What Makes Davis® Different?

We at Davis® view dyslexia as an inherent mental gift and a talent

Davis® Dyslexia Correction programs are strength-based approaches that rein in the mental talents that dyslexic people share to overcome the learning problems they encounter.

People who develop dyslexia think in pictures, rather than in words; they are imaginative and creative; and they try to solve problems by looking at the whole picture, rather than working through them step-by-step.

When dyslexic students recognize their mental talents, it helps in restoring their sense of self-esteem and confidence. When they start to apply study methods that take advantage of their talents, rapid progress is very often observed.

The Davis® Method does not focus on phonics

Since dyslexics usually think in pictures, they find it tough to think using the sounds of letters in words. This makes it especially difficult to break down words into their component sounds. The Davis® methods focus on instruction that teaches a meaning-based and visual method which is easier for dyslexic learners. Since this method is comfortable for dyslexics, there is rapid progress, compared to the slow and arduous reading usually observed with phonics-based methods. The Davis® strategies help individuals to become keen, eloquent, and accomplished readers.

The Davis® method does not utilize herbal treatments or medications

Since dyslexia is not a psychiatric condition or a disease, medications will not help in addressing the underlying issue but will obstruct a dyslexic’s ability to learn. Davis® methods provide dyslexic students control of their own learning, their energy levels, and mental focus. Isn’t that life-changing?

The Davis® method does not use large print books, colored overlays, or any physical devices

The Davis® Method does not rely on repetition

For dyslexic individuals, repetition is a waste of time. It just adds to the frustration when they are forced to employ methods that use drill instruction. Since they have a tough time remembering things they do not completely understand, this adds to the frustration and they will not retain the information. The Davis® methods are based on mastery and they provide students with tools that help them in understanding symbols and concepts which greatly benefit them in their learning. This also helps them in retention without the need for practice and review.

How Davis® Came to Be

Ronald Dell Davis overcame his own severe dyslexia at the age of 38, when he found a way to quickly eliminate the common perceptual distortions that got in the way. For the very first time in his life, he could read and enjoy a book, cover-to-cover, without struggling. He also learned that the simple mental exercise he had discovered for himself seemed to work just as well for other dyslexic adults who tried it out.

He soon realized that just correcting perception was not enough; it was also necessary to eliminate the sources of confusion that were responsible for triggering disorientation. This required a system for building strong word recognition and comprehension skills, geared to the dyslexic learning style.

After independent clinical research and working with experts in many fields, Ron Davis perfected his program for correcting dyslexia in adults and children. In 1982, the Reading Research Council Dyslexia Correction Center was opened in California, achieving a 97% success rate in helping clients overcome their learning problems.

In 1994, the first edition of the book, The Gift of Dyslexia was published. Within a year the book had been translated into several other languages, and Davis® Dyslexia Association International (DDAI) was established to formally train other professionals to provide the same program throughout the world.

Ron Davis has now retired; his work is carried on by hundreds of Davis® Facilitators offering services in more than 30 languages and more than 40 countries worldwide.

Ron Davis and Davis® Facilitators believe that all dyslexics have certain talents, which are shared by many famous dyslexics who are considered geniuses.

These talents are:

They can utilize their brain’s ability to alter and create perceptions.
They are highly aware of their environment.
They are more curious than average people.
They think mainly in pictures instead of words.
They are highly intuitive and insightful.
They think and perceive multi-dimensionally (using all their senses).
They can experience their thoughts as reality.
They have vivid imaginations.

- From The Gift of Dyslexia, Chapter One.

Creative Solutions

San Jose, CA