Category: Sponsored

Looking for a TDD/TTY?

While looking through the website for The Phone Resource, I saw that they have TDD machines. A TDD is a “Telecommunications Device for the Deaf.” They have replaced the older TTY machines which were TeleTYpe machines. So all TTYs are TDDs, but not vice versa. But the two terms are used interchangeably.

The way they usually work is the caller puts a regular phone handset into a cradle and you can send text messages over the phone. Kinda like instant messaging today, but you just call from phone to phone using a normal phone line. So people without a computer can use one of these.

If you are hearing and want to call a Deaf friend, you can use a relay service. Most states have a state funded relay where you call a number and an operator will type for you and voice what your Deaf friend says. Fancier relay services now also offer video relay. Deaf can call into the relay service using a web cam and then the operator will call your home number. You will talk on the phone like you are talking to anyone else while the operator is signing to the Deaf caller. Then the caller can sign to the operator back to you.

But, if you want to say sweet nothings to your Deaf friend, get your own TDD. You don’t want to have to work through an operator for that.

Interestingly, here in México with the Deaf we work with, they do not have TDDs. Nor do they have IM or web cams. They just use text messaging on cell phones. Text messages are relatively cheap here. Far cheaper than a $400 TDD. I doubt they have a relay service to work with. So your friend would also have to have a TDD for you to call them.

If you are looking to buy one, check out the offerings at The Phone Resource. They also have Polycom conference phones.

[This is a sponsored post]

Dyslexia Decoded

Do you know someone with dyslexia? I found a website today that has lessons on how to teach children and adults with dyslexia how to read. It is based on a phonics method, which is a solid reading method. Because English has 44 sounds and only 26 letters, we have sought a different way to teach reading, which, frankly, has not been working. But phonics has worked and will work.

This website, Dyslexia Decoded, promotes the ReadingBySix method. At Dyslexia Decoded there are links on how to get the full program for free. They seem to be more interested in getting the material in the hands of those who need it than making money off of it. They do, however, have a revenue stream. The materials are all available in printed format if you would rather work from a hard copy as opposed to reading the computer screen. They also take donations at their website.

We used phonics when teaching our son to read and will do the same with our daughter. By the time our boy turned 4 years old he was able to read the newspaper. He may not have understood what was being said in the paper, but he was able to read the words and pronounce them properly. Phonics is a great method for teaching children and adults to read.

Here is a press release that I read from them:

Dyslexia? Now there is Free Help

Now there is free online help for people who have dyslexia or simply did not learn to read well while going to school. It is a click-‘n-learn program. Students and adults may learn decoding, basic reading skills, and advanced reading skills all with the click of a mouse.

The program is called ReadingBySix. It provides a systematic approach to helping people defeat dyslexia and related reading problems. You will notice measurable progress from week to week provided participants are active in their studies and do their assignments. The online courses are virtually free when you give a small donation. If you choose not to donate, they are completely free.

Dyslexia is a distinct learning disability characterized by difficulties in decoding individual words. These difficulties may not show up in other cognitive and academic abilities. Dyslexia results from the confusion caused by the brain’s inability to associate abstract symbols with abstract ideas. This includes associating letters and words with the sounds they represent. The key to defeating dyslexia is learning to decode English sounds.

You are invited to review the website and take a few of the courses for practice and learn how the program works. Then use it to teach your children or students to read. It can be used for preschool, home school, grade school, or high school. Students, adults, and children can use it. It teaches reading 100% of the time and it’s all electronic. If you know of people who need help, please tell them about ReadingBySix: http://www.dyslexiadecoded.com/

Source: Dyslexia Decoded
Free Help for Dyslexia

So, if you know anyone who struggles with reading, or if you are going to be teaching your child to read (which, in my opinion, the parents should do and not leave it up to a school system that is broken), then check out Dyslexia Decoded. You don’t have to have dyslexia to be able to benefit from this program.