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MISSION

The mission of the Massachusetts Literacy Project is to make a major impact on the nation's efforts to leave no child behind by addressing one of the core problems of illiteracy in our nation known as Irlen Syndrome, a reading disability resulting from a light sensitivity disorder that affects 10-12% of the general population and 50% of poor readers.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL BRAIN SCANS

SPECT technology shows portions of the brain in heavy use or "hot."  See the difference between scans with and without Irlen Spectral Filters worn as glasses. Click HERE.

MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION ARTICLE ON IRLEN SYNDROME

Commissioner of Education, David P. Driscoll sent the following message in his Update to Superintendents on March 22, 2004: “I have been asked to inform you about Irlen/Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome, a sensitivity to light, particularly fluorescent light, that can interfere with reading and written language. According to the Irlen Institute, research shows that it can lower test scores and impact a person’s ability to function in school and work situations. Traditional means of diagnosing this syndrome are not successful but the Irlen Institute can diagnose and treat this syndrome using specific colored overlays. I have included details on the Irlen Screening Program.” The article was written by Dr. Patricia J. Johnson, a neuropsychologist and Irlen Diagnostician, at Commissioner Driscoll’s request. (Click HERE for the article A New Tool to Help Improve Reading Scores.)