Read more about the article Rethinking the Label “Learning Disability”

Rethinking the Label “Learning Disability”

In reponse to this post: Rethinking School

Susan Wise Bauer writes, “Change your thinking: Regard the label ‘learning disability’ as signifying ‘This child needs a different approach,’ rather than ‘Something is wrong with your child.'”    LOVE this mentality!! 

This is how Dr. Lee and the VT team sees it – a “learning disability” is not a life sentence!! It just means that the method that you’re using is not working for the kid right now. We just have to get the patient’s eyes working properly, and then with all the right tools, every kid has the potential to succeed.

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Read more about the article Convergence Insufficiency Can Cause Problems At School

Convergence Insufficiency Can Cause Problems At School

On January 30, 2018, 3 members of the CW Tech Robotarians from Southern Michigan made a presentation to the Michigan Senate Health Subcommittee in support of Senate Bill 411. The purpose of the bill is to screen kids earlier and more frequently for vision problems which can affect reading and learning. There is an emphasis on not only eye health, but also visual functioning, and it specifically mentions accommodation (focusing skills), eye movement skills, and convergence! Kevin Skorupa, Steven Chapman and Jared Martin speak on behalf of Kevin’s brother, who suffered from convergence insufficiency up until he was in grade 12. He suffered from headaches and double vision, and this had significant emotional impact on him as he struggled in school. He was held back a grade when his parents and teachers could not identify the source of the problem, and he was often punished for not finishing his schoolwork, which resulted in him missing out on extracurricular activities and sports. Fortunately, his parents heard about Convergence Insufficiency and took him to a Developmental Optometrist, where he was treated with vision therapy. His headaches and double vision were eliminated, and he was able to make the honour roll at school!
In the video below, these bright, young men do a very good job of describing this condition and the impact it can have on a person’s life and family. Thank you for your hard work in bringing awareness to this type of vision problem!

Video: The VisionHelp Blog


Continue ReadingConvergence Insufficiency Can Cause Problems At School
Read more about the article Vision problems linked to reading problems

Vision problems linked to reading problems

A new Canadian study finds that many elementary school children who read below grade level have challenges with their eyesight — even if *standard* tests say their vision is 20/20.

Children with accommodative issues have trouble focusing or have trouble changing their focus from one distance to another. Those with vergence issues have difficulty turning their eye in or out (eye movements often required for reading). Children with oculomotor issues have trouble with eye tracking and may lose their place when reading. Seeing 20/20 is not everything!

A complete binocular vision assessment is not always part of a standard vision test. That is why a Visual Skills Assessment should be part of the investigation for any student with reading difficulties! Call us for more information (905) 666-4848

 

The study from University of Waterloo: Eye Exams Linked to Kids’ Reading Level

Continue ReadingVision problems linked to reading problems
Read more about the article How Vision Affects Learning

How Vision Affects Learning

Does this sound like someone you know?
“When my son was in second grade, it became clear that he was struggling to read. Despite the fact that he was curious, loved to learn and seemed truly interested in reading, he appeared to be in need of special education. So he ended up in a special reading room. Unfortunately, after several months, his reading skills did not improve.” …
“Perhaps he had a learning-related vision problem? He did! After four months of vision therapy, my son was able to drop the special reading help, join his peers in the main classroom and move forward with his studies.”

We see this all too often. Kids just get a label at school, but nothing to actually treat the conditions that are causing the problem.

Read more in this article from a special education resource teacher in Minnesota, on how most school screenings only check distance sight (with the letter chart). Even if a kid has 20/20 distance acuity, doesn’t mean he/she has all the vision skills which are needed to read.

Link to Article: When Vision Affects Learning

Find out whether it’s just a vision problem getting in the way, because those can be treated! Call (905) 666-4848 for more information about booking a Visual Skills Assessment

Continue ReadingHow Vision Affects Learning