Barton Reading and Spelling (Adult)

The Barton Reading and Spelling System enhances the reading, writing, and spelling abilities of children and adults struggling with low literacy levels. Our Barton Tutoring Program is a specialized one-on-one tutoring initiative that uses the Orton-Gillingham approach. This method shows the phonemic structure of written language through a multi-sensory framework, recognizing that individuals facing reading challenges excel when all senses—visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic—are engaged. 

With Barton's personalized attention, each learner progresses at their own pace, addressing their unique literacy needs, making it a truly inclusive program.

Engaging in the Barton Tutoring program entails immersive 50-minute sessions perfectly crafted to meet individual requirements. We recommend twice-weekly sessions to ensure consistent progress.

Each session is one-on-one to create a focused learning environment and meaningful interaction. Before beginning regular tutoring sessions, an assessment with our Barton coordinator is essential to start your tutoring journey.

You can claim tutoring under the Canadian Income Tax Form's Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC). Please consult your accountant for more information on how to claim this expense. For more information, visit Income Tax Prep.

Details

An assessment is required for the Barton Reading and Spelling System to ensure that the program is appropriately tailored to meet the student's unique needs. A $75 non-refundable assessment fee is required to begin the program and must be completed before registration. If you have not completed the assessment, please click here:  https://ldawe.jumbula.com/Fall2026/BartonTutoringAssessment

Please do not register for Barton until you have completed this assessment and have been officially accepted into the program.

Cost: $50 per session, twice weekly. This rate is subsidized for all participants. A payment plan is available.

Refunds & Cancellations and Scheduling

1. Refunds for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled session will not be issued.
2. Cancellations with more than 24 hours' notice will not be refunded and will be eligible for rescheduling - up to a maximum of two (2) reschedules per semester.
3. If LDAWE cancels a session, you may choose either a refund or a rescheduled session.
4. Make-Up sessions available at a mutually agreed-upon date and time.
5. To accommodate scheduling needs, staff absences or time off, LDAWE reserves the right to assign a different instructor at its discretion.

Target Audience: All Ages

Time: Monday -Thursday 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Where: 3640 Wells Ave, Windsor, ON N9C 1T9 (Cottage 6)

Barton Reading & Spelling – Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take to complete the Barton program?

Every learner progresses at a different pace. The length of the program depends on factors such as the learner’s starting point, age, attendance, practice and individual learning needs. With consistent twice-weekly attendance, expect the full program to take approximately two years to complete. This is an estimate, not a guarantee.

Can I attend once a week?

No. Students must attend twice per week. Barton is an intensive, sequential program that depends on regular instruction, repetition and continued practice. Attending only once per week creates gaps between lessons and does not provide the consistency needed for meaningful progress.

Can I sit in on my child’s sessions?

No. Sessions are held one-on-one between the student and instructor. Children often participate more independently, take greater learning risks and concentrate better when a parent or caregiver is not in the room. Parents are welcome to speak with the instructor or program staff about their child’s progress outside of instructional time.

Why does the program cost so much?

Barton is delivered one-on-one by trained instructors, which means each student receives individualized instruction for the entire session. Fees help cover instructor wages, specialized training, program materials, preparation time and administrative costs.

LDAWE is a charity and offers the program at a subsidized rate below its actual cost. Depending on available funding, additional bursary assistance may be available to eligible families.

How does Barton compare with other reading programs?

Barton is based on the Orton-Gillingham approach. It provides explicit, systematic, sequential and multisensory instruction in reading and spelling. Students progress at their own pace and must demonstrate mastery before moving forward.

Our instructors receive specialized Barton training, and many have professional backgrounds in education or related fields. While other programs may use different methods or formats, Barton is specifically designed to support individuals with dyslexia and other significant reading and spelling difficulties.

What if I start the program and decide it is not a good fit?

You may withdraw from the program. Please contact LDAWE as soon as possible so we can close your placement and make the scheduled time available to another student. Any applicable notice requirements, outstanding fees and cancellation policies will still apply.

Why am I charged when I miss or cancel a session?

Your appointment reserves a specific instructor and time that cannot always be offered to another student on short notice. LDAWE must still pay the instructor for the scheduled time. For this reason, sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged and cannot be rescheduled.

With more than 24 hours’ notice, a session may be rescheduled, up to a maximum of two rescheduled sessions per semester. Refunds are not issued.

Will my child always have the same instructor?

We aim to provide consistency whenever possible. However, LDAWE may assign a different trained instructor to accommodate scheduling needs, staff absences or time off. Any instructor assigned to your child will follow the same structured Barton program and maintain appropriate records of your child’s progress.

Are make-up sessions guaranteed?

No. Make-up sessions are subject to instructor and program availability. When a session is eligible for rescheduling, the make-up session will be arranged at a mutually agreed-upon date and time. A maximum of two sessions may be rescheduled per semester.

Why might LDAWE cancel a session?

LDAWE may occasionally need to cancel a session due to staff illness or absence, inclement weather, a facility closure, or another unforeseen circumstance. If LDAWE cancels a session, you will be offered a make-up session or a credit for the cancelled session.

Do I need a diagnosis of dyslexia or a learning disability?

No. A formal diagnosis is not required to participate. Individuals may struggle with reading for many different reasons. Some individuals may also have an unidentified learning disability because they have not had access to a formal assessment.

LDAWE will assess whether the Barton program is appropriate based on your current reading skills and learning needs.