Josh Leis, 12, of Liberty Township can read a newspaper with ease.

        Chris Hisle, 9, of Avondale can pronounce and spell the words “Tennessee” and “Texas” without trouble.

FREE SCREENINGS

The two-year Children's Basic Reading Program is operated and funded by the Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati, 19 Broadcast Plaza, 635 W. Seventh St., Cincinnati.     It operates out of two locations: the Urban League, 3458 Reading Road, Avondale, and United Ministries, 525 Graves Ave., Erlanger.     If your child is 7-9 years old and has difficulty reading, call 621-7323 to make an appointment for a free screening Wednesday or Thursday.     The next program begins Sept. 30.

        Less than six months ago, they couldn't.

        What made a difference is a program that boosted their confidence in learning and brought them to their appropriate academic level.

        The Children's Basic Reading Program, a free 4-year-old service offered by the Literacy Network of Greater Cincinnati, helps children ages 7-9 who have been screened with dyslexia-type symptoms and cannot afford private tutoring.

        According to the International Dyslexia Association, 1 in 8 people exhibits signs of dyslexia. That translates to more than 8,000 children in Greater Cincinnati in the 7-9 age group.

        Both Josh and Chris graduated from the two-year program in May. Thirty children have completed the program since its inception.

        “Two years ago, Josh could not read,” said his father, Paul, recalling when his son was diagnosed with a learning disability. “He could speak at a fourth-grade level, but he couldn't read first-grade material.”

        Josh now reads at his correct level — sixth grade — and is confident he can keep up with his peers this year.

        Chris, who didn't know how to spell or sound out words two years ago, is now reading at grade level.

        Before he was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD), Chris' mother, Paulette Hisle, said, he was known as the class clown.

        He tried every disruption he could think of to keep from reading aloud in class. “Many schools don't have this type of specific tutoring for these children,” said program director Sharon Strunk. “The need is widespread and offering it in schools is our long-term goal.”

        “If you see any signs in your child, I would urge any parent to get help right away,” said Mrs. Hisle.        

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