Tutoring DS person - Down Syndrome Message Board

Syl Miller · 03-02-2002, 07:19 AM

Our local County Adult Literacy Program has been approaced to tutor a 25 year old young man. Our program is for adult non readers and when completed should be able to read at a 5th grade level. I have read the messages on your board and wonder if these people can be taught to read. Our local Mac Donalds Training Center once had a reading program, but gave it up. Our program is all volunteer and none of us have any training in learning disabiliies. Can you give me any advice?

Tifferbelle · 03-04-2002, 09:14 PM

Yes, "these people" can be taught to read. My daughter, going on 8, reads now. Not as well as her classmates but she does read. I appreciate your interest in this challenge. Most people with Down Syndrome can be taught to read. It is better if they start earlier but better late than never. Just be patient. Understand that it will take him longer than usual to learn but he will learn if he is determined. Sometimes it helps to make cards with the names of objects to place around the home. For example, "door", "chair", "wall", etc.Things he can learn to recognize quickly. Their is a good book available called "Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome, A Guide for Parents and Teachers" by Patricia Logan Oelwein.

Syl Miller · 03-05-2002, 03:29 AM

Thank you for your reply. The informaion gives me a place to start. I met with the young man yesterday, he is a very nice young man and does read some, very slowly. I'll check into ordering the book you have suggested. Thank you again.

Scweethart · 03-31-2002, 07:58 PM

you might not want to call him a DS person either. That is disrespectfull. Remember person first language. For example... I am a mom-to-be to a 5 year old WITH down syndrome and his twin sister. You have a reading student WITH down syndrome.

Person first acknowleges that all people are different although they may have the same disability. It is more dignified and respectful than saying 'downs baby' or a 'quad' (which is a person with quadraplegia).

Renee