Dyslexia Pathways and our new Unique Dyslexic Project

Dyslexia Pathways would like to inform you of our exciting new project, Unique Dyslexic. Above is our logo for this new project.

The aim of the project will be to produce a creative outlet for people who are dyslexic (or may be dyslexic). The aim will be fulfilled by 3 showcase events / master classes and the production of a website to promote the creative work produced from these events.

We will soon be seeking creative work from dyslexics, be it in the from of art work, creative writing, poetry, music and photography to take part in this project.

The events will allow participants to try different creative ventures in a supportive and informal environment to utilise or discover talents they may, or may not be, aware of.

There will also be an opportunity to provide comprehensive dyslexia screening for anyone who may believe they are dyslexic.  Marketing of the events will be carried out in such a way that anyone who has an inkling that they might be dyslexic will have the opportunity to take part.

The beneficiaries will be dyslexics or people who are aware that they are 'unique' in some way but may not have had the opportunity to be assessed.

It is envisaged that peer support groups will result from these events, as well as through the website. One of the objectives of the website is to become a hub for all things dyslexic and creative, as well as an on-line forum for discussions/information and sales.

Current research indicates that many dyslexics leave school without achieving according to their academic potential. Many dyslexics still leave school without being identified as being dyslexic. As a result they struggle finding and keeping employment, often ending up in low level manual employment or are long term unemployed. It is recognised that many dyslexics are creative individuals. This project's objective is to provide opportunities for these creative dyslexics to develop their talents and share their work, thus enhancing confidence and self esteem and building resilience. This project will also support them in securing employment and educational opportunities, and to succeed according to their potential.

Through these activities we aim to provide an opportunity to support the mental health, self esteem and confidence of dyslexics. We, at Dyslexia Pathways, do not believe dyslexia to be a disability. Rather it is society that disables us. This begins at school where many dyslexic children are not taught in ways that enable them to succeed in school. As a result many dyslexics fail to achieve according to their ability. We struggle with literacy, math and spelling. It is not that we cannot learn to read or spell we are not taught in ways that enable us to develop these skills. This can impact on their confidence, self esteem and mental health. This can continue into adult hood and impact on even the most successful of dyslexics. The Dyslexia Institute reports that many dyslexic adults have exceptionally low self esteem and often have harrowing recollections of school.

Of course many dyslexics do become successful and can achieve at the highest academic level as well as in chosen professions. Dyslexics are great problem solvers and communicators and can become successful teachers, doctors, architects, writers, artists and entrepreneurs.

 This project is about reaching out to the many that have been unable to overcome the barriers that society and dyslexia has placed in front of them by providing opportunities to develop their talents. It will also raise a more positive profile on dyslexia in the wider non dyslexic community. There is provision within the project to develop these skills through the master classes, show and share work on the website, and allow their work to be exhibited throughout Fife. The project will also give access to advice on opportunities to enhance their education and employment opportunities.