I already asked this at the end of a rather long blog. So I thought I would ask the question again
Here is a question for everyone:
Am I a dyslexic or a dyslexic person or a person with dyslexia?
I like being a dyslexic musician and artist rather than being a person who is dyslexic and is also an artist.
I feel being dyslexic defines who I am and I have lived my whole being dyslexic with all its ups and downs lol. Which is again why I like using the phrase dyslexic artist. I do not see dyslexia as a condition.
Then I am also aware this might be seen a labling dyslexics.
Hmmmm now I am not a fan of the, "person with dyslexia", because I feel it pathologises me. As many of ther regular readers of my blog will know I am not a fan of the medical model of dyslexia which does pathologise us. Any if anyone has any thoughts about this please share them.
Thursday 31 October 2013
Dyslexia Pathways Unique Dyslexic project update
In my last blog entry I mentioned the Unique Dyslexic project. I think it was a little unclear so I am going to try and make it a little clearer.
As part of the Unique Dyslexic project we will be holding a series of workshops accross Fife, not master classes, as mentioned in my last blog. Typical dyslexic thing I couldn't for the life of me find the word I was looking for at the time and so put masterclass in as the next best thing.
We have won funding for the project from a number of different sources including Investing in Ideas lottery money.
The workshops are open anyone who is dyslexic or believes they are dyslexic. There are only two things you need to be able to attend. You have to be over the age of 16 and have an interest in creative activities or finding our more about your own creativity. Its not about being a brilliant artist or photographer now but for people who aspire to develop their creative talent or interest.
This can include creativity activities from; painting, drawing, photography, music, writing, poetry and acting. The workshops are all about having fun, about meeting up with other dyslexics, developing and exploring creative talents, about sharing experiences of being dyslexic, and about developing creative talents.
The workshops are open to anyone living in Fife or the Ediburgh and Dundee areas.
The Unique Dyslexic project is all about rasing awareness of a much more positive provile of dyslexa.
Ther will be arouind 12 spaces available so I would advise anyone interested to contact myself as soon as possible. People can also send me suggestions on what they would like to see happen at furute workshops.
My phone number is: 01592 756 187
My e mail is: stephen.mccue@dyslexiapathways.com
The workshops will last around 3 hours, free tea, coffee and sandwiches will be available. Travel expenses will be paid.
I am plannng to hold the first even in December and this one will focus on painting and drawing. The other 2 or 3 workshops will be held in 2014.
For any creative dyslexic out there in Fife, Scotland, the UK and accross the world I have just set up a Unique Dyslexic facebook page. So please visit our Unique Dyslexic Facebook page and share your creative talents with the rest of the dyslexic community as well as everyone else.
https://www.facebook.com/messages/#!/groups/unique.dyslexic/
A Unique Dyslexic website is currently being developed for the project.
As part of the Unique Dyslexic project we will be holding a series of workshops accross Fife, not master classes, as mentioned in my last blog. Typical dyslexic thing I couldn't for the life of me find the word I was looking for at the time and so put masterclass in as the next best thing.
We have won funding for the project from a number of different sources including Investing in Ideas lottery money.
The workshops are open anyone who is dyslexic or believes they are dyslexic. There are only two things you need to be able to attend. You have to be over the age of 16 and have an interest in creative activities or finding our more about your own creativity. Its not about being a brilliant artist or photographer now but for people who aspire to develop their creative talent or interest.
This can include creativity activities from; painting, drawing, photography, music, writing, poetry and acting. The workshops are all about having fun, about meeting up with other dyslexics, developing and exploring creative talents, about sharing experiences of being dyslexic, and about developing creative talents.
The workshops are open to anyone living in Fife or the Ediburgh and Dundee areas.
The Unique Dyslexic project is all about rasing awareness of a much more positive provile of dyslexa.
Ther will be arouind 12 spaces available so I would advise anyone interested to contact myself as soon as possible. People can also send me suggestions on what they would like to see happen at furute workshops.
My phone number is: 01592 756 187
My e mail is: stephen.mccue@dyslexiapathways.com
The workshops will last around 3 hours, free tea, coffee and sandwiches will be available. Travel expenses will be paid.
I am plannng to hold the first even in December and this one will focus on painting and drawing. The other 2 or 3 workshops will be held in 2014.
For any creative dyslexic out there in Fife, Scotland, the UK and accross the world I have just set up a Unique Dyslexic facebook page. So please visit our Unique Dyslexic Facebook page and share your creative talents with the rest of the dyslexic community as well as everyone else.
https://www.facebook.com/messages/#!/groups/unique.dyslexic/
A Unique Dyslexic website is currently being developed for the project.
Sunday 27 October 2013
Unique Dyslexic workshop events
Dyslexia Pathways will be organising an art focussed master class here in Fife in early December as part of the Unique Dyslexic Project.
If there is anyone out there who is dyslexic, or thinks they are dyslexic and wants to find out more about being creative, more about art contact me through here.
The class is free and expenses can be paid and there will be free tea, coffee and sandwiches. Come along meet other dyslexics, have fun, be creative and find out more about dyslexia.
Free dyslexia screening available there as well. You have to be over 16 years of age and you can bring a friend or parent with you.
This is the first in a series of three master classes the Unique Dyslexic Project will be organising.
So even if you cannot make this class contact me about the other two and let me know what you would want these classes to focus on. Photography, music, writing, art, drawing etc
If there is anyone out there who is dyslexic, or thinks they are dyslexic and wants to find out more about being creative, more about art contact me through here.
The class is free and expenses can be paid and there will be free tea, coffee and sandwiches. Come along meet other dyslexics, have fun, be creative and find out more about dyslexia.
Free dyslexia screening available there as well. You have to be over 16 years of age and you can bring a friend or parent with you.
This is the first in a series of three master classes the Unique Dyslexic Project will be organising.
So even if you cannot make this class contact me about the other two and let me know what you would want these classes to focus on. Photography, music, writing, art, drawing etc
Thursday 24 October 2013
dyslexia pathways updates, updates and more updates lol
Well its Thursday again and another busy day supporting dyslexic students. 5 appointments today and my diary is full for next Thursday as well. I have dyslexia support for two other days this week but have a couple of slots to fill. As I have mentioned in a previous blog I am taking a day or two out of my week to concentrate on the Unique Dyslexic Project.
On Tuesday I met with a prospective volunteer, Cathy, for Dyslexia Pathways. Have to say I had and enjoyable meeting. Cathy brings with her a wealth of skills and experience which I am cetain will help us in our dyslexia work. Amongst other things will be looking at possible funding opportunities, completing admin tasks and getting things done that have to be done. Like standardising my learning materials and policies. She will also be working on the Unique Project.
We discussed the need for some new directors for Dyslexia Pathways. As we are growing and getting involved with new projects the time has come to seek out new directors who would bring with them skills and experience we need if we are going to move on. How I go about this I am not sure but I guess I will have to look putting together job descriptions and interview material.
I have always been a little bit protective of Dyslexia Pathways. I set it up, I have my vision and my beliefs about dyslexia. As a result I have always been a little reticent about the idea of taking on new directors. However, its getting to the stage where I cannot do everything that needs to be done. Working on the web site being one of those things. So I will have to bite the bullit so to speak and get on with the task of finding new directors.
This week I have been putting together the web brief my mentor has asked me to do. Not as easy to do as you would have thought. But its needed to help me focus on what I want the Unique site to do. I am going to have a look at my Dyslexia Pathways site again and see if i can start to get my head around Word Press. I am also going to set up a meeting with the web designers to try and get the web site issues resolved.
In the meantime I am going to start the ball rolling with a Unique Dyslexic Facebook page to start getting people involved. I am also working with Cathy on some promotional material to send out to organisation in and around Fife to get them involved and let them know what we are doing.
Here is a question for everyone:
Am I a dyslexic or a dyslexic person or a person with dyslexia?
I also like being a dyslexic musician and artist rather that being a person who is dyslexic and is also an artist.
I feel being dyslexic defines who I am and I have lived a like being dyslexic with all its ups and downs lol. Which is again why I like using the phrase dyslexic artist. I do not see dyslexia as a condition.
Then I am also aware this might be seen a labling dyslexics.
Hmmmm now I am not a fan of the, "person with dyslexia", because I feel it pathologises me. As many of ther regular readers of my blog will know I am not a fan of the medical model of dyslexia which does pathologise us. Any if anyone has any thoughts about this please share them.
Finally, yes I am coming to the end of another long blog which may put off some people from reading. So i have been toying with the idea of inserting a link to my blog to a you tube where I will basically read out my blog on camera to make it more accessible.
What do you think of that idea?
On Tuesday I met with a prospective volunteer, Cathy, for Dyslexia Pathways. Have to say I had and enjoyable meeting. Cathy brings with her a wealth of skills and experience which I am cetain will help us in our dyslexia work. Amongst other things will be looking at possible funding opportunities, completing admin tasks and getting things done that have to be done. Like standardising my learning materials and policies. She will also be working on the Unique Project.
We discussed the need for some new directors for Dyslexia Pathways. As we are growing and getting involved with new projects the time has come to seek out new directors who would bring with them skills and experience we need if we are going to move on. How I go about this I am not sure but I guess I will have to look putting together job descriptions and interview material.
I have always been a little bit protective of Dyslexia Pathways. I set it up, I have my vision and my beliefs about dyslexia. As a result I have always been a little reticent about the idea of taking on new directors. However, its getting to the stage where I cannot do everything that needs to be done. Working on the web site being one of those things. So I will have to bite the bullit so to speak and get on with the task of finding new directors.
This week I have been putting together the web brief my mentor has asked me to do. Not as easy to do as you would have thought. But its needed to help me focus on what I want the Unique site to do. I am going to have a look at my Dyslexia Pathways site again and see if i can start to get my head around Word Press. I am also going to set up a meeting with the web designers to try and get the web site issues resolved.
In the meantime I am going to start the ball rolling with a Unique Dyslexic Facebook page to start getting people involved. I am also working with Cathy on some promotional material to send out to organisation in and around Fife to get them involved and let them know what we are doing.
Here is a question for everyone:
Am I a dyslexic or a dyslexic person or a person with dyslexia?
I also like being a dyslexic musician and artist rather that being a person who is dyslexic and is also an artist.
I feel being dyslexic defines who I am and I have lived a like being dyslexic with all its ups and downs lol. Which is again why I like using the phrase dyslexic artist. I do not see dyslexia as a condition.
Then I am also aware this might be seen a labling dyslexics.
Hmmmm now I am not a fan of the, "person with dyslexia", because I feel it pathologises me. As many of ther regular readers of my blog will know I am not a fan of the medical model of dyslexia which does pathologise us. Any if anyone has any thoughts about this please share them.
Finally, yes I am coming to the end of another long blog which may put off some people from reading. So i have been toying with the idea of inserting a link to my blog to a you tube where I will basically read out my blog on camera to make it more accessible.
What do you think of that idea?
Thursday 17 October 2013
Yes is me back again talking dyslexia lol
Well my dyslexia uni work is going well and I am working with some great dyslexic students. I am learning stuff from them all the time. Thats the one thing I love about my work. I never stop learning.........
I am going to have to stop doing my dyslexia student work at least one day a week for the forseeable future to concentrate on the Unique Project. It makes things harder for me finacially because if I am not working I am not earning. Its going to make things harder financially in the short term but it was my choice. It has to be done to get the Unique Project running.
Not that I am just going to be sitting around on my sorry dyslexic backside doing nothing mind lol. I have to do a lot of work for my Unique Dyslexic project. I want to have the Unique Website live well before Christmas as well as have held one of the creative arts master classes organised and run.
I think I have found someone who would like to volulteer as an administrator, researcher, fundraiser. I have only chatted to her over the phone but she certainly the right skills and experience. I am hoping to meet with her on Tuesday.
I have a meeting with my business mentor tomorrow. I want to have sorted out a web stratagy by the end of that meeting. I sat down in front of Inspiratrion, my mind mapping software, and planned out what the web site has to do etc. Once the lottery funding comes in I am going to pay someone to do the work needed to get the Unique site live. I have decided there will be three interations of the Unique site each building on the last. Right now I am contentrating on whats needed to get the site runing. I am a big picture thinker like most dyslexics and i do stuggle with the details. However, my mentor has been brillaint at teasing out the detail from me.
A long time ago, in another life it seems, I completed, and passed, a masters level qualification in multi sensory e learning and dyslexia and Southbank Uni. It was probably one of the best courses I have ever been on. This must have been way back in 2005. The problem is I have not been able to keep up with the technology nor keep on updating the skills I got from this course.
Texthelp have given me access to the latest copy of Texthelp read and write for three months which is cool and ta to them for that. They have also offered to provide me with certificated training on this software. Of course the cost of the course is prohibitive and to attend the course would mean losing another days work. I am also having to turn down invitations to events at the scottish parliament where I volunteer on a couple of committee and a number of others elswhere.
Now I love what assistive technology can do for dyslexics and disabled people but I have to add its not a panacea, it does not work for everyone. The cost of it all is also usually quite prohibitive whcih makes it out of reach budget wise for a lot of people who could potentially benefit from it.
However, if you are dyslexic or disabled and in employment your company and you could approach Access to Work. This is a government programme which can help pay towards the cost of assisitve technology that could help dyslexic and disabled people in their jobs. You employer might have to pay 20% towards the cost and Access to Work would pay 80% of the cost. Most employers and employees do no know about this. But it could benefit both so find out more about it.
Here is a link
https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/how-to-claim
A while back I designed some dyslexia focussed logos for t shirt. Somebody told me about the People per Hour website. I thought I had found someone who could help me take my rough desings and make them look more professional. Have to say this all fell through sigh. I did get a refund of all my money and I will try there again later this week. It just means things will take longer than anticapated and believe me I am not good at waiting around for things to happen lol.
Well I guess thats my lunch break gone lol my next student will be here in 14 minutes lol/
I am going to have to stop doing my dyslexia student work at least one day a week for the forseeable future to concentrate on the Unique Project. It makes things harder for me finacially because if I am not working I am not earning. Its going to make things harder financially in the short term but it was my choice. It has to be done to get the Unique Project running.
Not that I am just going to be sitting around on my sorry dyslexic backside doing nothing mind lol. I have to do a lot of work for my Unique Dyslexic project. I want to have the Unique Website live well before Christmas as well as have held one of the creative arts master classes organised and run.
I think I have found someone who would like to volulteer as an administrator, researcher, fundraiser. I have only chatted to her over the phone but she certainly the right skills and experience. I am hoping to meet with her on Tuesday.
I have a meeting with my business mentor tomorrow. I want to have sorted out a web stratagy by the end of that meeting. I sat down in front of Inspiratrion, my mind mapping software, and planned out what the web site has to do etc. Once the lottery funding comes in I am going to pay someone to do the work needed to get the Unique site live. I have decided there will be three interations of the Unique site each building on the last. Right now I am contentrating on whats needed to get the site runing. I am a big picture thinker like most dyslexics and i do stuggle with the details. However, my mentor has been brillaint at teasing out the detail from me.
A long time ago, in another life it seems, I completed, and passed, a masters level qualification in multi sensory e learning and dyslexia and Southbank Uni. It was probably one of the best courses I have ever been on. This must have been way back in 2005. The problem is I have not been able to keep up with the technology nor keep on updating the skills I got from this course.
Texthelp have given me access to the latest copy of Texthelp read and write for three months which is cool and ta to them for that. They have also offered to provide me with certificated training on this software. Of course the cost of the course is prohibitive and to attend the course would mean losing another days work. I am also having to turn down invitations to events at the scottish parliament where I volunteer on a couple of committee and a number of others elswhere.
Now I love what assistive technology can do for dyslexics and disabled people but I have to add its not a panacea, it does not work for everyone. The cost of it all is also usually quite prohibitive whcih makes it out of reach budget wise for a lot of people who could potentially benefit from it.
However, if you are dyslexic or disabled and in employment your company and you could approach Access to Work. This is a government programme which can help pay towards the cost of assisitve technology that could help dyslexic and disabled people in their jobs. You employer might have to pay 20% towards the cost and Access to Work would pay 80% of the cost. Most employers and employees do no know about this. But it could benefit both so find out more about it.
Here is a link
https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/how-to-claim
A while back I designed some dyslexia focussed logos for t shirt. Somebody told me about the People per Hour website. I thought I had found someone who could help me take my rough desings and make them look more professional. Have to say this all fell through sigh. I did get a refund of all my money and I will try there again later this week. It just means things will take longer than anticapated and believe me I am not good at waiting around for things to happen lol.
Well I guess thats my lunch break gone lol my next student will be here in 14 minutes lol/
Thursday 3 October 2013
back to the grindstone lol
Had a busy morning met with three new students. Two who are dyslexic and one who is dysparaxic. Just had our initial interviews today and negotiated a work schedule with them. I have two more appointments after lunch, busy day indeed.
Had a whole new set of paperwork and system to get my head around which was fun. I like Heriot Watt the staff are very helpful and friendly.
The Lottery funding has now all been finalised. The last e mail from them mentions the need to change records before they realease the funding. Can't wait to get started on the Unique Project again.
I think I have a budget of around £900 for the unique website and pathways websites. Which will pay the developer to populate the site. I will still have to write the content and plan each page but do not have to actually do the website tasks myself. A huge weight off my mind and off my workload.
I will use some mind mapping software to help me plan out what I want as well as a web stratagy. Once I can get the Unique site live I can then set about looking at the social media side of things. I will be loking for a volunteer for that.
Had a whole new set of paperwork and system to get my head around which was fun. I like Heriot Watt the staff are very helpful and friendly.
The Lottery funding has now all been finalised. The last e mail from them mentions the need to change records before they realease the funding. Can't wait to get started on the Unique Project again.
I think I have a budget of around £900 for the unique website and pathways websites. Which will pay the developer to populate the site. I will still have to write the content and plan each page but do not have to actually do the website tasks myself. A huge weight off my mind and off my workload.
I will use some mind mapping software to help me plan out what I want as well as a web stratagy. Once I can get the Unique site live I can then set about looking at the social media side of things. I will be loking for a volunteer for that.
Tuesday 1 October 2013
Here is the news from Dyslexia Pathways
Had my first meeting with my new mentor from First Enterprise. It was a very fruitful meeting indeed. Trevor, the mentor, enabled me to get everything out of my head and onto paper in a way that made sense on paper. I had it there all in my head but just couldn't put the pieces all together. We made a rough plan with a time line and goals and eventually arrived at a the problem that was hindering me.
I was really struggling with the Unique Website. I just couldn't get my head around it and it eventually put me off from doing anything more with it. Half the problem was the software and the other have was the need for, or lack of, a coherent web strategy. I think we have sorted both these issues out. Trevor will send me all the information we jotted down in rough into a document I can access. lol What I was really lacking was a web strategy.
My focus had also been knocked of kilter by the passing away of my mum and moving into a new house. Both of which have been very stressful events for me.
I now have a time line and some goals achievable goals to work towards and hopefully I can now move on with the Unique Project. The ultimate goal is for the website to be self financing or to be able to make a profit. But that's way off in the future.
Typical dyslexic thing seeing the big picture and getting lost with the details and getting it out on paper instead of keeping it all in my head. Its something say to a lot of the dyslexic students I work with. Yet I couldn't follow my own advice d'uhhh lol.
I have a little cash left from my Foundation Scotland award. I was going to buy Lads Plus dyslexia screening software but now am going to use Quickscan which I got for free from Pico. So many thanks to Pico. I am going to use this to pay someone the populate the Unique Website for me. The plan is the Unique website first iteration is going to be completed well before Christmas.
I am also going to be running the first Unique Dyslexic creative master class before Christmas also. Its going to be for 20 people who want to develop their creative talents in and around art.
Then there is the social media side of things to be set up. I am going to seek a volunteer for this but I am thinking I might start to put it together myself. I will be looking to see if I can get a little support from Fife College students or students at Abertay or Heriot Watt with the project.
I have my dyslexia mentoring scheme proposal to push on with as well. Then there is my dyslexia support work to do as well.
Had to put my car in for its MOT yesterday. Of course it did not pass and the work needed to pass it cost me £330 sigh. Still cannot do without my car.......so what has to be done has to be done.
I was really struggling with the Unique Website. I just couldn't get my head around it and it eventually put me off from doing anything more with it. Half the problem was the software and the other have was the need for, or lack of, a coherent web strategy. I think we have sorted both these issues out. Trevor will send me all the information we jotted down in rough into a document I can access. lol What I was really lacking was a web strategy.
My focus had also been knocked of kilter by the passing away of my mum and moving into a new house. Both of which have been very stressful events for me.
I now have a time line and some goals achievable goals to work towards and hopefully I can now move on with the Unique Project. The ultimate goal is for the website to be self financing or to be able to make a profit. But that's way off in the future.
Typical dyslexic thing seeing the big picture and getting lost with the details and getting it out on paper instead of keeping it all in my head. Its something say to a lot of the dyslexic students I work with. Yet I couldn't follow my own advice d'uhhh lol.
I have a little cash left from my Foundation Scotland award. I was going to buy Lads Plus dyslexia screening software but now am going to use Quickscan which I got for free from Pico. So many thanks to Pico. I am going to use this to pay someone the populate the Unique Website for me. The plan is the Unique website first iteration is going to be completed well before Christmas.
I am also going to be running the first Unique Dyslexic creative master class before Christmas also. Its going to be for 20 people who want to develop their creative talents in and around art.
Then there is the social media side of things to be set up. I am going to seek a volunteer for this but I am thinking I might start to put it together myself. I will be looking to see if I can get a little support from Fife College students or students at Abertay or Heriot Watt with the project.
I have my dyslexia mentoring scheme proposal to push on with as well. Then there is my dyslexia support work to do as well.
Had to put my car in for its MOT yesterday. Of course it did not pass and the work needed to pass it cost me £330 sigh. Still cannot do without my car.......so what has to be done has to be done.
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