Do you struggle?
Hello all, are you dyslexic, have AD/HD or suffer with dyscalculia? Has it been an issue for you in your life. If so, when did you start...
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Dyslexia is not a learning disability, but is a perceptual inability.
WIZWORD DYSLEXIA
Dyslexia, AD/HD, Dyscalculia, Autism, Dyspraxia. Adult and Young Learner Specialist Services in
West Sussex
Professional services described as Davis®, including Davis® Dyslexia Correction, Davis® Symbol Mastery, Davis® Orientation Counseling, Davis® Attention Mastery, Davis® Math Mastery, and Davis® Reading Program for Young Learners may only be provided by persons who are trained and licensed as Davis Facilitators or Specialists by Davis Dyslexia Association International.
3 SIMPLE STEPS
1. INITIAL ASSESSMENT
The purpose of a Davis assessment is to find out all about you or your child. Your/their strengths and to find out what you/they need help with.
As Davis programmes are all bespoke, this assessment is crucial in being able to create your programme so that it really reflects the help you need based on your goals.
Assessments usually last about 2 hours.
Parents/carers of young children and teenagers are welcome to stay as this is a great opportunity for you to ask questions and find out how Davis can help your child.
Remote assessments are available.
Call me on 078234 71801 to make your booking or click the button below to send me an email.
2. BESPOKE PROGRAMME
One-to-one sessions ensure your dyslexia, Maths, AD/HD, dyspraxia or autism programme is carefully delivered catering for you specific needs in an environment that nurtures your learning style.
By the end of the programme, you will have learned to use the Davis tools efficiently and effectively, achieved your goals and be given ways to support yourself as a future independent learner. It is highly likely that you will feel much calmer, be more in control and show greater confidence after your programme.
Davis programmes have a 97% success rate.
I am pleased to also offer remote programmes.
Call me to discuss your needs.
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3. ON-GOING SUPPORT
After your programme has been completed, I will be available to support you as much and for as long as you need.
Follow-up work is necessary after a Davis programme as you will need support with your newly acquired skills.
If you do not have a support person, arrangements can be made for me to support you.
CONTACT
Call/text Me: 078234 71801
Email: wizworddyslexia@outlook.com
Mon: 9am - 4:30pm
Tues: 9am - 4:30pm
Wed: 9am - 6:30pm
Thurs: 9am - 4:30pm
Fri: 9am - 4:30pm
Sat: 9:30am - 11:30pm
Sun: Closed
Bank holidays - Closed
HELLO AND WELCOME
Tailor Made Educational Services
Tania Blackmore-Squires is a fully qualified teacher, Winchester University College, with over 20 years’ experience in classrooms. She has a BA (hons) with a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) degrees and has taught in both state and independent primary schools.
She has a current Davis Dyslexia Association International Certification (DDAI).
She has spent the last four years facilitating children and adults to be independent learners using their natural innate strengths and abilities.
'The best part about being a Davis facilitator is watching my clients change from pain and discomfort at the thought of them addressing their learning difficulties - like, having to read, to happy, more confident, relaxed and excited, when they quickly realise that their perceived challenges are actually easily solved, quickly and without much discomfort. Then all I see is their innate ability, going from strength to strength. It's wonderful.'
Davis Learning Strategies tap into the creative learning process of all children and adults, regardless of their learning style and speed.
Davis Programmes are one of the most widely used Dyslexia programmes in the world, with a 97% success rate.
WHAT CAN I HELP YOU WITH?
Dyslexia - Maths - AD/HD - Young Learner - Autism - Dyspraxia - Dysgraphia
DYSLEXIA
The Davis Dyslexia programme is a 30 hour programme and is suitable for children aged 8 and over, and adults of any age. If you struggle to read, write, spell, reading comprehension, hearing sounds and speech and/or retain what you have read, then a Davis Dyslexia programme is for you. I also provide support training to parents/carers, so that you can continue to work with your child at home.
“Dyslexia is not a complexity. It is a compound of simple factors that can be dealt with step by step.”
– Ronald D. Davis
MATHS
The Davis Maths programme is suitable for children age 8 and over, and adults of any age and typically lasts 36-45 hours.
Davis® Maths Mastery provides tools to correct problems learning maths. These learning problems are sometimes called dyscalculia or acalculia, and can often accompany dyslexia and ADHD symptoms.
The Davis approach goes to the root issues that cause some people to have problems understanding and learning maths with traditional teaching methods. Visual-spatial thinkers are often confused by the words and symbols which describe maths functions. When the foundation concepts for understanding all mathematics are mastered, learning maths becomes easy.
AD/HD - DAVIS ATTENTION MASTERY PROGRAMME
The Davis Attention Mastery programme provides effective tools to help adults and children age 8 and over to address attention, behavioural, or organisational difficulties and typically lasts between 36 - 45 hours.
The Davis approach gives individuals the tools to control their attention, focus and energy levels without reliance on drugs or nutritional supplements.
Forty years of empirical evidence shows that not only is attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD), dyscalculia (maths problems), and dysgraphia (handwriting problems), related, they are actually different faces or facets of the same basic condition - dyslexia. It was this realisation that allowed us to find the solutions which are now known as Davis programmes. The Gift of Learning - Ronald D. Davis
DAVIS READING PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG LEARNERS
The Davis Young Learner programme is usually run over 2 weeks, 3 hours a day, totalling 30 hours.
Young learners deserve the best start we can give them. Strong research evidence suggests that children who are exposed to Davis methods at pre-reading or primary level (age 5-7) benefit in the following ways:
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They are highly unlikely to develop a learning difficulty.
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They are significantly more likely to qualify for gifted program referrals.
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Their basic word recognition will be among the highest levels expected for their age group.
The Davis® Reading Programme for Young Learners is usually an individualised learning enhancement programme. During the programme, I work directly with your child, and at the same time, provide hands-on training and guidance to a participating parent or other family member or carer.
Alternatively, you can purchase home kits and run the programme yourself, great for homeschooling. I will include 2 hours of telephone support should you wish to purchase a kit from me.
Contact me on 078234 71801 for more information
Could I be autistic?
The Autism-Spectrum Quotient Test (abbreviated to AQ) is a diagnostic questionnaire designed to measure the expression of Autism-Spectrum traits in an individual, by his or her own subjective self-assessment.
It was first published in 2001 by Simon Baron-Cohen and his colleagues at the Cambridge Autism Research Centre as part of the the widely cited study entitled The Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ): Evidence from Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism, males and females, scientists and mathematicians.
DAVIS AUTISM APPROACH
The Davis Autism programmes were developed by Ron Davis, an autistic man with the IQ of a genius, to help transform the lives of autistic people and their families.
Davis interventions are gentle, respectful and incredibly powerful. They are grounded in our philosophy of embracing and celebrating neurodiversity, respecting every individual, nurturing growth, and building on each person’s strengths to overcome challenges.
The goal of the programme is not to eliminate that which is called “autism,” but rather to give the individual the capacity to develop the skills needed to participate fully in life.
- Autism and the Seeds of Change – Ronald D. Davis
'I want to share something from a personal perspective. I have severe PTSD from childhood and I'm a high functioning autist. The simple Davis self-regulation tools are having an impact on me that none of the tools various therapists have introduced me to have.
I believe it's because I don't have to step out of conversation, sit down and close my eyes to do release and focus - I can do them on the fly while interacting with people, as many times a day as I need to. I realised the other self-regulation tools I've been introduced to by therapists haven't really been truly integrated, despite my best intentions.
I really just want to express my enormous gratitude for having discovered Davis. What Ron Davis has brought into the world is so valuable on so many fronts.'
Jo Hainsworth
Get in-touch on 078234 71801 to find out more.
DYSPRAXIA
Dyspraxia can be experienced by both children and adults and affects organisation and planning as well as co-ordination. Many people who are dyspraxic develop good compensating strategies and it can be difficult to diagnose.
Key indicators are:
co-ordination difficulties or clumsiness
difficulty with time management
poor handwriting
poor sense of direction
taking longer to finish a task than other people
A person with poor co-ordination, may have perceptual or speech difficulties, will have difficulty telling left from right and with crossing the midline of the body with hand or foot. They may also be unable to scan across the midline with their eyes.
Not only is visual perception affected, they may mishear sounds, struggle to speak coherently and to understand speech and conversation.
Whilst the defining characteristic of dyspraxia is considered to be a difficulty with motor co-ordination, there is usually an overlap with other characteristics in the dyslexia spectrum, which can be addressed directly and effectively during a Davis Dyslexia Programme.
Davis Orientation, as described in The Gift of Dyslexia, is of great benefit to the dyspraxic person. The ‘Koosh ball’ exercises are particularly helpful to the individual with problems with gross motor skills, balance, or hand/eye co-ordination. Orientation resolves the perceptual problems which underlie many symptoms of dyspraxia. After doing Orientation, many individuals report that it is the first time in their lives they have felt ‘in balance’.
How Davis is Different
Traditionally dyspraxia has been viewed as a disability and many remedial approaches focus on coping strategies involving drill and repetition. Davis facilitators understand the root cause of dyspraxia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADD, Autism and other ‘Specific Learning Difficulties' (SpLD) and recognise that the physical difficulties involved in dyspraxia arise from difficulties with inaccurate perception. The chronic clumsiness caused by inaccurate perception is solved when the Davis Fine Tuning procedures are done. The sporadic clumsiness caused by disorientation will gradually be resolved as the dyslexia itself is solved by gaining mastery of the symbols of language.
Our approach addresses perceptual difficulties such as clumsiness, hand/eye co-ordination and organisational skills. This programme corrects the learning difficulties using the strengths and talents of the individual’s thinking and learning style in a creative and fun way.
Testimonials
DOES THE DAVIS METHOD WORK?
The Evidence Base of Davis methods
Facilitators in Calgary, embarked on a program of pre- and post-program testing of all of their clients, using the Ekwall-Shankar Reading Inventory.
Their data from more than 360 consecutive clients showed average improvement of almost 4 full grade levels in reading over the course of a basic 5-day dyslexia program. More than one-third of their clients showed improvement of 5 or more grade levels; more than three-quarters improved their reading skills by at least 3 grade levels. Level of improvement correlated positively to student age. Children age 8 - 12 had average gains of slightly above 3 grade levels. Teenagers, age 13-18, averaged almost 5 grade levels and adults, ranging in age from 19 - 57, experienced an average improvement in ability of 6 grade levels.
Pilot School Program
In the late 1990’s, Ron Davis also assisted educators in developing and piloting a primary level, school-based foundational program called Davis Learning Strategies. This program was created by a team of three Davis Facilitators who were also experienced teachers, led by Sharon Pfeiffer, and conducting research under the guidance of Dr. T.F. McLaughlin of Gonzaga University. The Davis tools were modified for use with younger children in classroom group settings. Students in multiple classrooms at California public schools were provided with supplemental Davis-based instruction as they progressed from grades K-2. Their progress was later compared with students in demographically matched classrooms at the same schools, taught with the same curriculum but without the Davis component.
The Davis groups scored significantly higher on tests of sight word recognition, and no children from the Davis groups needed further intervention or special education support. Results for first graders were later compiled and published in a peer-reviewed journal.
In 2003, a team of prominent Italian researchers compared outcomes of students receiving 8 different forms of dyslexia intervention, at various learning centers in their region. This included a group of 16 children in grades 3-8 who had received a Davis-based intervention relying on Davis Orientation Counseling as described in The Gift of Dyslexia. The researchers reported that the Davis group showed the greatest increase in reading speed, with passage reading at a rate that was double or triple the speed of students in other groups. Because the Davis group had also received fewer hours overall of intervention than any of the other groups, the researchers reported that the attention-focus training the group received was the most efficient intervention for increasing reading speed.
ACCESS TO WORK SCHEME
An Access to Work grant can pay for practical support if you have a disability which affects the way you perform at work, this includes dyslexia and dyspraxia.
To be eligible for the grant, you must be over 16 and either about to start work, in a paid job or self-employed.
Access to Work will pay 100% of all approved costs if:
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you have started a new job and make a claim during the first six weeks
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you are self-employed or run a small business
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you work in a company with less than 10 staff members
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you require a support worker/training.
However, if you have been in your job for 6 weeks or more, your employer will have to contribute towards the cost of support. The amount that they are required to contribute depends on the size of the organisation.
When cost sharing applies, Access to Work will refund up to 80% of the approved costs between a threshold and £10,000. The employer will have to contribute 100% of costs up to the threshold level and 20% of the costs between the threshold and £10,000. The amount of the threshold is determined by the number of employees in the company.
If you think you need help, contact your local Access to Work centre. You, not your employer, must contact with Access to Work initially.
Call 03452 688 489
or apply online at www.gov.uk/access-to-work
You’ll need to provide:
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your workplace address and postcode
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the name of a workplace contact who can authorise your Access to Work payments
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your workplace contact’s email address or work phone number
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your unique tax reference number (if you’re self-employed)
You’ll also need to explain:
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how your condition affects you at work or getting to work
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what help you’re already getting
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what else could help you
To determine the most appropriate support (reasonable adjustments), a workplace assessment will be arranged with a workplace consultant. The assessor will visit your workplace and this gives you the opportunity to discuss the help and support you need. There is no cost for the workplace assessment. If you do not have a diagnostic assessment report, this may need to be arranged first. Access to Work may accept a good quality screening test for self-employed and some lower skilled jobs.
The assessor will write a report which will include three quotes for each support option. In most cases, as the employer has to pay towards the support so it is important to involve your manager from the start. It can also be useful to ask the assessor to meet with your IT department to ensure software recommendations are compatible with the corporate systems.
You do not have to use the companies that the report recommends. It is possible to choose your own and Access to Work will usually allow the switch if it is a reputable provider.
Contact Tania Blackmore-Squires for further information.
BURSARY FUNDS FOR DAVIS PROGRAMMES
Gifts for Dyslexia
Gifts for Dyslexia (G4D) is a Bursary Fund which provides assistance to people in financial need who would benefit from a Davis® Programme. G4D considers applications from people with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, attention deficit and other learning difficulties.
Davis®Programmes provide practical skills that remove obstacles to learning and everyday functioning by focusing on the distinctive dyslexic learning style. A style shared by all dyslexic individuals. Thus, the Davis® student can achieve the fullest expression of their innate gifts; moving to success in every aspect of their lives.
This programme is particularly helpful for ‘non-responders’ to phonics!
More information can be found in Ronald Davis’ book 'The Gift of Dyslexia.'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum amount of grant I can expect to receive?
Assuming funds are available, G4D will consider providing a bursary for up to 90% of the total cost of a Davis ® programme.
For more information contact Tania Blackmore-Squires or click the link below.
CONTACT
Tania Blackmore-Squires
The Old Dairy
Marsh Lane
Merston
PO20 1EE
078234 71801
Support Our Charity
You can now donate to Gifts for Dyslexia
We couldn't continue our valuable work in supporting people who otherwise couldn't afford a Davis programme, without the backing from people like you.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who have donated to our cause, from a one-off donation to a legacy left in a will.
Find out the ways that you can aid our work.
Thank you
FURTHER READING
Davis theories and Philosophies
If you would like to find out more information about Davis, here are a few texts and links to purchase the books.
The Gift of Learning
by Ronald D Davis
In the Gift of Learning, Davis applies his proven techniques to the four most common learning disabilities beyond dyslexia:
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
ADHD (Hyperactive)
Maths deficiency (dyscalculia and acalculia)
Handwriting Problems (dysgraphia and agraphia)
Why Tyranosaurus but Not If
by Richard Whitehead
'My child can read the word tyrannosaurus, but when it comes to words like if, they cannot. Why?'
This is a book of know-how about dyslexia that empower teachers, parents and dyslexics alike. Compelling insights into the workings of the dyslexic mind are coupled with proven practical strategies based on Davis techniques.
Autism and the Seeds of Change: Achieving Full Participation in Life through the Davis Autism Approach
Abigail Marshall with Ronald D. Davis
An in-depth look at a revolutionary approach to empower individuals with autism, and provide the understanding and tools needed to achieve their full potential. This book explores the history of development of the Davis method, explores its connections to emerging scientific research, and takes the reader on a guided journey through the three phases of the programme.
PROVIDE YOUR FEEDBACK
How Was Your Experience?
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