Acknowledgement: This article is reproduced with the kind permission of " The Lassilian" where it first appeared in the Spring 2010 edition.

From the Irish Examiner 4th December 2009

Dear Mr Alexandre,

I don't know if you remember me (probably not as it was many years ago!) but my name is Louise Lynch and I attended the Touch Type Read and Spell courses. At first I hated it and would do anything to get out of going. I was only 9 when I first started. But I ended up loving the lessons and hated it when it was time to go home. I went on to become the first child in the Bexley London Borough to complete the whole course, and I am now able to touch type at 80 WPM. The lessons I was given changed my life for the better and I am so grateful to you and your team of dedicated teachers. I am now 22 years old and can't believe how far I've come in the 13 years since I first started leaning to touch type.

My reason for contacting you is because I would really like to give something back, and help others the way you helped me. I work during the week, but was wondering if there were any openings for a touch typing teacher on a Saturday? I would be more than willing to undertake whatever training is necessary and I would do this on a voluntary basis.

I understand if there aren't any openings, but I'm not sure if you are currently in need of any teachers or not.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

With kind regards,
Louise Lynch

When Joy Addy first saw the Touch-type Read and Spell Computer Course she knew it was an ideal resource for pupils at Visionport International School in Accra Ghana, a school she has started in memory of her mother who was a renown midwife and child welfare professional. Joy’s original idea had been to start just a pre-school, but the quality of education was so high she was pressurised by parents into expanding into primary education. The school now takes in a new class each year.

Those first pre-schoolers who are now 7 and 8 year olds, are the first in Ghana to be able to take TTRS, and are enjoying improving their reading, writing, spelling, keyboard skills and self-esteem - “and” says Joy, “they are motivated by the high scores they achieve”. The children are of mixed ability, and Joy, (who is also a professional social worker) recognised quite early that all students can learn from “dyslexia friendly” teaching. She has introduced this approach throughout the school. Joy is also highly aware that facility with computers is going to be a key skill in these children’s futures.

Joy’s next project is to organise a Dyslexia Awareness Week for Ghana, where specific learning difficulties are currently under-recognised.

To find out more about Visionport visit www.visionportschool.com 

joyaddy@hotmail.com 

Ireland

Extract from the Sunday Independent Vol. 103 No. 24 June 15, 2008 - LIFE Magazine - written by journalist Joy Orpen about Jordan McGrath and his mother Evelyn

"....... So, when she heard about a programme called Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS), she decided to investigate and consequently signed Jordan up for a three month stint.

The modules of TTRS are specifically designed for children - and adults - with reading, writing and/or spelling difficulties and while Evelyn hoped Jordan would gain a few skills, she hadn't bargained on a complete transformation.

Wearing headphones, Jordan sits at a computer and hears words spoken: he sees the same words clearly displayed on the screen and he then types them on the keyboard.

"Using sound, visuals and touch, each student works at their own pace," explains Evelyn. "Its fairly new to Ireland. In fact, I think Jordan is the first boy to complete the programme here."

What she learned is that her son is computer-orientated and now that he has grasped the rudiments of the programme, he has really come into his own.

"It was really frustrating for my son, who is really innovative and creative, that he had no formal way of getting his ideas out. One year and three months later, he is now touch-typing at a good speed. For a child who never got his spellings right, who was slow at reading or delivering his ideas through writing, this is great - it opens up a whole new avenue for him."

"And for once in his life, he can actually do something that most other children can't. I now feel he has some sort of advantage," Evelyn says.

Jordan has gone from a situation where he couldn't even choose a book from the teacher's shelves because he simply couldn't read the titles to a situation today where he is reading quite well.

His proud mother is in no doubt that much has been gained by the TTRS programme and Jordan's commitment to it.

" He's reading well now and so his confidence and self-esteem have increased. Even his spelling has improved. He's much happier in school now he is supported by this learned (computer) skill that he finds he is good at," she said.

Jordan is a really nice, very honest young boy with a lovely smile and a wry sense of humour. His mother says most of the artwork around the house has been done by him, and that he is a whizz at designing living spaces using the Sims (life simulator) computer game or Lego.

He says he wants to be a guard when he grows up and laughs heartily when I suggest that he combine his interests and design buildings for the Guarda Siochana.

One thing is certain, whatever he decides to do he will do to the very best of his ability and with his new-found skill, this very likeable lad will to far.

I'm so excited to report that our students at Murraylands Christian College are getting more and more perfect scores.

Heather gained 3 100% scoresin Level 5, Modules 23, 26 and 28 and Verna also gained 3 more 100% scores in Level 5, Modules 23, 26 and 30. Both girls were jubilant at their success!

God Bless,
Pam Coulson
Murraylands Christian College

Head Teacher, Namibia Africa

Yes, every one is very much excited over the TTRS. I did a demonstration on how it works and how the learners would benefit from such a programme.The school management have agreed to put it to practice by using it for a group of 10 - 20 learners. The interest is so high among the teachers themselves for their own use at their homes. Of course they need to wait till you are here or otherwise you can advice my on what to do in that regard.

Next week (11.06.08) I will be having a small demo to my cluster principals at my school.

Abigail Baker in the Australian Outback :

TTRS is being used as part of a computer course which focuses on equipping Indigenous teenagers between the ages of 16 – 24 with skills to enable employment.

The course is perfect for these teenagers as often the kinesthetic approach is the most culturally appropriate method of learning.

Many have experienced repeated failure in the school system, hence causing disengagement.

This course is a fantastic tool for re-engagement.

I don't have the energy to write this up properly at the moment, but just to let you know about the continuing saga of Rhys:

As you know, it took him 2-3 months to get his courage up to start TTRS last term which you kindly donated. Poor self-esteem etc.  What a change in such a short period after taking TTRS twice a week!

Before I went to Hong Kong I made an appointment for him with a disability advisor at Connexions, and went with him for moral support, as his "scribe", and argued his case. 

As a result he started a full time College course in carpentry this week, and although he's now 20, he won't have to pay for the course because of his missed schooling and dyslexia. His personality has changed (that's feedback from his brothers, via his mum); he's a much happier person and now believes in his ability to succeed after feeling a failure, and stupid, for years. 

He wouldn't be there if it wasn't for you and wonderful TTRS. So on behalf of Rhys (and his much relieved mum) thank you.  C

Laura is the first student to complete the entire TTRS course in Ireland

Laura started in October 2006 and achieved 3 x 100% and 305 "Excellents" Congratulations Laura!

Laura R: "TTRS has helped me a lot with my spelling, reading and typing. Since starting the course, I have improved immensely in all my spelling tests. I feel more confident reading and have begun to read bigger books like Harry Potter. My typing has improved greatly. It is faster to do anything on the computer now and I type lots of stories. Before the course I did not read much or type at all. The course has helped me so, so much. Thank you. Laura."

Susan R (mother): "TTRS has improved Laura's short-term memory, her spelling and her self-confidence."

"My favourite success story with TTRS is a young fellow from Gladstone in North Qld. He came down to see me in Brisbane when he was in Year 4 and I showed them TTRS at the time. He took to it immediately. He was an unusual dyslexic as he had learned to read quite well by memorising whole words but had no phonological awareness, so spelling and writing suffered. He had the TTRS Home program for 2 years and I visited Gladstone and caught up with him when he was in Year 7 - just before going to high school. He had his laptop ready to use in school and when I asked him how he would manage taking notes from the blackboard he replied " Oh well I can touch type now so I just look at the board and type".

Margaret Hardy
Dyslexia Testing Services Pty Ltd
Brisbane

" . Evelyn McGrath from Clane, Co Kildare whose son Jordan has been attending a TTRS course at Scoil Dara in Kilcock, feels the programme has helped him immensely. "He is now able to touch-type and that has done wonders for his self-esteem and confidence. He's in sixth class at school and they are getting lots of essays for homework, that would take him a long time to write. He can type it quicker than he can write it. His spelling has also improved." Journalist:
The Irish Times Michael Kelly

Report: Autumn Term 07. TTRS Weekly Course held at Orpington College, Orpington, Kent, England

Parent Evaluation: What areas have helped so far? Parent ticked: Typing, Confidence, Vocabulary, Spelling, Self Esteem, Co-ordination, Reading, Motivation, Concentration

Parent written comment: "This course "SAVED" Lily."

Parent: Mrs Nina Fisher Tutor: Debbie Kemp Evaluation Report for Autumn Term 07, parent signed: 6/12/07

Parent Evaluation: What areas have helped so far? Parent ticked: Typing, Confidence, Vocabulary, Spelling, Self Esteem, Co-ordination, Reading, Motivation, Concentration

What areas do you think that TTRS will help with in the future? Parent ticked: Typing, Confidence, Vocabulary, Spelling, Self Esteem, Co-ordination, Reading, Motivation, Concentration

Parent written comment: "Its been a fantastic success for Louie, all the above is true, I am so greatful for this course and so is Louie."

Parent: Mrs B Levinson Tutor: Debbie Kemp Evaluation Report for Autumn Term 07, parent signed: 6/12/07

................Thursday’s meeting went very well we thought. Gwenda spoke well and with passion. Everyone enjoyed her anecdotes and wisdom gained from her years of experience. The dvds were well received and the children demonstrated the course admirably, answered questions positively without any prompting or setting up. The visiting teachers were impressed that TTRS was intrinsically motivating and were shocked that all the children enjoyed it without stickers, star charts or any form of external motivator save lots of positive encouragement. All the children said it had helped them with spelling and reading when asked individually. I invited the parents along and 4 out of the 6 came. They are all so positive and enthusiastic about TTRS. One parent spoke about it briefly and answered questions. She has 4 out of 4 children with dyslexia and wants TTRS for her older teenagers. All the teachers said it was good timing with looking ahead to next year’s budgets. I was asked many practical questions about the setting up and daily running of TTRS. I could answer all the questions with ease having been involved with several different programmes over the years. I stressed that it works for all kinds of literacy problems not just dyslexia. My own son had a language disorder. I’ve also used it with intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, CAP disorder and even autism...........................

Trish Walker B Ed (Spec Ed), Dip T
Special Education teacher Encounter Lutheran School
Victor Harbor
South Australia

Sorry its taken a while to get in touch. I had my first session with a young person last week which went well. At first he wondered what it was all about and said he couldn't type but, after a brief explanation and encouragement to give it a go he was off. He spent at least an hour on the programme and when I came to end the session he wanted to do another module. He regularly told himself he was going to aim for 100% on the next go which he didn't quite manage his highest score reaching 99% (7 excellent overall) but this didn't dishearten him to keep trying. He liked to look back at his graph and even showed his YOT worker. Fingers crossed this young person will be back this week. I have several young people down to do TTRS but as yet have not attended their appointment but I won't be giving up on them until they have given it a go.

Kind regards, Emma.

Emma Garrity
Learning Mentor
Bolton Youth Offending Team
Le Mans Crescent
Bolton BL1 1SA

TTRS at lunchtimes is going really well. I do Mondays and Fridays for just half an hour. I had one Year 9 boy do a whole level in a week in his own time! He just loves it and loves the praise. I have come up with a bit of a problem as I need to put more pupils on the register and it says I have used my quota of 100. Please could you check if this is all we have paid for?

Speak to you soon.

Kind regards

Michele Burgess
Learning Support
Sandwich Technology School
Kent, England

23rd January 2007

PS. At St Francis where I teach, three boys have had a turnaround in their attitude to TTRS. One boy, told another pupil who had just been introduced to the program and was using any fingers on the keys when she thought I wasn't looking, "I used to be like that, but the way she says is best!"

Jean Brims
Teacher
St Francis C of E Primary School
Peckham
London
England

From: South London, England.

"..........The school has referred approximately 10 children to us and nearly all of those children have taken up places and are progressing well. We also have children from the estate knocking on our door and we have extended the numbers of children to about 15 who are regularly using the centre to do TTRS. The children are excited about the programme and they are bringing friends along and so we have a waiting list. I have managed to find some more computers and have purchased a new table so we will be able to have up to 8 computers working at any one time. This will mean that we will need at least one more CD rom with the sound card on if possible, please. At the end of the school term I gave the school a certificate for each child who had attended the TTRS sessions.

The adult session that we offer has generally been well attended. We have had 2 of the adults leaving as they have gone on to get jobs. We are very encouraged by this...... We will also be able to offer more places as we now have more computers. The adults are very keen to use this programme and we have only had positive feed back from them. We have 3 adults continuing at the moment. One has some mild learning difficulties, one is a teenage mum and the last is a middle aged lady who has found leaving her house difficult but loves coming to Our Community Centre and has only missed two sessions for doctors appointments.

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for the TTRS programme. We would like to continue to offer this facility at Our Community Centre.

Yours
Audrey Humphreys
Manager