colegio, se mostró muy Keighley, West Yorkshire
contenta con los resultados. Yo propuse que la +44 (0) 8000 272657
verificar su alineación durante las vacaciones.
Maxine Piper
Carterton, Oxon
El sábado pasado tuvimos una sesión de lista de ortografía semanal, que sigue siendo
trabajo con plastilina, y lo noté un poco difícil para Joaquín, la modifiquen y la hagan +44 (01993) 840 291
disperso y con el disco selector un poco alto. por familias de palabras, AVKO spelling, (lo Elenica Nina Pitoska
Hoy le propuse hacer otra sesión y pone leí en el libro The Everything Parents Guide London +44 (0) 8000 272657
for Children with Dislexia*). La profesora Rebecca Ross
Lamberhurst, Kent
condiciones para empezar, tratando de
aplazar y no trabajar. Le dije que si no quiere estuvo de acuerdo y lo va a implementar, a +44 (0) 8000 272657
Pauline Royle
trabajar es su decisión, aunque la verdad yo ver si Joaquín puede mejorar su calificación
semanal. La profesora de curso dijo que Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancs
+44 (0) 8000 272657
me siento un poco frustrada por no poderlo
convencer de trabajar. Sin embargo Joaquín Joaquín está “necio” en clase, desafiante con
Ian Richardson
ha estado muy tranquilo después del programa. las profesoras. La conclusión que sacamos Blaisdon Longhope, Glos
Lee avisos en la calle (algo que antes no hacía), es que se siente más seguro de sí mismo, se +44 (0) 8000 272657
y lo noto equilibrado emocionalmente. Noto siente con ciertos privilegios por ser disléxico, Rosemary Savinson
una gran diferencia entre su comportamiento y está ensayando hasta dónde puede “dejar de London +44 (0208) 316-1973
hacer sus deberes”. Le sugerí a la profesora, Janice Scholes
Liversedge, West Yorkshire
antes y después del programa. La gente que
+44 (0) 8000 272657
está cerca de nosotros también notó en esta quien dice que no pone atención cuando dan
Nigel Sharp
época que él está muy tranquilo. Esto lo instrucciones, que le pregunte si está “listo
aprecio mucho pues facilita la vida en familia. para recibir instrucciones”, pensando en que Isle of Wight
+44 (0) 8000 272657
esa pregunta lo haga alinearse para atender.
10 enero, 2007. . . Judith Shaw
Supervisor-Specialist
Todas estamos seguras de que va por buen
Joaquin dijo el otro día que quería volver
camino. En abril habrá otra reunión. St. Leonards on
contigo porque tú sí sabes cómo es el trabajo, Sea/Hastings, East Sussex
y que yo, como no hice el programa, no sé 9 marzo, 2007... +44 (01424) 447 077
cómo es... en lo cual tiene algo de razón y Te cuento que me enviaron del colegio un
PAGE 20
 United Kingdom (cont’d)
Elizabeth Shepherd
Crowborough, East Sussex
+44 (0189) 266-1052
Lynne Smith
Brighton, East Sussex
+44 (01273) 723 920
Anna Stephens
Rothley, Leics
+44 (0116) 230-3283
Drs. Renée van der Vloodt
Supervisor-Specialist
Reigate, Surrey
+44 (01737) 240 116
Frank Walker
Greasby Wirral/Liverpool
+44 (0151) 678 14 99
Evelyn White
Walton-on-Thames, Surrey
+44 (01932) 230 624
The Learning People
Margarita Whitehead
DDA Director
Richard Whitehead
DDA Director
DLS Presenter-Mentor
Fundamentals Presenter
Canterbury, Kent
+44 (01227) 738 972
Rachel Williamson
Hassocks, West Sussex
+44 (0) 8000 272657
 United States
Alabama
Lisa Spratt
Huntsville
+1 (256) 426-4066
Arizona
Dr. Edith Fritz
Phoenix
+1 (602) 274-7738
Nancy Kress
Phoenix
+1 (480) 544-5031
John F. Mertz, Jr.
Tucson
+1 (877) 219-0613 (Toll Free)
+1 (520) 219-0613
Arkansas
Rebecca Landes
Mulberry / Fort Smith
+1 (479) 997-1996
California
Reading Research Council
Dyslexia Correction Center
Dr. Fatima Ali, Founder
Alice Davis, DDAI Director,
Ray Davis
Ronald D. Davis, Founder
Sharon Pfeiffer,
Specialist Trainer
DLS Presenter-Mentor
Burlingame/San Francisco
+1 (800) 729-8990 (Toll Free)
+1 (650) 692-8990
Janet Confer
Rancho Santa Margarita
+1 (949) 589-6394
Anette Fuller
Walnut Creek
+1 (925) 639-7846
Richard A. Harmel
Marina Del Rey/Los Angeles
+1 (310) 823-8900
informe sobre el desempeño de Joaquín, y es
además de muy bueno, muy emotivo, pues
están especialmente agradecidos de haber
tenido acceso a un nuevo método de enseñanza
para quienes sufren con el aprendizaje de la
lectura. De otra parte le cuento que Joaquín
no está para nada dispuesto a trabajar con la
plastilina, hasta el punto que le dije, “Pues
bueno, tu maletín estará ahí siempre, y el
día que quieras lo vas a poder utilizar.” Sin
embargo lo noto muy tranquilo, reniega
menos del colegio, está muy interesado en
el aprendizaje, en fín, lo veo feliz, aunque
todavía hay ciertas cosas que le molestan
como la ortografía. Está aprendiendo a
escribir letra pegada y lo está haciendo muy
bien. Él sabe que lo está haciendo bien y
eso lo enorgullece.
24 abril, 2007...
En realidad sí le he comentado a mucha gente
del programa Davis y de lo maravillosa que
tú eres. Este método es innovador y da mucha
esperanza a quien escucha de él. A quienes
conocieron a Joaquín antes
y después han quedado
sorprendidos de ver a Joaquín
tan tranquilo y ecuánime
después de haberlo conocido muy
acelerado. En efecto, una amiga me dijo,
“¿Qué pasó con Joaquin que está tan bien?”
Yo ya estoy tan habituada a su cambio que
me demoré en captar que era a raíz del
programa. Joaquín sigue sin hacer plastilina
pues me dice que ya sabe leer, que no necesita ha mejorado sustancialmente en autoestima,
más ayuda. Sin embargo el otro día me dijo, lo cual creo que se debe en mucho al trabajo
“Mami, es abril, y Laura prometió hacerme
la segunda parte del programa en abril.” En
consecuencia pienso que puede estar listo
para recibirlo. Yo no le he insistido pero le
voy a preguntar si quiere hacerlo. Respecto a pasar a tercero, ya se conocen las ayudas que
Joaquín en su colegio, desde que cambiamos le sirven y las seguirán implementando en el
las listas de ortografía le va muy bien, saca colegio. Ayer llegó con dos premios MÁS
100, 94, etc. Ganó un premio de “Esfuerzo
Especial” por haber mejorado tanto en las
tareas de clase, y lo veo más confiado de sí
mismo, aunque conoce sus limitaciones. La
profesora del Centro de Aprendizaje me
mandó una carta agradeciendome haberle
permitido conocerte y al método Davis, pues todo el curso a hacer un juego todos juntos, etc.
THE DYSLEXIC READER
“ Lo que queremos
es que el niño persiga
el conocimiento, no
que el conocimiento
persiga al niño.”
– George Bernard Shaw,
dramaturgo
ahora ya sabe exactamente cómo trabajar con
Joaquín, a quien ha visto progresar mucho
desde que hizo el programa.
2 mayo, 2007...
Hoy recibí el informe mensual de la profesora
del Centro de Aprendizaje a quien tú entrenaste.
El informe dice que Joaquín ha mejorado
enormemente la lectura, que está a nivel de
grado pero que está negando a continuar con
los ejercicios Davis de lectura.Yo pienso que
si POR FIN llegó a leer al nivel del curso en
que está es justo que descanse por un tiempito,
¿no? ¿Qué opinas tú?
30 mayo, 2007...
Hoy tuve la última reunión del año en el
colegio de Joaquín. Las dos profesoras
hablaron super bien de Joaquín. La profesora
del Centro de Aprendizaje dijo que mejoró
mucho pero que lo nota desinteresado de
continuar a esforzarse con la lectura. Yo le
opiné que él en la casa coge muchos libros
(sin importar el nivel, inclusive muchos
de mi esposo) con los cuales pasa ratos
largos ojeándolos y preguntándose qué
pasa con tal o cual cosa. En fín, lo noto muy
interesado por el CONOCIMIENTO, lo cual
me parece más importante que saber leer sin
interés. Yo pienso que hay que darle tiempo a
que él se interese en los libros por su cuenta
y él mismo irá buscando la manera de poderlos
leer. La opinión de ambas profesoras fué que
emocional que hizo contigo, y obviamente, a
los logros que lo han ido asegurando. Sigue
con 94, 95, 100 en los exámenes de ortografía,
y él está feliz. Yo estoy muy feliz pues va a
que le dieron en la asamblea mensual: uno
por desempeño sobresaliente en Educación
Física y otro por Formación de Carácter, por
compartir con sus compañeros. La profesora
explicó que es porque dejó de pelear con todo el
mundo, y ahora muestra liderazgo, invitando a
THE DYSLEXIC READER PAGE 21

 United States/
Me parece que el comentario de trabajo en plastilina, porque sé que es clave
Gertrudis, acerca del interés de Joaquín en para mantener afinadas sus demás California (cont’d)
el “conocimiento” va al grano. Una cita “herramientas”. Más que todo espero que David Hirst
Riverside
+1 (951) 653-9251 or
respecto a la educación que siempre me ha Joaquín reconozca que ÉL es el autor de
gustado mucho es del dramaturgo, George tantos cambios positivos es su vida y que (909) 241-6079
Bernard Shaw, los logró al utilizar tan bien sus herramientas, Angela Dean Educators
Nicole Melton
Karen Thorworth-Pongs
“Lo que queremos es que el niño persiga en clase y en casa, y al aceptar el apoyo de
el conocimiento, no que el conocimiento muchas personas que lo quieren. Diamond Bar
persiga al niño.” ¡Felicitaciones, Joaco!  +1 (909) 861-5251
Cheryl Rodrigues
Sunnyvale / San Jose
+1 (408) 983-0968
Posdata…
Después de publicar este artículo en inglés David Carlos Rosen
en agosto de 2007, Joaquín volvió a trabajar San Rafael
+1 (415) 479-1700
Dwight Underhill
conmigo, haciendo un repaso y el suplemento
al Programa Básico, construyendo maquetas El Cerrito/Berkeley
+1 (510) 559-7869
Estoy de acuerdo con
en plastilina de los diez conceptos esenciales
Dee Weldon White
Gertrudis. El interés de Joaquín
Lexie White Strain
en aprender y obtener para el dominio del déficit de atención. Me
comentó que ninguno de sus profesores Menlo Park
+1 (650) 388-6808
conocimiento de libros
este año le creyeron cuando les dijo que
Colorado
“reales”, los que utilizan los
Annie Garcia
adultos, en vez de los cuentos sencillos de su tiene dislexia. “¡Imposible,” dijeron, “que un
niño que se expresa tan bien y participa en Wheat Ridge / Denver
+1 (303) 423-3397
texto de lectura, es un paso muy importante
clase tenga dislexia!” Al segundo día de su
Crystal Punch
en su desarrollo. Al darle permiso de explorar
DLS Mentor
y seguir los temas que le interesan en libros suplemento Joaquín fue a casa un poco
temprano porque se sentía algo enfermo. Sin Centennial/Denver
+1 (303) 850-0581
que le llaman la atención, facilitaremos su
embargo, los días que trabajamos juntos lo
Janet Slavenski
motivación de leer más, hablar con otros de
lo que ha leído, y esto, a su vez, mantendrá y encontré muy tranquilo, atento, colaborador, Denver
reforzará sus destrezas como lector. Las y muy listo como siempre. El último día por +1 (303) 431-0027
la tarde, cuando iba saliendo para su casa, Kristi Thompson
DLS Presenter-Mentor
“herramientas” Davis lo han puesto en
Walsh +1 (719) 324-9256
libertad– y es hora de permitirle volar. me regaló dos inmensos abrazos cariñosos.
Florida
Respeto mucho la manera que que Gertrudis me mandó un e-mail al día siguiente,
con el comentario, “Te cuento que tu oficina Terry DeMeo
Miami +1 (305) 567-0611
la mamá de Joaquín supo animarlo sin
controlarlo – esto no es fácil para los padres. Y es el único sitio de aprendizaje a donde Random (Randee)
respeto también la paciencia de sus profesoras Joaquín va FELIZ, así esté enfermo!!!” Garretson
Lutz/Tampa/St. Petersburg
+1 (813) 956-0502
– su capacidad de aceptar algo nuevo y * The Everything Parent’s Guide to Children
Tina Kirby
desconocido, y su voluntad de aprender a with Dyslexia, escrito por Abigail Marshall,
trabajar mejor con Joaquín. Espero que publicado por Adams Media, 2004, se consigue Navarre +1 (850) 218-5956
después de sus vacaciones Joaquín vuelva al en internet en dyslexia.com Eugene Von Bon
Navarre +1 (850) 723-8900
Rita Von Bon
Navarre +1 (850) 934-1389
Georgia
Pick one, already! Bonny Beuret
Supervisor-Specialist
Fundamentals Workshop
Our family was attending a wedding,
and I sat next to my mom, who had Presenter
Savannah
Bad dog!
+1 (912) 373-5352
It was the end of the my youngest sister on her lap. The
Lesa Hall
day when I parked my groom was standing at the front as
the bridesmaids walked up the aisle Pooler/Savannah
+1 (912) 330-8577
patrol car in front of the
one by one.
Martha Payne
station. As I gathered
Suwanee
my equipment, my K-9 Growing restless, my sister
looked up at my mom and said, +1 (404) 886-2720
Scott Timm
partner, Jake, was
“So why doesn’t he just hurry up
barking, and I saw a Woodstock/Atlanta
little boy staring in at me “Is and pick one?” +1 (866) 255-9028 (Toll-Free)
Hawaii
Vickie Kozuki-Ah You
that a dog you got back there?” he
asked. “It sure is,” I replied. Puzzled, Ewa Beach/Honolulu
the boy looked at me and then towards +1 (808) 664-9608
Illinois
Kim Ainis
the back of the car. Finally he said,
“What’d he do?” Chicago +1 (312) 360-0805
PAGE 22 THE DYSLEXIC READER

Indiana
Jodi R. Baugh
Cloverdale/Indianapolis
+1 (765) 526-2121
Young Learner Kit
Myrna Burkholder
Goshen/South Bend
+1 (574) 533-7455
Carol K. Williams
for Home-Use
Jeffersonville
+1 (651) 324-9156
Iowa
Mary Kay Frasier
Based on the Davis Dyslexia
Des Moines Correction methods, this Kit
+1 (515) 270-0280
Kentucky
enables parents of children, ages
Rochelle Abner 5-7, to home-teach and help young
Winchester
+1 (859) 595-7870 learners to:
Louisiana
Wendy Ware Gilley
• focus attention
Baton Rouge • control energy levels
+1 (225) 751-8741 • improve eye-hand coordination
Massachussetts
Karen LoGiudice
• learn the alphabet
Newburyport • learn basic punctuation
+1 (978) 337-7753 • develop and strengthen pre-reading
Carolyn Tyler
Fairhaven
and basic reading skills
+1 (508) 994-4577 • prevent the potential of a learning
Michigan problem
Nicki Cates
Saint Clair Shores/Detroit
• improve sight word recognition and
+1 (586) 801-0772 comprehension The Kit includes:
Sandra McPhall • establish life-long “how-to-learn” skills.
Grandville/Grand Rapids • Instruction Manual
+1 (616) 534-1385 • Sturdy nylon briefcase
Dean Schalow
The Davis Methods
Manistee for Young Learners • Reusable modeling clay (2 lbs.)
+1 (800) 794-3060 (Toll-Free) • Clay cutter
Michele Wellman Davis Focusing Strategies provide
Mt. Pleasant/Lansing
• Webster’s Children’s Dictionary
+1 (989) 772-3084 children with the self-directed ability to (hardcover)
Minnesota be physically and mentally focused on the • Punctuation Marks & Styles Booklet
Cindy Bauer
Plymouth/Minneapolis
learning task at hand. • Two Koosh Balls
+1 (612) 483-3460 • Letter Recognition Cards
Cyndi Deneson
Davis Symbol Mastery enables children to
Supervisor-Specialist master the alphabet letters, punctuation • Laminated Alphabet Strip
Workshop Presenter
Edina/Minneapolis marks and basic sight words with a simple, • Stop Signs for Reading Chart
+1 (888) 890-5380 (Toll-Free)
+1 (952) 820-4673
easy and fun alternative to pencil-paper
Bernadette Peterson
activities and drill.
Maple Grove
+1 (763) 229-4550
Davis Reading Exercises improve
Alice J. Pratt accuracy with word recognition and
Excelsior/Minneapolis
+1 (904) 389-9251
comprehension.
Missouri
Cathy Cook The Kit is priced at $119.95
Columbia
+1 (573) 819-6010
(Shipping and Handling will be added)
or 886-8917 To purchase a kit, use our secure on-line
Gretchen FitzGerald
Kansas City
ordering at:
+1 (816) 806-8611 www.dyslexia.com/bookstore
Montana
Ashley Benjamin
or call our toll-free number:
Miles City 1-888-999-3324
+1 (406) 781-4642 The Young Learner Kit
Kimberly Bezanson Note: For older children (ages 8 and up), we
Missoula
+1 (406) 541-3076
recommend the Davis Symbol Mastery Kit.
or 677-4014
THE DYSLEXIC READER PAGE 23

 United States/
Newly Licensed Davis Facilitators Montana (cont’d)
Elsie Johnson
Manhatten
Congratulations to our growing international family of Davis
Providers! A special welcome to the first Facilitators in Ecuador! +1 (406) 257-8556
Nebraska
Shawn Carlson
Isabel Martin “I have been Lincoln
training and met so many wonderful and interesting
a teacher for all of my working people, including Ron Davis. My Supervisor, fellow +1 (402) 420-1025
life. I first became interested in trainees and Davis Facilitators throughout New Nevada
Zealand and Australia have been very encouraging Barbara Clark
Gardnerville/Carson City
working with dyslexics when
+1 (775) 265-1188
my son was assessed as dyslexic and supportive. I am proud to call them friends as
New Hampshire
and it was very difficult to get well as colleagues. I look forward to continuing my
Glenna Giveans
appropriate support for him. Davis journey as a qualified Facilitator.” Dyslexia
For the past 12 years, I have Workshop, Unit 9, First Floor, River View Plaza, Lebanon
run a large dyslexia unit at a Further and Higher Kapanui Street, Warkworth 0910 New Zealand. + 1 (603) 863-7877
Education college. During this time, I discovered +64 (0) 9 42 0042 www.dyslexiaworkshop.co.nz Michele Siegmann
Mason/Manchester/Boston
+1 (603) 878-6006
that I have dyslexia too! When I read Ronald dyslexiaworkshop@gmail.com
New Jersey
Davis’ book, The Gift of Dyslexia, I decided to
Jon Einar Haraldsson
train to become a Davis Facilitator because I saw Lynn Chigounis
Montclair
Lambi “I was born in Iceland
how successfully the programme works, enabling
+1 (973) 746-5037
in 1953. I received a degree in
students to overcome their difficulties and move
Teacher Education in Denmark Nancy Cimprich
Elmer/Philadelphia
on with their lives.” Isabel Martin, Pine Court
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Beacon Road West, Crowborough, East Sussex,
housepainter as well. Now I work +1 (856) 358-3102
TN6 1QL United Kingdom +44 (08000) 272 657 Charlotte Foster
Supervisor-Specialist
as an educational counselor in
isabel.martin@thelearningpeople.co.uk
my own firm LAESIR ehf. My Bernardsville/Newark
Margot Young “I am job history is varied: Supervisor in apartment for +1 (908) 766-5399
dyslexic and dyspraxic, married children with special needs in Akureyri; principal New York
Lisa Anderson
Seneca Falls
to a dyslexic, and the mother of of the Eidar Primary School eastern Iceland;
+1 (315)568-3166
two dyslexic teenage sons. I have educational counselor in the Westfjords region
a degree in accounting and of Iceland; starting a new apartment for mentally or (800) 234-6922
worked in this area until recently. handicapped children in the primary school at Ann Hassig
Gouverneur
+1 (315) 287-0531
Despite a successful career in Isafjordur. And between those jobs, I worked as a
Hadar Hellman
business management, I was regular classroom teacher and occasionally as
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learning problems and was frustrated by the lack led me to Davis because I’ve often taught children +1 (212) 781-3689
of information. I came across the Davis method with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. I’ve Wendy Ritchie
Hilton/Rochester
+1 (585) 233-4364
in 2003 and found Ron Davis’ book, The Gift of worked with laborers and fishermen, very often
North Carolina
Dyslexia, a refreshingly positive outlook on dyslexia highly intelligent and creative people, who were
offering real and permanent solutions to my sons’ simply thrown out of school at an early age Gerri W. Cox
problems. The changes that Davis programs have because of learning difficulties. I have seen that DLS Presenter-Mentor
Shallotte/Wilmington
+1 (910) 754-9559
brought to my sons’ lives inspired me to learn to the Davis system works.” LAESIR ehf,
Ruth Mills
offer this gift to others. This process also led me Hafnarstraeti 2, 600 Akureyri Iceland.
to identify my own dyslexia and use Davis methods +354 867 1875 www.laesir.is lambi@internet.is Pineville/Charlotte
to overcome it. My Davis journey has been full +1 (704) 541-1733
Jean Moser
Tracy Trudell “I am thrilled
Winston-Salem
of discoveries and self-fulfillment. Becoming a
to become part of Ron Davis’
+1 (336) 830-2390
licensed Davis Facilitator is the realisation of a
team, spreading his knowledge
Ohio
4-year dream. I have a passion for acceptance of
of dyslexia correction. I look
diversity in all societies. I am committed to Lorraine Charbonneau
Mason/Cincinnati/Dayton
forward to the opportunity to
+1 (513) 850-1895
providing a professional, confidential and respectful
work with new clients and
Lisa Thatcher
environment for my clients, where they are able to
become part of their journey.”
Mount Vernon/Columbus
celebrate and nurture their special talents.”
+1 (740) 397-7060
Dyslexia and Learning Solutions
Auckland Dyslexic Solutions, Kensington Avenue,
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Mt. Eden, Auckland 1024 New Zealand Oklahoma
Ashley Grice
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Corinne Graumans “My
Ann Cook “My Davis journey
Oregon
motivation and desire to pursue
began when I read The Gift of
Davis training was stimulated by Rhonda Erstrom
Vale +1 (541) 881-7817
Dyslexia. It explained why my son
my awareness that many students
Melissa Slominski
and I think the way we do and set
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struggle with the reading process
me on course for a completely
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or unfortunately cannot read at
different career. I enjoyed my
all even though they are bright
PAGE 24
Pennsylvania
Marcia Maust
Berlin/Pittsburgh
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Rhode Island
Linda M. Daniels
Providence
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South Carolina
Angela Keifer
Greenville
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Kim Carson
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Brookings/Sioux Falls
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Carina Little
Watertown
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Lillian “Lee” Miles
Sioux Falls
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Dover
1-866-218-1614 (Toll-Free)
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Ft. Worth
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Lubbock
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Amarillo
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Burleson/Ft. Worth
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Sugar Land/Houston
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and creative. As an educator and individual,
passionate about learning, I felt I needed to seek
the reasons for this as well as positive solutions
for these learning challenges. I quickly understood
the cause was dyslexia, that it can be a “gift” and
that the Davis solution is creative, life altering
and offers new hope. I believe the Davis Dyslexia
Correction Program allows individuals to get at the
root of their learning challenges. While facilitating
Davis Programs, I’ve enjoyed many “aha” moments
as clients discover and utilize their special gift. I
am fascinated by the unique creativity each client
brings to the program and the enrichment they
bring to my life. I look forward to facilitating
adults and children in their journey to increased
self confidence and success – Learning for Life:
Resolving Dyslexia.” Learning 4 Life: Resolving
Dyslexia, 53 Sierra Drive SW, Medicine Hat,
Alberta, T1B 4T2 Canada. 403 528 9848
cgrau@telus.net
Aideen Tierney “As a retired teacher I did
voluntary work with teenagers who had low self-
esteem and who struggled in school. I become
interested in the Davis Method when I read
The Gift of Dyslexia and I knew that I wanted to
become a Davis Facilitator. I finished my training strengths to remove the hurdles that inhibit
in March, 2007. I look forward to a new “career” learning and growth. I want to focus on facilitating
helping people overcome their dyslexic difficulties.” adults, helping them with problems they face in
Clontarf, Dublin 3, Ireland.
aideentierney @hotmail.com
Jean-Pierre Arbour has an
M.Ed in Psychology Education
and had a successful career as a
translator and language teacher.
In past years he became
increasingly frustrated with
his inability to help his young
and adult learners acquire an
additional language. After a thorough review of
the literature on dyslexia, he came to the conclusion
that the Davis Method was the missing piece of
the puzzle. His Facilitator training has been a gift:
a profound journey of learning, understanding,
wisdom, and mastery. He wants to educate
dyslexics and non-dyslexics in how picture thinkers nor write and who was rejected by his peers.
think. Jean-Pierre is ready to work with children
and adults in French, English and Spanish at his
downtown Ottawa office. DyslexiAction, 1122
Wellington West, Suite 200, Ottawa, Ontario,
K1Y 2Y7 Canada. Tel: 613-792-4068 Toll Free: I was struck by the fact that dyslexia wasn’t
1-866-792-4067 Cellular: 613-282-4148.
www.dyslexiaction.ca dyslexiation@hotmail.com information convincing and suggested that the
Brigitta Dünki “I live in
Ratzfeld, which is in the north
of Switzerland. I can be
reached easily from the Zurich-
North, Zurich Airport, and
South Germany, Blackforest
regions. I am very much looking
forward to interesting work with
varied clients of different ages.
THE DYSLEXIC READER
With the Davis Method we have great potential to
work towards the future with joy.” onda by bd,
Rietgass 28, 8197 Rafz, Schweiz (Switzerland)
+41 (079) 318 83 00, bridu@bluewin.ch
Bert Neele “I first
encountered dyslexia in primary
school: I had reading problems
and had to get special reading
training. Somehow I managed
the whole language thing and
could end my education with a
PhD in plant breeding. When
our children went to school, two of them turned
out to be dyslexic as well. The youngest one did a
Davis program with Siegerdina Mandema and his
improvement was remarkable. My ties to Davis
grew tighter as my wife took on the administration
of DDA-Nederland. Last year my career took a
turn and I had a chance to change my profession.
My wife advised me to become a Davis Facilitator.
Like a lot of her advice this turned out to be a very
good idea. I never before participated in training
that gave me so much insight into myself and how
I learn. And now I have the opportunity to guide
others in the same experience: using personal
their line of work. Therefore I want to offer the
training to companies so their employees can grow
to their full potential.” Neele Advies, Training en
Begeleiding, Jacques Schreursstraat 25, 6074 Cr,
Melick, the Netherlands. +31 612598802,
+31 475520166, www.neele-rightbrain.nl
info@neele-atb.nl
Inés Gimena Paredes Ríos
“ I was trained as an educational
psychologist , although for the
last 12 years I’ve worked as an
elementary school principal.
Currently I work at the Unidad
Educativas Atenas, where six
years ago I became aware of
the challenges of a boy who could neither read
Because of my background I realized he was
dyslexic and looked for ways to provide support
for him. On the internet I learned of the Davis
method at “La Puerta de las Letras,” in Mexico.
considered an illness, but a GIFT. I found the
family travel to Mexico for a Davis program.
The youngster improved so much that I stayed in
contact with the people at the center in Mexico.
Years later, the owners of my school decided they
wanted some personnel trained in Davis, and I
became one of those who received the training.
During my training, which took place in my city,
Ambato, Ecuador, I realized that I’m dyslexic too,
and this allows me to connect with the children
THE DYSLEXIC READER PAGE 25

 United States/
who need my help. So this is how I realized a Marianne Schutz
dream and became a licensed Davis Facilitator.” Alpenblickweg 3, Zofinger, Texas (cont’d)
Laura Warren
Fundacion Cultural y Educativa Ambato “Unidad 4800 Switzerland.
Educativa Atenas,” Calle. G Roman y Av. Pedro +41 62 752 8281 DLS Presenter-Mentor
Lubbock
+1 (806) 790-7292
Udsconez-Yacu pamba-Izamba, Ambato Fax: +41 62 752 8288
Tungurahua 18-01-887, Ecuador. +593 (2) 854 281, hbgxam@bluewin.ch
Virginia
Donna Kouri
gparedes@atenas.edu.ec
Montpelier/Richmond
+1 (804) 883-8867
Ana Magdalena Espín
Catherine Hooper “My
Angela Odom
Vargas Fundacion Cultural
youngest son was diagnosed
y Educativa Ambato “Unidad DLS Presenter-Mentor
Midlothian/Richmond
with dyspraxia. Being a primary
Educativa Atenas.” Calle. G
Roman y Av. Pedro Udsconez-
school teacher did not equip +1 (804) 833-8858
me to help him. My frustration Jamie Worley
Yorktown/Williamsburg
Yacu pamba-Izamba, Ambato
turned to hope when I read The
+1 (757) 867-1164
Tungurahua 18-01-887,
Gift of Dyslexia – a whole new
Washington
Ecuador. +593 (2) 854 281,
Aleta Clark
approach which was positive,
anylittle7@yahoo.com
Auburn/Tacoma
practical, and potentially life changing. I trained
Nora Cristina Garza Diaz as a Facilitator to be able to help others realize +1 (253) 854-9377
Reina Claudia #2 Ficoa, their potential in a way which promotes success, Carol Hern
DLS Presenter-Mentor
Spokane
Ambato Tungurahua, Ecuador. not failure.” 14 Roskear Road, Camborne,
Mary Ethel Kellogg
+593 (2) 825 998, Cornwall, United Kingdom, TR13 8BT.
DLS Presenter-Mentor
nora_garza_diaz@hotmail.com 01209 717754 catherinehooper@btinternet.com
Spokane
Rebecca Luera
Fall City/Seattle
+1 (800) 818-9056 (Toll-Free)
Carmensol Herdoiza Ave.
Davis Training +1 (425) 222-4163
Nancy Sitton
Miraflores #11-138, Ambato Programs Marysville
Tungurahua, Ecuador. +1 (360) 651-1241
+593 (2)849 344, Renie Royce Smith
carmensol_73@hotmail.com Spokane & Everett
+1-800-371-6028 (Toll-Free)
The Davis Facilitator Training
Program requires approximately 400 +1 (509) 443-1737
hours of course work. Ruth Ann Youngberg
Bellingham
The Davis Specialist Training +1 (360) 752-5723
West Virginia
Cristina Mariela Lara
Program requires extensive experience
Salazar Fundacion Cultural Gale Long
providing Davis programs and an Elkview/Charleston
+1 (888) 517-7830 (Toll Free)
y Educativa Ambato “Unidad
additional 260 hours of training.
+1 (304) 965-7400
Educativa Atenas,” Calle. G
Specialists and Facilitators are subject
Wisconsin
Roman y Av. Pedro Udsconez-
New Hope Learning
Yacu pamba-Izamba, Ambato to annual re-licensing based upon case
review and adherence to the DDAI Centers, Inc.
Darlene Bishop
Tungurahua 18-01-887,
Margaret Hayes
Ecuador. +593 (2) 854 281, Standards of Practice.
marielara28@hotmail.com Milwaukee
Davis Learning Strategies Mentors +1 (888) 890-5380 (Toll Free)
Manisha Shah “I got interested in dyslexia and Workshop Presenters are +1 (262) 255-3900
because my son was having problems in school. Anne Mataczynski
Wausau
experienced teachers and trainers with
+1 (715) 551-7144
He was going through remedial training privately, 2-3 years of specialized training and
 Uruguay
but I still felt progress was very slow. I found experience mentoring classroom
Marcela Piffaretti
The Gift of Dyslexia on the internet. It was pretty teachers of children 5- 9 years of age.
different from the rest of the books I saw on Montevideo
dyslexia. Then an opportunity came when Debbie For information about training and a +598 (02) 600-6326


Shah gave a talk about the Davis Dyslexia full directory of Davis providers, go to:
Correction Program. My son and I enrolled for
This Directory is current
www.dyslexia.com/providers.htm
the program. It gave my son amazing results
or call +1 (650) 692-7141 or as of January 1, 2008. It is
subject to change. Between
within 6 days. It became my dream to help people
newsletter issues, new
with dyslexia. I thank all my mentors who have +1-888-805-7216 toll-free in the USA.
Facilitators are added, and

helped me train as a facilitator in Kenya.” P. O.
Box 66277, Nairobi 0800, Kenya, Telephone: occasionally, some become
2540-722-492217, 254-3745803, inactive. However, the Davis
sanjeet@wananchi.com Providers list at
www.dyslexia.com
is always up to date.
PAGE 26 THE DYSLEXIC READER

Basic Workshop for

Primary Teachers
Teachers, would you like to… “In the forefront of what I liked
• Improve the reading skills of all the children in your most was how easily the Davis
class regardless of their learning style? strategies fit into many areas
• Manage your classroom more effectively? of Kindergarten curriculum. It
• Prevent the onset of learning disabilities? relieved me of a paper-pencil
• Use research-based methods that are flexible and easily approach and gave me a hands-on,
fit into and enhance any existing curriculum? kinesthetic approach. It helped
This two-day workshop provides Primary Teachers (K-3) develop the little finger muscles
with unique and innovative strategies for improving to move on to coordinate
reading instruction and classroom management, and equips paper-pencil activities. Creating
young learners with proven life long skills in “how to learn.” the alphabet over time also
Instruction includes: accomplished the development
• Theory and Reasoning for each Strategy. of ownership, responsibility, and
• Video demonstrations of each Strategy and classroom a sense a pride in all the children. I believe all
implementation suggestions. Kindergarten children would benefit from Davis
• Supervised experiential practice on each Strategy. Learning Strategies.”
• Q&A and discussion about each Strategy. –LB, Kindergarten Teacher, Mission San Jose
Elementary School, Fremont, California
Materials include:
• Detailed Manual with suggested year-long guides, black-line
masters, and numerous tips for each implementing each
Strategy in various curriculum activities.
• Videotape or DVD demonstrating each classroom Strategy.
• Teacher Kit: alphabet strip, letter recognition cards, clay,
cutter, dictionary and two Koosh® balls. (Classroom
materials sold separately)

2008 DATES & LOCATIONS

Date Location Telephone
United States
Feb. 7 - 8 Shalotte, NC 1-910-754-9559
Apr. 30 - May 1 Richmond, VA 1-804-833-8858
June 3 - 4 Amarillo, TX 1-806-790-7292
June 9 –10 Lubbock, TX 1-806-790-7292
Workshop hours: 9am-4pm with one hour lunch break.
June 9 –10 Denver, CO 1-719-324-9256
Cost: $595 per person (US only) July 24-25 San Diego, CA 1-866-531-2446
Academic Units or CEUs (US and Canada only) Aug. 5 - 6 Brookings, SD 1-605-692-1785
Two Quarter Units are available through California State Aug. 7 - 8 Denver, CO 1-719-324-9256
University. Cost is $54 per unit, plus $35 administrative fee. Aug. 14 – 15 Eugene, OR 1-866-531-2446
A written assignment, which can be completed before and Sept. 25-26 Springfield, MA 1-866-531-2446
during the workshop, is required. Oct. 2 – 3 Tyler, TX 1-866-531-2446
Oct. 6 – 7 Richmond, VA 1-804-833-8858
Would you like to bring a DLS
Nov. 6 – 7 Tyler, TX 1-866-531-2446
workshop to your school/area?
Call 1-888-805-7216, and ask for Paula McCarthy. For more details, visit www.davislearn.com
THE DYSLEXIC READER PAGE 27

Come Learn and

EXPERIENCE the Davis
Dyslexia Correction
Procedures!
Fundamentals of Davis Dyslexia Correction®
Workshop based on the best-selling book
The Gift of Dyslexia by Ronald D. Davis
FUNDAMENTALS WORKSHOP OUTLINE
DAY ONE DAY THREE
Background and Development of the Davis Dyslexia Orientation Review Procedure
Correction® Procedures (a method for checking orientation skills)
• Research and discovery. The “gifts” of dyslexia. Anatomy • Demonstration & Practice Session
and developmental stages of a learning disability. Davis Symbol Mastery® (the key to correcting dyslexia)
Overview of the steps for dyslexia correction. • What is Symbol Mastery? Why clay?
Davis Perceptual Ability Assessment Mastering Basic Language Symbols
(a screening for dyslexic learning styles) • Demonstrations and Group Exercises
• Demonstration and Practice Session Reading Improvement Exercises
Symptoms Profile Interview (used to assess symptoms, • Spell-Reading. Sweep-Sweep-Spell. Picture-at-
strengths and weaknesses; set goals; establish motivation) Punctuation
• Demonstration and Practice Session
DAY TWO DAY FOUR
Davis Orientation Counseling Procedures (methods to Fine-Tuning Procedure (checking and adjusting
control, monitor and turn off perceptual distortions) orientation using balance)
• What is Orientation? Demonstration & Practice Session Symbol Mastery Exercises for Words
Release Procedure (method to alleviate stress, headaches) • Demonstrations
Alignment (an alternative to Orientation Counseling) • Group Exercises
• What is Alignment? How is it used? Group Demonstration • Practice Sessions
Dial-Setting Procedure (a method for controlling energy Implementing the Davis Procedures
levels)
To register for US workshops call 1-888-805-7216 (toll-free)
2008 FUNDAMENTALS WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
GERMANY NEW ZEALAND UNITED KINGDOM
1- 4 May: Freiburg 16- 18 March: Auckland 17- 20 May: Addington, Kent
Presenter: Ioannis Tzivanikis Presenter: Lorna Timms Presenter: Richard Whitehead
Language: German Language: English Language: English
Email: info@dyslexia.com Email: info@ddapacific.co.nz Email: uk@dyslexia.com
Tel: +49 (040) 25 17 86 22 Tel: +64 9 361 6115 Tel: +44 (0) 1227 732 288
24- 27 July: Freiburg/Straßburg
Presenter: Ioannis Tzivanikis
UNITED STATES
Language: English/French translation 26-29 March: Dallas, TX
Email: info@dyslexia.com Presenter: Gerry Grant
Tel: +49 (040) 25 17 86 22 Language: English
Email: training@dyslexia.com
GREECE Tel: 1-888-805-7216 toll-free
27-30 March: Athens
14-17 July: Burlingame, CA
Presenter: Ioannis Tzivanikis
Presenter: Gerry Grant
Language: Greek/English translation
Language: English
Email: info@dyslexia.com
Email: training@dyslexia.com
Tel: +49 (040) 25 17 86 22
Tel: 1-888-805-7216 toll-free
MEXICO 8-11 October: Dallas, TX
23-26 April: Guadalajara Presenter: Gerry Grant
Presenter: Cathy Calderón Language: English
Language: Spanish Email: training@dyslexia.com
Email: spanish@dyslexia.com Tel: 1-888-805-7216 toll-free
Tel: +52 (81) 8335-9435

For updated workshop schedules visit: www.dyslexia.com/train.htm

The ~
Dys•lex´•ic Read´•er PRESORTED
STANDARD
1601 Old Bayshore Highway, Suite 260 U.S. POSTAGE
Burlingame, CA 94010 PAID
BURLINGAME, CA
PERMIT NO.14
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Fundamentals of Davis Dyslexia Correction Workshop

Based on the best-selling book
The Gift of Dyslexia by Ronald D. Davis 2008 International Schedule
This 4-day workshop is an introduction to the basic theories, 16 - 18 Mar. Auckland New Zealand
principles and application of all the procedures described in 26 - 29 Mar. Dallas, TX USA
The Gift of Dyslexia. Training is done with a combination of 27 - 30 Mar. Athens Greece
lectures, demonstrations, group practice, and question and 23 - 26 Apr. Guadalajara Mexico
answer sessions. Attendance is limited to ensure the highest
1 - 4 May Freiburg Germany
quality of training.
17 - 20 May Addington, Kent UK
Who should attend:
14 - 17 Jul. Burlingame, CA USA
Everyone involved in helping dyslexic individuals over the
24 - 27 Jul. Freiburg/Straßburg Germany
age of eight.
8 - 11 Oct. Dallas TX USA
Participants will learn:
• How the Davis procedures were developed. U.S. Course Schedule
• How to assess for the “gift of dyslexia.” • 8:30 - 9:00 Registration (first day)
• How to help dyslexics eliminate mistakes and focus attention. • 9:00 - 5:00 Daily (lunch break 12:00-1:30)

• The Davis Symbol Mastery tools for mastering reading.
• How to incorporate and use proven methods for improving
reading, spelling, and motor coordination into a teaching,
home school, tutoring, or therapeutic setting.
See page 27 for more workshop details.
U.S. Fees and Discounts
• $1175 per person
• $1125 for DDAI members or groups of two or more
• $1075 if paid in full 60 days in advance
• Advance registration and $200 deposit required
• Includes manual, one-year DDAI membership,
verification of attendance, and Symbol Mastery Kit
• Academic units and CEUs available

For a detailed brochure on enrollment, prices, group rates, discounts, location, and further information, contact the DDA in your country.
DDA-Pacific
PO BOX 46023
Herne Bay
Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: +64 (09) 815-8626
Fax: +64 (09) 815-8627
E-mail: pacific@dyslexia.com
DDA-Israel
20 Ha’shahafim St.
Ra’anana 43724 ISRAEL
Tel: 972 (0523) 693 384
or (0)9 774 7979
Fax: 972 (09) 772-9889
E-mail: Israel@dyslexia.com
DDA-DACH
Deutschland-Austria-
Switzerland
Wandsbecker Chausee 132
D-22089 Hamburg
GERMANY
Tel: 49 (040) 25 17 86 22
Fax: 49 (040) 25 17 86 24
E-mail: germany@dyslexia.com
SWITZERLAND
Tel: 41 (061) 273 81 85
E-MAIL: ch@dyslexia.com
DDA- Latin America
Calzada del Valle #400 Local 8
Colonia del Valle
Garza García, Monterrey
Nuevo León
MÉXICO, CP 66220
Tel: 52 (81) 8335-9435
Email: spanish@dyslexia.com
DDA-Nederland
Kerkweg 38a
6105 CG Maria Hoop, NEDERLAND Burlingame, CA 94010
Tel: 31 (0475) 302 203
Fax: 31 (0475) 301 381
E-mail: holland@dyslexia.com
DDA-UK
Davis Learning Foundation
PO Box 972
Canterbury
Kent CT1 9DN
Tel: +44 (0)1227 732 288
Fax: +44 (0)1227 731 756
E-mail: uk@dyslexia.com
DDAI-Int’l, Canada & USA
1601 Bayshore Highway, Ste 260
Tel: 1-888-805-7216
Fax: 1 (650) 692-7075
E-mail: ddai@dyslexia.com

Enrollment limited ❖ Classes fill Early ❖ Call 1-888-805-7216 or 650-692-7141

For updated workshop schedules visit http://www.dyslexia.com/train.htm
For a full description of the Davis Facilitator Certification Program, ask forContinued on page 22
our booklet.