Ortho-Graphix: The Toddler Project
"We don't wait"
My growing team, who think and learn differently, recognise the need for alternatives rather than accommodations based on a neurotypical perspective. Team- work makes the dream work! Finally feeling like I can accomplish things, because of the people around me, and by ignoring the ‘candle blower outers’ (see Brené Brown)
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We're proudly developing a NextGen AAC device for non-speaking children who can't yet read or spell, funded by a UK government grant. Although our target age is 2-7, younger children are already using the 'Phonemies.'
The device features a single screen, removing the need to search for symbols, words, or type letters. Instead of picture symbols, we offer alternatives to IPA phonetic symbols. This approach also addresses and overcomes specific phonological awareness issues that dyslexic learners will face later in UK schools.
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This project extends my work with non-speaking autistic 3-year-olds and is also informed by my own lived experiences.
Users don't need any knowledge of letters (or graphemes). They can type their speech sound thoughts as IPA-aligned 'Phonemies' (foe-nee-mees), and the written word appears on the screen for the person they are communicating with. It can also be played aloud if the recipient can't read. A byproduct of this technology is that most children are reading and spelling words before they start school. A remarkable accidental research discovery is that over 80% of children who learn to read quickly using this system at ages 3 and 4 are later officially diagnosed with autism, challenging the assumption that autistic children will take longer to learn to read when presented with information in a different way.
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Our objective is to enable a child to express complex thoughts, such as 'I want a strawberry milkshake with chocolate sprinkles in a blue cup,' without relying on spoken words or the need to select picture symbols or click on words. This 'emerging tech' is set to revolutionise AACs by allowing users to simply type Phonemies to spell out words, bypassing the need to know letters. This is crucial for communicating in English, given the challenge of navigating its opaque orthography.
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While some may not understand ‘speech sound mapping’ in the clips, children in Australia have been using these 'Phonemies' to learn to read and spell for over 7 years - we're just using them in a new way now, to aid communication.
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Every non-speaker needs to find their voice. We are committed to developing ways to achieve this earlier and more easily.
Our device is specifically designed for 2 to 7-year-olds. It will be free to UK children with verbal dyspraxia and to non-speaking autistic children. If I can secure funding eg from angel investors, it can be made free outside of the UK.
Initially, a British IPA-aligned version will be available, and likely followed by a US version.
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We are also securing funding to screen 3 and 4-year-olds for dyslexia before they start learning to read and to offer parents free ongoing support via technology so not reliant on dyslexia friendly methods being used in school. In the UK they generally aren’t (yet- working on that too!) We are obsessed with early screening, intervention, and parental support. And the idea that it should be free.
The Neurodivergent 'Reading Whisperer’
The Toddler Project: We Don’t Wait
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**Ortho-Graphix" blends 'Ortho,' meaning straightforward and simple, with 'Graphix,' referring to visual design, highlighting our focus on clear, effective, and visually engaging solutions.**
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Ortho-Graphix Speech Sound Mapping significantly enhances the speed of learning in reading and spelling for all learners while also boosting their self-confidence and independence. Emma Hartnell-Baker is a world-renowned expert in creating experiences that unlock potential, enabling children to become avid readers before they start school, fostering a sense of achievement and autonomy from an early age.
Eradicating illiteracy through early intervention, The Toddler Project aims to transform futures and unlock vast economic savings for the UK. By targeting literacy from the start, we not only enhance individual lives but pave the way for a stronger, more prosperous society. Our vision: to provide The Toddler Project as a fully funded, free service to all UK parents and carers, unlocking millions in economic benefits. Join us in laying the foundation for a literate, thriving future.
Introducing The Toddler Project:
Proactive Dyslexia Screening and Intervention, Accelerated Learning
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We believe in the power of early detection and intervention for dyslexia. Our unique approach focuses on screening toddlers for dyslexia even before they begin their journey into reading and spelling. Understanding that the core challenge of dyslexia lies in the processing of speech sounds, we initiate screenings at an early age. Our brains are most adaptable and capable of distinguishing between speech sounds of different languages within the first three years of life. Hence, our screenings are inclusive, designed for children regardless of whether English is their first language.
Our innovative screening process is seamlessly integrated with targeted interventions. It's essential not only to identify potential difficulties in phonemic awareness but also to act on these findings. Our goal is to pinpoint markers of dyslexia before formal reading instruction begins, ensuring that each child receives a tailored approach to learning to read that aligns with their unique needs.
In England, the traditional method of teaching reading in Key Stage 1 relies heavily on synthetic phonics, applied uniformly to all children. Often, children must exhibit signs of struggling for several months before any intervention is considered, and even then, the solutions may not deviate from standard practices. Drawing on my experience as an expert Special Learning Difficulties (SpLD) teacher trainer, a former 'Outstanding' nursery owner, an OFSTED Inspector, and my tenure supporting whole school literacy in Australia through the Speech Sound Pics (SSP) Approach, I am committed to breaking this cycle with The Toddler Project - We Don't Wait.
Beyond early screening and intervention, we are also pioneering technology solutions to support individuals already affected by dyslexia. Our aim is to dismantle barriers to reading and foster a love for reading among all.
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Join us in our mission to ensure every child's first steps into reading are supported, individualised, and empowering. The Toddler Project: Because we don't wait for dyslexia combined with a non-inclusive learning environment to define a child's learning journey!
Our Goal:
Our mission is to empower YOU. With professional resources becoming increasingly hard to access, having the knowledge to support and advocate for your child's unique learning needs is invaluable. The Toddler Project's online support groups are designed to guide you through understanding and aiding your child's developmental path effectively.
Join us to play a pivotal role in your child's early learning and development, ensuring they receive the personalised support necessary to flourish in their educational journey.
Eradicating illiteracy through early intervention, The Toddler Project aims to transform futures and unlock vast economic savings for the UK. By targeting literacy from the start, we not only enhance individual lives but pave the way for a stronger, more prosperous society. Our vision: to provide The Toddler Project as a fully funded, free service to all UK parents and carers, unlocking millions in economic benefits. Join us in laying the foundation for a literate, thriving future.
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities to make life easier for ALL children. Let's connect.
Emma Hartnell-Baker 'The Duck Hands Lady'
