This is the original and most universally recognized MSL program for dyslexics, championed by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators. Named after its pioneers, neuropsychiatrist Samuel Orton and psychologist-educator Anna Gillingham, this 70-year-old teaching approach is diagnostic, prescriptive and personalized. It uses all the learning pathways--seeing, hearing, feeling and motion--in order to engage the dyslexic in learning, while stressing systematic phonics in the initial stages of reading development.
IDA cites this approach as both remedial and preventive. If you're interested in this particular approach, look into instructional programs or schools that have been accredited by the Academy itself.
P.O. Box 234
Amenia, New York 12501-0234
845-373-8919
ortonacademy.org
The Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to Academic Language Therapy, or alphabetic phonics. This method is more therapeutic than tutorial and meant to ameliorate existing dyslexia. It emphasizes reading, spelling, handwriting and written expression.
While the ALTA is a participating organization in The Alliance, it also accredits individual professional therapists, and centers, all over the U.S. who specialize in Academic Language Therapy. Check with the ALTA National Office for a complete accreditation list for your particular state.
14070 Proton Road, Suite 100, LB 9
Dallas, Texas 75244
972-233-9107, ext. 208
altaread.org
According to the IDA, the MSL program called the "Spalding method" emphasizes precise handwriting and the establishment of letter-sound relationships in the dyslexic's mind. The program sequence starts by first establishing phonemic awareness, before moving on to writing, spelling and actual reading.
Its main proponent is the IMSLEC-accredited Spalding Education International, which, in turn, accredits schools specializing in the Spalding method.
23335 N. 18th Drive, Suite 102
Phoenix, Arizona 85027
623-434-1204
spalding.org
This MSL program was designed by the University of Southern Mississippi's DuBard School for Language Disorders and is recognized by IMSLEC. According to IDA, the method's surprising features are its delayed use of phonetic rules, immediate emphasis on the precise articulation of phonemes, learning of cursive script and extended auditory training.
118 College Drive, #5215
Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-0001
601-266-5223
usm.edu/dubard