Support for People with Dyslexia in Wales

Support for People with Dyslexia in Wales
July 2008

Enterprise and Learning Committee

The group learnt about a number of programmes and interventions which had
clearly benefited those trying to cope with dyslexia and recommends that an
independent research project should be commissioned to evaluate them. In
particular, the group recommends that the Government commissions a pilot
study of Fast ForWord®. – From the Introduction

The Dyslexia Rapporteur Group was particularly impressed by the Fast
ForWord® computer based products and the experience of these products in
the Everett Public Schools for the following reasons:

One group of around 30 children can each potentially access Fast
ForWord® products on individual computers in one classroom at the
same time. This is an effective and efficient way of providing support to
greater numbers of children with dyslexia at the same time in comparison
with many other methods,

One specialist, trained teacher in the classroom is available to check on
each child’s progress while they are using the Fast ForWord® products
and to assist with any difficulties,

Each child can access the Fast ForWord® software for around 30 to 50 to 60
minutes every day in the school environment for five days a week,

The Fast ForWord® products are incremental and increase in difficulty as
each child progresses,

The game format makes the software accessible and maintains the
child’s interest. The children in the Everett Public Schools told the
Rapporteur Group that they enjoyed using the software.

The Fast ForWord® Tracker provides detailed data so that each child’s
progress can be carefully monitored.