AN INNOVATIVE centre is celebrating 10 years of helping children who struggle with reading and writing.
The Mid Cheshire Dyslexia Centre, in Kelsall, was opened in November 1999 by its founder Isabel McIntyre and her sister Margaret Hogan.
And a decade later, in recognition of the centre’s success story, new computers have been installed in the Old Telephone Exchange building.
Using a computerised multi-sensory teaching method, called ‘IDL’, children learn how to overcome their literacy difficulties.
Hundreds of youngsters have passed through the centre’s doors and Mrs McIntyre is looking forward to the next 10 years of helping children deal with dyslexia.
She said: “Hundreds of young people have been helped to catch up to the reading and spelling abilities of their peers.
“Multi-sensory methods have long been recognised as the best way for people with dyslexia to learn and, when coupled with the staff expertise and highly supportive one-to-one environment of the Kelsall Centre, these methods can enable them to overcome their difficulties.
“This offers a way forward for frustrated and anxious parents – truly effective, specialist help for their dyslexic child.
“Students learn to touch-type, a very useful skill which takes away the problems of, for example, having to think which way round a letter should be written and how the pen should be held.”
Students generally attend two one-hour sessions per week, tailored to the child’s ability.
An online demonstration of the IDL programme can be seen at www.centra.org.uk/fl/intro but for further information, call the Dyslexia Centre on 01829 752994.
