The Power of Reading

Learning to read does change lives:

I was fortunate to have been a part of the Literacy program first as a tutor and later as the literacy coordinator.
I found this to be one of the most rewarding experiences I have had. For many of our students, this is their first exposure to what is a more structured, appropriate and successful method of teaching individuals with Down syndrome how to read.
Although I do not tutor now, I often wonder how a former student of mine as well as first time participants are responding. Luckily, I sometimes have the opportunity to chat with a parent and/or a student about how things are going. I continue to be amazed by the transformations and progress I have seen and heard about.

“We love this program. Viola is now wanting to read to us. She has never shown interest before. We can’t believe it. So Happy!”
Edith; Viola’s Mom

Bella is non-verbal and displayed limited eye contact. Her tutor Sarah has established an amazing relationship with her. She shared with me one day, the following: Bella was shown a picture of a hat and the written word beside it. Bella unexpectedly said the word “hat” clear as a bell. I almost fell off my chair. This is only one example of the power of our 1:1 literacy tutoring program.
If these are not “Best of All’s” I don’t know what is.

Do you want to make a difference in a child or an adult’s life?

Teach them to READ!

Edward and Sharon enjoy reading a book together

Registration for our fall 2019 session will be opening in July. Click the link to learn more about how to volunteer to become a literacy tutor. Training is provided and support is always available.

Volunteer

With gratitude,

Debbie Young

Site Coordinator
GiGi’s Playhouse Westchester

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