Just a quick note of appreciation. I'm using your software for a student I teach who has many learning difficulties, but he is thrilled (and motivated) to be working with your software. Please continue the excellent work, and best of luck going forward.
Ed, Canada.
We are a homeschool family and we have been using your site for nearly 10
months now...we think you're great!
Keep up the fantastic work you do!
Warmest Regards Sarah, New Zealand
I have been using your programs for years now and am really glad for a chance to say how FAB they are. They are better than any other I've found for educational purposes and a fraction of the price. All the kids who have used them at my school LOVE them and I think you are a very very clever man!! Trisha , UK
As well as schools and homes around the world, Grey Olltwit educational software users include the BBC, Olympus USA, Xerox, Southampton City College, Manchester City Council, Aberdeen City Council, Edinburgh City Council and many other UK Local Education Authorities plus Idaho, Alabama and many other US State Education Departments et al. Grey Olltwit Software has over 8 million users world-wide in 51 Countries.
Grey Olltwit is Simon Hensby. Born in Woolwich, South London on September 15th 1959, I have three sons, Michael, Richard and Alan, who one day decided to go on about just how many grey hairs I had. I decided to join in with "yeah, yeah, I'm a real grey old twit", hence Grey Olltwit was born.
I started to produce educational programs and games for my ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - also called ADD) son Richard, when he was excluded from school and I had to teach him at home. It meant giving up my career in the Insurance Industry but I don't regret it for a minute. I stopped dealing with car and property insurance claims and became Richard's full time carer. Until he started college, I helped out doing voluntary teaching of Information Technology to kids at his school. In the past I have done many jobs including road sweeper, cleaner, painter, decorater, plumber, electrician, cinema doorman, clothes shop assistant, bus driver, milkman, insurance claims manager, gardener, petrol pump attendant (in the days before self service), chef, waiter and general fixer of just about anything.
I put my first games up on the web in 1996 and now they are used all over the world in homes, schools, colleges, adult education centres etc. Many parents and teachers of ADD/ADHD children have told me they really work for these youngsters, in fact all those with special needs. Particularly gratifying is the feedback I get from teachers and carers of adults with special needs saying that my no frills simple to use programs really help and are so popular. The fact that I don't use fluffy bunnies and other pre-school type graphics means they can be used by any age group without the feeling that it's only small kids that need to learn the basics. My view is that we all have special talents and if you are not so good with reading, writing or maths, just means that you are more gifted in other areas such as art, music, sport, dance etc. I'm quite good at making programs but I'm rubbish at sport. Does that make me stupid?? I don't think so.
When I started putting my downloads on the internet, they were all freeware. With the rising cost of hosting popular free software and the fact I am no longer a full time carer, I have to make a living somehow. This is not a bleeding heart story but the fact is, and other carers should take note if you are not already aware, when you try and get back into the job market, employers don't seem to be interested in experience anymore, just young inexpensive, often part time labour. So now I charge a website membership fee, which I thought was fairer to low income families, rather than charge for each program. I hope you will agree that the one off cost for over 200 programs and all future ones I make, is a very good deal, rather than many software companies that require you to re-mortgage your home, or get a loan to buy just one.
My son Richard sending out Grey Olltwit Software DVD's
My son Richard (above - age 22) is now a big help to me, as he is in charge of producing and sending out my CD's to places all over the World. In addition to ADHD, Richard copes with other learning disabilities but he doesn't let them get the better of him. He is determined to make his mark in the World and help others along the way. He recently gave a talk at a major ADHD conference in the UK and has been asked to do others in the future, plus he helps his Mum with the major UK ADHD online support group, adders.org.
Do you have the same surname, Hensby? Check out my Hensby website at www.hensby.me.uk
Grey Olltwit (My cartoon caricature - Sadly, I look more and more like this every day!)
I've been a happy Olltwit user for years - I downloaded several of your programs back in '04, for my older son to use. Now it's time for my younger son to use them, and I've come back to your site to find 1) I owe you, and 2) you have more great stuff. I'm happy to pay up because I know the quality of your programs. Mary Beth, Indiana, USA
Thanks for the TERRIFIC software at a great price! Suzanne, USA
We got your DVD and its fab!
Many thanks
Lorrane, Scotland
Thank you for creating these programs.
I have ADHD like your son, Richard, and got really much help from your great educational programs.
Paal, Norway
