Am I
Dyslexic?

Dyslexia can seriously undermine progress at school, at work and in other areas of your life. This often leads to anxiety, frustration and low self-esteem and the longer it is left the worse it will become.

 Our Signs and Symptoms of Dyslexia  checklist will help you decide whether you or someone you know is dyslexic.

If you require any further information please Contact Us. We are here to support you.

 

Success Story from an adult with Dyslexia

I assessed Georgia at the end of 2018. She wanted to know if she was dyslexic but was scared she may be 'dumb!' Georgia was anything but dumb. After receiving the report she followed her passion and is studying for a Masters in Teaching. Read about this positive expereince and Georgia's study tips 

Read here

New Events, Resources or Courses

NEW PHONIC BOOKS

Major research in USA, UK & Australia about the best way to teach reading all concluded:

where there is unsystematic or no phonics instruction, children’s literacy progress is significantly impeded

And children should never be asked to read soemthing they do not have the skills to read, that is why Decodable books are essential

See our new range

 
EMPLOYERS: Create a Dyslexia Friendly and Inclusive Workplace to Support all Employees & produce an Open & Productive Work Environment Read more

 

Employer's Testimony

   

Tackling Homework- Advice for parents

 

Evidence Based Interventions- Which to choose?

Advice for schools and for parents

 

Comprehensive resource of over 120 pages for every special needs co-ordinator, class teacher and support assistant in the primary setting. Packed with practical and easily accessible information, everything you need to know to help you plan class, individual and group lessons.

Click here for more details

 

It is recognised that the most effective schools are those that rigorously self-review and self-evaluate. The aim of this Audit is to promote excellent practice in schools seeking to improve accessibility to learning for all students. Helping schools identify areas of strength & areas for development. 
click here to find out more 

 

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION FOR ALL STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND ADDITIONAL NEEDS. Government reponse to the PSD review

In 2016, the PSD panel reviewed their provision for students with Disabilities, which would include dyslexia. 5 members from Speld Victoria including myself were invited to spend a morning with PSD Review Advisory Panel to argue for students with dyslexia. We argued intensely for a great number of changes, including dyslexia being formally recognised in all schools, increased funding & improved training for schools. We felt that we had been listened to and are pleased with the report findings; this is a huge step forward.  Report and Response

 

 Teachers in Victoria must complete PD about teaching learners with disabilities including dyslexia each year: 

 Book a PD with us soon to avoid long waits  

 

How to Improve a child's reading Comprehension

read more

      

Repeated Reading Exercises to Improve Reading Fluency: Research over the past two decades has identified Repeated Reading as the key strategy for improving students' fluency skills.  Read more

 

Auditory Processing/Phonological Awareness Checklist for Teachers

click here

 

Making Classrooms Inclusive and "Dyslexia-Friendly"- Top Ten Tips

10 easily implemented tips that will make a significant difference to many students in your class Click here

 

How to Produce Dyslexia-Friendly Handouts

Click here

 

FREE APPLE FIELD TRIPS FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS.

Click here

 

Disability Discrimination Education Standards

Uupgraded NDCO Disability Discrimination Education Standards website http://www.ddaedustandards.info/  Standards are formulated to assist educators understand and comply with their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, and became federal law in August 2005.

 

 Individual Learning Plans (ILPs)

Helping teachers and parents write helpful ILPs to aid effective teaching and learning for students with additional needs.  Resources 4 Teachers section

 

Early Screening and Assessment in-school Training

Early screening and assessment allows schools to accurately identify students at risk for reading failure. I have worked with a number of schools to help them set up effective systems for screening and to carry out further, comprehensive assessments where necessary. Please contact me for details :

 

Wanted tutors with Special needs training and qualifications in Australia

If you would be happy for me to add you to a list available to parents and teachers please contact me with some information: email

 

New Site to Support Students with Dyscalculia see here

 

 A GREAT SITE TO HELP CHILDREN UNDERSTAND THEIR DYSLEXIA Click Here

   

 NEW DYSLEXIA-FRIENDLY FONT- FREE TO DOWNLOAD

Children and adults who are dyslexic find some fonts difficult to read. OpenDyslexic is a new open sourced font created to increase readability for readers with dyslexia.  http://opendyslexic.org/

 

FREE VOICE RECOGNITION SOFTWARE ON WORD

Many dyslexics would benefit from Voice recognition software that types what you dictate. This is particularly helpful in schools as the workload increases and also in further study or at work. To find out how to install Voice Recognition software free on Word click here

 

Check the Reading Age of your Word documents

There is often a significant difference between the reading ages in one class. Check the readability of any documents that they produce in Word. To find out how click here

 

Advantages of Dyslexia.

A great video to watch. Leading to others including a great one to show dyslexic adults and children about famous  dyslexics. Click Here

 

Hank Zipzer Books for children:
Inspired by the true life experiences of Henry Winkler, (the Fonz) who is dyslexic, a winning series about the world's greatest underachiever. Funny, touching, & deals with learning differences in a gentle and humorous manner.
Read More

 Workshops for Teachers!

Want to Significantly Improve Standards in Literacy ask for a consultation

Karen has transformed the way we teach literacy at Kardinia International College.

Karen has worked closely with the leadership team to understand the college, then develop a strategic plan which has supported us in moving forward. She has also worked with us on policy development and decisions relating to assessment. The level of expertise she brings to these discussions is extraordinary.

See full testimony and other Testimonies from schools

 

See what teachers think of the workshops

Click Here

 

Updated and Brand New Professional Development opportunities for 2019

   

Inservice 1 (full day, half day  or after school):

 Creating an Inclusive Class for all students with Learning Difficulties including Dyslexia     click

 

Inservice 2- (half day)

RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION: Implementing a whole school approach to meeting students’ varying needs. click

Both Inservices 1 and 2 include best advice for which screening and assessment tools to use and suggested programs

Inservice 3 - (1 or 2 days) For class aides and specialist teachers

Supporting the needs of Students with Learning Difficulties in Class, Small Groups & individually  click

Inservice 3 can be organised amongst networks of schools

Inservice 4- (full day, half day or twilight)

Developing Oral Language and Vocabulary; a whole school Approach click

Inservice 4 Testimony

 

Inservice 5- (half day or twilight)

Supporting Students with Learning  Difficulties/Disorders:  Curriculum Modification at Secondary School click

Inservice 6 for TAFEs and other institutes (full day or half day)

Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities in Your Class: For Tafes and colleges   click

Inservice 7 for employers:  Dyslexia Friendly & Inclusive Workplace Supporting all Employees.  Produce an Open & Productive Work Environment

Inservice 8: THE BIG 5 OF READING

Research has shown that The Big 6 of Reading are essential elements when teaching Reading. Contact Karen to organise a workshop for your school/group.

   

Inservice 9; For Parents 

How to Support your Child with Dyslexia and other Learning Difficulties at Home and at School. This session can be organised by a parent group or by a school. For more information

Click here

 

Small schools: why not invite staff from other schools to share the cost of the workshop? Training for Class assistants works well when a whole network or group of schools join together

RTI Workshop Inservice 2 (above)

During 2015/6 Karen presented RTI training to almost 300 school Principals and senior managers on behalf of Speld Vic and the Department of Education and Training.

 

In-Service Courses for schools and colleges 

So many staff felt so empowered and excited after your PD and are implementing many of your resources in the classroom and seeing some great results. Our teachers aide in Prep is working with children individually every day and using your ideas; the results are so exciting!Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us. FD St Bernard's Primary School Wangaratta

Your school could become an Inclusive  and Dyslexia-Aware School  Contact Karen to discuss how she can help your school. The types of support may differ according to the needs of the individual school it may include: 

1. Whole staff training

2. Training for support staff about providing individual programs using multi-sensory instruction

3. Advice on resources and programs

4. Training in the use of assessment materials

5. Workshops for parents/carers

 

Karen has already worked with a number of schools in Victoria and Canberra see Testimonials or contact Karen who would be pleased to provide references. Click below for course details:

 

MAKE YOUR SCHOOL Inclusive for all students with Learning Difficulties including Dyslexia

I will travel to any schools throughout Victoria or anywhere in Australia to provide training. Some groups of small schools  join together to pool financial resources. Click here to see a report about this.

 

• See a Video Clip of my Workshop

• I presented to the Wodonga CRT Support Network and here is a snapshot of my course and the comments made by the teachers. Check it out here.

 

Phone 0402225051 to discuss individual needs or email me for course details and a registration form.