Multisensory means simultaneously teaching the visual, auditory and kinesthetic-tactile elements to enhance memory and learning.

This fact sheet lists effective teaching approaches for adults with learning disabilities.

No one program works for all children and adults. A well-trained teacher/tutor should be trained in at least three methods of teaching reading, including the multisensory approach.

Many of the programs listed here are based on the "Orton-Gillingham-Stulman Approach," often described as the grandfather of many successful multisensory reading programs.

Training a teacher or literacy tutor cannot be accomplished in a few days, weeks or months. There is no such thing as a quick fix or an easy way to train a teacher/tutor.

The DARC does not endorse any program. The following programs are listed as a resource only.

Multisensory Teaching Approach (MTA), developed by Margaret Taylor Smith
MTA is a comprehensive, multisensory program in reading, spelling, cursive handwriting, and alphabet and dictionary skills. Based on Orton-Gillingham techniques and Alphabetic Phonics.

Contact: Educators Publishing Service: (800) 225-5750

The Herman Method, developed by Renee Herman
A complete remedial reading curriculum. Teaches decoding, sight words, structural analysis, contextual clues and dictionary skills with consistent emphasis on comprehension. An effective program that can also be taught by trained paraprofessionals. A phonetic, structured, sequential approach based on the Orton-Oillingham Method and specifically designed for students with dyslexia/specific reading disability.

Contact: Romar Publications, 4700 Tyrone Avenue, Sherman Oaks, California 91423: (818) 784-9566

Project READ, developed by Dr. Mary Lee Enfield and Victoria Green
Project READ is a method of teaching that is systematic, multisensory, concrete and involves direct instruction. It positively affects students who have not yet experienced reading success. A language arts program that provides an inductive instruction (basal reading system). Based on the theories of Samuel Orton and developed by Dr. Mary Lee Enfield and Victoria Green.

Contact: Project READ, PO Box 20631, Bloomington, MN 55420

Wilson Reading System, developed by Barbara Wilson
The Wilson Reading System is a 12-step remedial reading and writing program for individuals with a language-based learning disability. The system specifically teaches strategies for decoding and spelling. It also includes oral expressive language development and comprehension. Visualization techniques are used for comprehension. Based on the Orton-Gillingham teaching techniques.

Contact: Wilson Language Training, 162 West Street, Millbury, MA 01527-1943: (800) 899-8454

Lindamood-Bell, developed by Patricia Lindamood and Nanci Bell
The Lindamood-Bell program offers intensive treatment to develop reading, spelling, language comprehension, visual motor processing, and the ability to follow oral directions.

Contact: Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, 416 Higuera, San Luis Obispo, California 93401. (800) 233-1819 / (805) 541-3836

Slingerland Approach, developed by Beth Stingedand
The Slingerland Approach is based on Orton-Gillingham techniques. All learning takes place through the involvement of the auditory, visual and kinesthetic motor channels. Children/adults with dyslexia often have difficulty with the linkage of these channels. The Slingerland Approach starts with the smallest unit of sight, sound and feeling - a single letter. Expanding upon that single unit students are taught through an approach which strengthens inner-sensory association and enables the strong channel of learning to reinforce the weak. It is thorough and integrated, providing a complete language learning experience.

Contact: Slingerland Institute, One Bellevue Center, 411 108~ Avenue N.E., Bellevue, WA 98004: (206) 453-1190.

Video Tapes

VIDEO SERIES: Fundamentals Of Reading Success: developed by Arlene W. Sonday, M.A.
Trains teachers and tutors a phonic or code-emphasis approach to teaching reading and spelling. Based on the Orton-Gillingham approach. The approach, as outlined in this series, can be used with older students and adults with low skills. For the complete set of eight video tapes the cost is around $480.00. For $5.00, a preview tape is available.

Contact: Winsor Corporation, 1620 Seventh Street West, Saint Paul, MN. 800-321-7585 (651) 22-3922. Web Site www.readabc.com

Dyslexia Training Program: developed by the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital Laboratory

Based on the Orton-Gillingham method. Introduced in 1987, the Dyslexia Training Videotaped series is currently used in 300 Texas school districts, school districts in states across the nation, and English language programs in seven countries.

Contact: Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, 222 Welborn Street, Dallas, Texas 75219. (214) 559-7525 Or Contact: Educators Publishing Service: (800) 225-5750

Computer Software - CD-ROM

Multisensory Reading, Spelling and Penmanship CD-ROM, developed by Noreen Rogers
Multisensory reading, spelling and penmanship program. Based on the principles and techniques of the Orton-Gillingham approach. Teaches beginning to advanced reading and spelling skills to adults, adolescents and children, ages 10 and over. Cost is around $250.00.

Contact: The Rogers Center for Learning, 388 Market Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, California 94111. (415) 623-2763: Website, www.rogerscenter.com

Lexia Learning System for Reading
Orton-Gillingham based software. Multisensory reading, spelling and writing program.

For a free demonstration disk and brochure, contact: (800) 435-3942 / Website www.lexialearning.com

UltraPhonics Tutor 2: Orton-Gillingham Tutoring Software
Family, Tutor, and School Editions. Teaches up to an early 5th grade reading level.

Contact: 1-888-PROLEXIA, Web site: www.prolexia.com Fax: (507) 776-5394