Question 1

What is the Orton-Gillingham Method?

Accepted Answer

The Orton-Gillingham Approach always is focused upon the learning needs of the individual student. Orton-Gillingham (OG) practitioners design lessons and materials to work with students at the level they present by pacing instruction and the introduction of new materials to their individual strengths and weaknesses. Students with dyslexia or other learning challenges need to master the same basic knowledge about language and its relationship to our writing system as any who seek to become competent readers and writers.
 
The Orton-Gillingham Approach is a direct, explicit, multisensory, structured, sequential, diagnostic, and prescriptive way to teach literacy when reading, writing, and spelling does not come easily to individuals, such as those with dyslexia.  It is most properly understood and practiced as an approach, not a method, program, or system.

Question 2

What is the recommended number of tutoring sessions per week?

Accepted Answer

The most common instructional pattern to be employed by Orton-Gillingham practitioners is the 1:1 model. This includes at least two independent sessions per week, each with a duration of 40-60 minutes on non-consecutive days. Typical patterning of the two sessions calls for an intervening day between sessions.  Once a week is only rarely offered as it doesn’t provide the necessary repetition to make optimal gains.
 
The most important thing is that every effort should be made to structure Orton-Gillingham instruction to fit the learning needs of the particular student.

Question 3

How much do sessions cost?

Accepted Answer

Fees for sessions vary depending on if the lessons are in a small group or  in a  1 on 1 session, and on a scale depending on how many days per week the tutoring is scheduled. Daytime sessions are offered at a different rate than after school or weekend hours. 
 
Fees are charged for school term lessons for scheduled hours during the school year, then prorated and withdrawn monthly on pre-authorized debit from a chequing account making the school fees easier to budget

Question 4

Can I claim tutoring fees as an expense on my income tax?

Accepted Answer

Providing certain conditions are met, the answer is a qualified “Yes”.
 
On the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website, tutoring services of a person with a learning disability is an eligible Medical Expense.  Medical Expenses are Non-Refundable Tax Credits andare used to reduce the amount of tax payable. Tutoring fees are included with other medical expenses (such as vision care, prescriptions, orthodontics, etc.) to reduce the amount of federal and provincial taxes payable. To claim tutoring fees you need receipts and a written letter from a medical practitioner to certify that the service is required.
 
NOTE: The CRA link listed in the next paragraph gives a step-by-step explanation and calculation worksheet.  The following wording is from the CRA website:
"Tutoring services that are additional to the primary education of a person with a learning disability or an impairment in mental functions, and paid to a person in the business of providing these services to individuals who are not related to the person. A medical practitioner must certify in writing that these services are needed: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/lines-33099-33199-eligible-medical-expenses-you-claim-on-your-tax-return/details-medical-expenses.html#ttrng
 
The list of acceptable medical practitioners on the CRA website includes psychologists, speech pathologists, audiologists, etc. Here is the link to this list: 
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/lines-33099-33199-eligible-medical-expenses-you-claim-on-your-tax-return/authorized-medical-practitioners-purposes-medical-expense-tax-credit.html#wb-auto-5
 
NOTE: Outside of your income taxes, another way you might be able to “get money back” is through a private health insurance plan.  If you or your partners have health insurance coverage through your work, tutoring might be covered through the plan and you may be able to be reimbursed for some of the expense. Check your private health insurance package to find out if tutoring services are covered. If you’re unsure, call and speak to a plan representative.  If tutoring is covered, be sure to ask the representative what specific documentation is needed to support the claim and what maximums apply.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the Orton-Gillingham Method?

What is the recommended number of tutoring sessions per week?

How much do sessions cost?

Can I claim tutoring fees as an expense on my income tax?