Re: Irlen overlays

More | Report Post

It is a very specific solution for a very specific problem. As this
poster stated, some stayed with it. Whether or not they had SSS or
not, they gained something from it.

However, it isn't a cure for any or all for reading problems, just a
tool to aid with perceptual or functional (eyestrain/glare) issues.
Good reading instruction is necessary. For a very small segment, this
tool can make or break the difference between the reading intervention
being effective because they can concentrate on the page and perceive
it properly or not.

I had tinted glasses long before Irlen Syndrome was known about. I was
having problems with the glare on the textbook pages making my reading
much more difficult. I had prism glasses to help with tracking while I
corrected some functional vision problems as a teen (high level reading
load was too much for the eyes).

Many will say it is quackery because it doesn't "fix" the reading
problem, but that is because the child either doesn't need the overlays
in the first place and really needs reading instruction or they really
need the overlays and really needs reading instruction.

This goes along with those that really need vision therapy or OT for
functional and perceptual vision problems. You can fix the eyes but
without proper reading instruction, you don't see cross over into
reading. Most often it is the proper, intensive reading instruction
that is missing.

On 6/28/11, CJ wrote:
> I generally let my Title students try colors and use them if they
> choose. The Irlen overlays are expensive, and, I'm sure that they
> are worth it if a student actually has Scotopic Sensitivity
> Syndrome. I found, though, that when I was teaching fifth grade,
> some children seemed to benefit from using colored overlays simply
> to increase their stamina and help prevent headaches and eyestrain.
> I didn't use the Irlen overlays, but bought colored report folders
> and page protectors. Every child always wanted them at first, and
> they were inexpensive enough to allow that. I found that most
> children got tired of keeping track of them and stopped using
them
> after a short time. A few continued using them all year, and for
> those children, I provided several so that they could take them to
> other classes and home. They generally kept them in their books as
> bookmarks. I just figured that if they took care of them and used
> them, they must be beneficial to those particular students.
>
> On 6/28/11, Janine wrote:
>> Yes, my daughter is dyslexic and has used the overlays as well
>> as tinted glasses. Research from Irlen is compelling and we were
>> skeptical at first but it really made a huge difference for her.
>> There are many colors and even combining these colors can work
>> too.
>>
>> You can do some experimenting in your classroom with overlays and
>> using different colored paper for copying. The biggest thing is
>> to use it with all your students so that those who are having
>> difficulty won't feel "different". Even students who do well in
>> school may notice a difference with colors too.
>>
>> Hope this helps.
>>
>>
>>
>> On 6/28/11, Some of my Title I students have successfully wrote:
>>> used overlays given to them by the special ed teacher. Nothing
>>> scientific - just their claim.
>>>
>>> On 6/28/11, hs teach wrote:
>>>> Just came across this concept. Has anyone here used it?

Posts on this thread, including this one