If you didn’t see my reply to Cheryl above, check out the AudioAccess program where you can download to your computer and the upload and play books on certain commercially available MP3 players.

I did the same thing with library books on tape for my older son, but RFBD has been a Godsend for my second dyslexic child.

I just finished reading your latest blog. As usual – you never do anything halfway & I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face. I am still waiting to hear all of your updates on RJ – we never did get together to catch up on that.

I am especially intrigued because as you know, I am dyslexic. I also have auditory processing disorder – not sure if you knew that, but I’m sure you will agree that in all the years you have known me, it never appeared to slow me down.

I know that my English education was the major reason I was able to accommodate both of these conditions and develop the coping skills that helped me rise above them. The learning process there, was much more in-line with the needs of a dyslexic than a typical American education.

As a result of my testing (not until the age of 40), I also know that I was blessed with a high IQ, as are so many dyslexics, and that too helped me to succeed.

What I also know is that if I had known & understood all of this when our son was growing up, and had the opportunities to do what you are doing for RJ, our lives might have been very different today and we may still have a relationship with him. Today is his 38th birthday and we have just found out that he is separated from his wife of 5
years. Another year has passed in which he continues to blame the world for everything that is wrong in his life, and most especially me. We have no contact with him & I continue to cry buckets knowing that we have a son who is completely estranged from us.

RJ may be struggling with learning challenges, but what he will never struggle with is the love and commitment to his success that his mother has. You are a hero and as always, I never cease to be in awe of your abilities and your focused commitment in whatever you do.

Once I knew why I always felt “different” – that it was dyslexia, I never once looked at it as a disability. Rather, I have always thanked God for this very special ability that allowed me to think differently than most other people. I love being a different processor because I think it gives me an edge that normal processors don’t have. I know it has helped me have some pretty significant successes in the business world along the way. If you can give RJ that perspective, he will grow up with a view of life that will help him not to think of himself as a victim, but rather as someone with an amazing talent. Once he learns how to channel that, the sky is the limit for him. I wouldn’t trade
being a dyslexic for anything.

What RJ is learning now are the coping skills that will help him until the day he dies. While I am grateful for my learning difference, the one thing I would have changed is the opportunity to develop more sophisticated and well honed coping skills at an early age. I didn’t have the opportunity to do that because I didn’t know why I was different until age 40. As I get older, I do see that the dyslexic challenges become more apparent. It is one of the reasons I am glad I am still working, it forces me to be more disciplined. Oh, at age 62 I would love to retire and take it easy, but since God has other plans, I feel so blessed that He has provided me with a job that I enjoy and that stretches my mind every day.

One more thing, because right now you are the primary source of RJ’s journey to success, don’t forget yourself along the way. Be good to YOU and don’t forget to stop and replenish YOU. I’ve known you for a long time and you are the ultimate fixer and caregiver, but if you fail to nurture yourself, the reservoir could run dry. Just some thoughts to share.

Love & hugs,

Yvonne

You have turned me onto so many wonderful products that have helped my tradionally schooled children improve that I am forever grateful. Time4learning was just the tool I needed for my 5 year old daughter when she was struggling with Math. After 3 months with the program her teachers came up to me and said what are you doing with Brooklyn? I asked why and they said she had jumped to the top of her class.

I too have Dyslexia, I was diagnossed in third grade (due to my good coping skills I managed to get through to the 3rd grade without being able to read). My Mother whom I hated at the time was like a pitbull on crack when it came to making sure I got the help I needed to enable me to read. I am a voracious reader as a result and couldn not imagine life without books. As an adult I apprecaiate all she did for me even though our relationship suffered for many years as a result. She is my Hero for being a Parent first and a friend second and allowing me to have such an incredible and full life.

My “gift of dyslexia” has enabled me to travel the world, become an excellent listener and salesperson. I think a little diferently than others and that is a skill that in my field has helped me not hindered. My Son shares the same diagnoss I know with support and time he too will be successful in whatever he sets his mind towards.

You are a beautiful writer by the way and hope that you use that gift someday as you have so much to share!

We use the Victor Reader Classic Plus. I chose that one because it appeared to be sturdier than the others and because it had a handle on it making it convenient to take into the car or move from room to room.

Proprietary basically means it’s not free and the rights to the technology (whether it be hardware or software) are legally owned by an entity.

Best, Irene

One more question…well, actually two….

You wrote…”There’s also the one-time cost of the proprietary CD player which costs from $259 – $895.”

Do you mind me asking which of these players that your son uses? This seems to be the biggest expense. Oh and another “too lazy to look up the meaning” question….what does proprietary mean?

Thank you, Patti

Please send an email with your contact information to my attention at the following address – amalavsky@rfbd.org – and I will be happy to help point you in the right direction.

Andy Malavsky
Chief Marketing Officer
RFB&D
amalavsky@rfbd.org