Catherine O’Sullivan-McGrath

Touch Type Read & Spell Programme

 Tallaght  Library Dublin

My son is 11 and was diagnosed with Dyslexia, a specific Learning difficulty, and DCD, Developmental Coordination Disorder,(Dyspraxia) which is a physical disability, in January 2010. He has difficulty with Fine Motor skills, writing, opening buttons, opening zips, . He has difficulty with perception, memory, attention and maths. Dyspraxia affects the brains ability to plan sequences and movement, as a result his writing speed is slow, messy and laboured.  He also cannot write for long and sustained periods of time. So much of his energy is put in to this physical process of writing; there is little brain power for energy and thoughts. As well as his DCD the fact that he has Dyslexia also causes many difficulties with reading, spelling and forming words and sentences. A lack of understanding and much needed help causes much frustration and lack of self esteem.

In August 2010 after much searching for a programme that would suit my son’s needs I discovered TTRS at Tallaght Library.

I cannot believe the difference this programme has made to my son’s life.

His writing speed was 9wpm in print and 7.4wpm in cursive. In December I asked for a progress report from his tutor Librarian Marie O’Connor in Tallaght Library, and after only 4 short months, his typing speed was averaging out as 12-15wpm faster than his writing speed.

He was scoring an average of between 95%and 99% at each module, a score he would never achieve in a school environment.

His reading age was a low average 8yrs and 4mths. At his parent teacher meeting in December his reading age had taken a huge jump to age 12yrs, 3yrs and 8months, of an improvement. Unbelievable.

His self esteem is greater than it has been for the past two years and his happiness is portrayed by a smile at his own achievement.

He never complains about going to TTRS, as he is encouraged with positive reinforcement constantly from his tutor Marie.

All of these improvements I put down to this Programme, as there is little help out there for children with these difficulties.

This is a life skill for my child. One which was out of  reach for me as it is costly. I am indebted to the County Library Services, the wonderful staff, for their patience kindness and understanding of my child.

Thank you.   

Catherine O Sullivan Mc Grath