The History of AVKO

AVKO is a non-profit organization that specializes in teaching dyslexics how to read, write, spell and type. AVKO develops books and materials utilizing the multi-sensory approach (Audio, Visual, Kinesthetic, Oral) that can be used with anyone and by anyone. AVKO materials and methods are all common-sense and effective with those we have worked with: young and old, dyslexic and non-dyslexic.

AVKO was founded by Don McCabe. When AVKO was first created in 1974, regular Bingo Night proceeds, fund raisers, and yard and book sales were used to help launch the non-profit Foundation. Over the years AVKO has been the recipient of a few grants and bequests. Many volunteer hours have allowed it grow and expand.

McCabe had been a high school reading teacher before launching the AVKO Foundation. Don broke up the words into smaller segments and asked the students to start at the back of the word. He realized that, in truth, our language can be formed and read (especially for beginning readers) not left to right as we have always been taught, but the reverse--right to left. His theory was confirmed by his students’ improved reading skills. McCabe’s theories were transformed into his first book on word families, from which seven volumes of Sequential Spelling and 10 volumes of The Patterns of English Spelling have been derived. While McCabe worked on his doctorate and tutored students, parents and teachers in the AVKO spelling and reading methods, he continued to write and create over 20 more titles on spelling, reading, handwriting and typing.

Six years ago, AVKO survived a fire which destroyed most of the office and production departments. The computers with the original books and essential information were saved. Production continued and we now are producing and selling tens of thousands of our various spelling, reading, typing and handwriting books annually.

AVKO has recently finished its transformation with a redesigned office and meeting area and the shipping department for greater efficiency.

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