and now for something completely different........well sort of. Here is a little question for you all to answer?

If you could sum up dyslexia in 8 single words or images what would those 8 words or images be?

Off the top of my head mine would be:

Creative
Determined
Empathic
Lateral
Inventive
Curious
Innovative
Imaginative

What would yours be?

It does not have to be in a list like mine, you could use images. Here are 8 images for the words on my list. Can you guess which image fits which word?

What would your images be?

More from the Unique Dyslexic Get Creative visual art shop

Hi blog readers hope you are all well. Here is a little more on the Unique Dyslexic Get Creative visual art shop.
 
For myself I have to say I enjoyed the workshop very much I had a lot of fun working with the rest of the people at the workshop. It made me see art in a different light. That's its more about self expression, more about fun and more about exploring thought, feeling and ideas without use of the written word. I got so involved I forgot to take in film footage or photos. Luckily Gail took over 200 images over the course of the day.
 
Here is some of the feedback we got from participants:
 
I felt really creative and enjoyed the whole workshop
 
Belonging, satisfied, further alerted to my potential
 
Included, I felt celebrated and positive about having dyslexia
 
Relaxed, happy and creative

Discovered a lot about myself and creativity

Here is a little something from the art facilitator / teacher Gail McLintock

BIO

Creative expression has always felt right to me – natural, questioning ourselves, the world, creating meaning and a sense of belonging.       

 

Art and social sculpture techniques use multiple skills, senses and intelligences but are non-discriminatory – a superior mode of communication!

 

Group art processes continually amaze can be profound and we laugh often. Its been like a creative quest using different mediums and working in various contexts.

 

I feel privileged to be an art starter and know it’s the collaboration-people who create the magic.

 

WORKSHOP

Unique Dyslexic is a vital organisation providing active support and awareness of neuro-difference. Being dyslexic myself, it is the very first time I have sat in a room full of people to discuss what it has meant, how we have experienced education etc. I found it supportive and affirming – how work such as this could transform diagnosis and attitudes. 

 

The group responded fantastically to group action techniques, creating visual imagery. The use of materials was inventive, at times humorous and often emotive.

 

One striking element of the group process was an intuitive sense of inclusion and helping others with needs or creative problem solving. I think the group excelled in creative freedom!

 

There was a range of work from performance to portraiture and assemblage, with everyone using the digital camera. I greatly look forward to the final exhibition.   

 

Gail McLintock

 

 

Here are a very few of the 200 or so images:

 

 

Wind sculpture

 

 

Getting an handle on Dyslexia

 

Society and hidden disability / dyslexia / neuro difference

 

This is one I did and I will leave it up to you to decide what its about

 

Unattainable words

 

I will be putting up a much larger album on our Facebook page and group page as soon as I can.

Next week our Trash to Treasure workshop.

 

Many thanks for taking the time to read my blog

absolutely kerknackered after the Unique Dyslexic Get Creative Visual Art Workshop

Hi blog readers hope you are all feeling great. I am aching all over today after the Unique Dyslexic Get Creative Visual Art Workshop yesterday.

Have to report is was a great day and, I know from the feedback, a day that people had fun, a good few laughs and all got creative at the Dreel Halls in Anstruther.

Have to give and huge thank you to Gail McLintock who facilitated the workshop for giving ussuch a great day and got all dyslexic minds focussed on the being creative and thinking of art and how you create art in different ways.

We all unleashed our creative selves, created spontaneous sculptures using all sorts of objects and household and unusual materials together with lighting effects and a variety of backdrops.

I think everyone went away the a print of their work that they were all very satisfied and pleased with.

As soon as I have them I will show some of the final prints of the creative work done by all the participants. Some really strong images to follow.

We didn't just create inside the Dreel Halls we explored art outside also. The whole day was quite physical and this morning all my muscles and bones are aching lol.

Many thanks to Lecia for providing us with an excellent lunch buffet, more about that later as well. Have to say some of what she made us was like a piece of art in themselves.

The Dreel Halls in Anstruther was such a great location for the workshop as well. The place was just so atmospheric and had such a great feel. It just oozed of history and of the echoes of people's lives going back many years..

Below are some pictures of The Dreel Halls. I did take some of the inside but somehow they got lost. Maybe the ghosts inside the Halls wanted to keep their secrets.

Many thanks to Alan at the Dreel Halls for making us welcome.

I would advise anyone visiting Scotland to go visit Anstruther which is picturesque town and maybe go visit the Dreel Halls.

While you are there go take a visit to the multi award winning fish and chip shop for some of the best fish and chips you will taste anywhere:

http://www.anstrutherfishbar.co.uk/

Anyway many thanks for taking the time to read my blog.

Getting things together for the next Unique Dyslexic Get Creative workshop

Good morning all hope you are all well and looking forward to enjoying your weekend. We have had glorious weather here in Glenrothes over the last few days and I have been able to do some of my work in the garden.

Tomorrow we are holding the visual art workshop in Anstruther in Fife. So I have been preparing all the paperwork etc for that. We have had some great coverage it a few Fife based newspapers this week. Big half page spreads with a couple of photographs.

Its all a bit later than I had planned though. Everything had to be put on hold for a while whilst I recovered from my heart attack of a few weeks ago. My recovery is still going swimmingly by the way. 

We have just had a couple of cancellations for this workshop so if anyone is interested  just contact me today and I can add you to the list for tomorrow.

The Trash to Treasure is full with a couple of extras on the list in case of cancellations. Please again if you are interested contact me. If we can get enough interest it will help us with further funding bids later in the year.

I have been having a rather frustrating conversation on linked in and I thought I would like to add something I wrote in response to things being said in that thread.

I will only say this you can couch dyslexia in all the medical terminology you like, use terms like dysfunction, symptoms you can say the brain is abnormal etc but where has it gotten we dyslexics?

Precisely nowhere, we are still struggling for a universally agreed definition, dyslexic kids are still being failed at school, dyslexic adults are still, in the main not being enabled to achieve according to their potential in the work place.

The medical model of dyslexia has done nothing but shackle us to continued failure in life, education, training and employment. This needs to change and the only hope is to realise that dyslexia is a difference rather than a disability.

That's why I support and promote the social model of dyslexia and the idea of neuro difference. The worst thing that every happened to dyslexics was the medicalization of dyslexia.

I would also say that every dyslexic's dyslexia is unique to them, the challenges they face are unique to them. I know this from the work I do with dyslexic students at university. So when I read someone has found a great way to help every dyslexic I treat that claim with a huge degree of scepticism because there is no way that can be so.

Dyslexia Pathways and Unique Dyslexic Get Creative

promotes and celebrates the creativity, in all its

forms, of dyslexic and neurodifferent individuals and

communities, locally and globally.

We seek to promote the positive social model profile

of dyslexia and neuro  difference.

 

"Viva le difference"

 

Many thanks to anyone taking the time to read

my blog. I have just reached 10.000 reads and

in about a third of the time it took to reach

5.000 reads. 

Who would have thought it me up early on a Saturday morning blogging lol.... just a short and sweet blog entry though

Hi blog readers hope you are all well and working hard or having fun.

I have finished all the promotion for the Unique Dyslexic Get Creative workshops. I have sent out leaflets and information to every organisation I can think of in Fife. I have done an interview on local radio to be broadcast on a number of local radio stations and I had an interview with a reports which will be in all the local press. There is promotional information on the Fife Council web site, Creative Scotland web site etc. I cannot do anymore what so ever.

Have to say I am totally underwhelmed at the response I got from all the local organisations I contacted though. Hardly any bothered to respond even to say thanks but no thanks. I know many organisations out there are understaffed, over worked and stressed so maybe its understandable. But then again maybe it shows the lack if priority given to dyslexia here in Fife. Maybe dyslexia does not exist in Fife hmmm.

Grrrr I hate being negative but sometimes we all have to be at some time or another.

All I know is I have done dyslexia work in Dundee and Tayside, Edinburgh, Stirling etc but nothing at all in Fife. Oh I was asked to give one presentation on dyslexia in Fife for 10 minutes only to be told there was no problem for dyslexics at all.

Anyways onward and upwards as they say. We still have some spaces available on all three workshops so if you are interested please contact me on:

Tel: 01592 756 187

E mail: steve.mccue@uniquedyslexic.com or steve_mccue@hotmail.com

Had my first cardiac rehab appointment yesterday, went through all the tests and everything is ticketyboo. I am feeling in excellent health walking everyday and keeping active. I don't smoke so that is a plus and I only drink occasionally but my one weakness is CHOCOLATE! hmmmmmm and sweet stuff in general.

Anyway that's enough from me this week........off for a cuppa tea and a restful weekend......recharge my batteries so to speak. 

ta for reading and you all have a great weekend

Dyslexia viva la difference is what I say

 

 

Unique Dyslexic Get Creative and Dyslexia Pathways CIC mission statement: 

 

Unique Dyslexic Get Creative promotes and

celebrates the creativity, in all its forms, of dyslexic

and neuro different individuals and communities,

locally and globally.

We seek to promote the positive social model profile

of dyslexia and neuro  difference.

 

"Viva le difference"

The Unique Dyslexic Get Creative workshops we

are running in Fife are open to anyone who is

dyslexic or thinks they may be dyslexic.

 

If anyone wants to come along to a workshop

but needs support to do so you can bring a

friend, parent or support person along to the

workshops.

 

The workshops are not only for people in Fife if

you live is Dundee, Edinburgh, Stirling or

anywhere in those areas you are welcome to

come along to one, or all of, the workshop.

 

As along as you are over the age 16 and any

age above you are welcome to book a place on

any of the workshops. 

 

Everyone who attends a workshop will receive a

certificate and free Unique Dyslexic Get

Creative t shirt.

 

Free dyslexia screenings available for anyone

attending a workshop.

 

We are also seeking to raise a more positive social

model of dyslexia profile. One that looks at dyslexia

not as a disability but as a difference. A difference

that reflects the diversity inherent with in humanity.

Here are links to our web site and Facebook pages:http://www.uniquedyslexic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unique.dyslexic/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Unique-Dyslexic-Get-Creative/1431413910440768

 

Come along visit us online see what we can do, share

with us what you do creatively in a fun, friendly,

supportive and safe environment.

Ta for reading

Steve McCue

Blogging on a dreich Monday afternoon

Good afternoon blog readers. Many thanks to you all for taking the time to read my blog it is much appreciated.

I have spent a good deal of the week end promoting the Unique Dyslexic workshops. Have e mailed many organisations in Fife, local news and radio including STV and BBC Scotland.

Our adverts for Unique went up on the Creative Scotland site today. Here are links to the adverts.

http://opportunities.creativescotland.com/opportunity/index/a17fc4d6-9d3b-463e-93de-a6f26ff37b3d

http://opportunities.creativescotland.com/opportunity/index/fd47fe3a-4707-462d-8a74-d9a5d810c9ef

http://opportunities.creativescotland.com/opportunity/index/af044499-5463-45ea-a86c-e05b4ae49bed

I have a busy week ahead with Unique Dyslexic Get Creative. Tomorrow I have an interview on Fife Arts Radio. I have no idea when it will be broadcast though as it is a recorded interview.

On Wednesday I am meeting with a graphic artist to work on my new designs for t shirts logos etc. Going to see if we can afford to get at least two professionally done.

On Thursday I am going to spend the day outlining a little mind map for my Scottish Innovation Certificate work with Napier University and University of the West of Scotland.

The Friday I have to go into hospital for my first physiotherapy session after my heart attack. Its going on all day I think.

I got an invitation to the East Neuk, the Mad Hatter, Grey Matter Festival over the week end. The festival seeks to encourage creativity and curiousity in a fun and inclusive way and it is happening this Friday and Saturday on the stunning Cambo Estate by Kingsbarns.

I am still feeling great after my heart attack though had no problems what so ever so far.

We now have 311 members on the Unique Dyslexic Facebook group page and 371 likes on the Unique Dyslexic Get Creative Facebook page. Many thanks for all the likes great stuff and keep them coming.

 Sometime this week I will endeavour to write an advert for a volunteer to help us with our Unique Dyslexic website page. But I think that's more likely to be a job for next week.

once again ta for taking the time to read my blog


 

Fun and free workshops for dyslexics in Fife and surrounding areas

Fun and free creative workshops for dyslexics in and around Fife.

Are you dyslexic or think you are dyslexic?

Are you aged 16 to adult?

Dyslexia Pathways Community Interest Company
 
is running three fun and creative workshops across
 
Fife in July and August 2014 as part of our Unique
 
Dyslexic Get Creative programme

Workshops are free, travel costs and a free lunch is
 
provided, some help towards child care costs is also
 
available.

WORKSHOP DETAILS
Workshop	Date	Location
Visual Art	July 26th	Dreel Halls, Anstruther
Trash to Treasure	August 2nd	Furniture Plus, Dunfermline
Music making	August 18th	Cupar Youth Café, Cupar

 

All workshops start at 10am and finish around 4 pm

 

These workshops are suitable for everyone from beginner to expert

If you are interested and want to find out more or to
 
book a place on any of the workshops contact Steve
 
McCue:

E-mail:  steve.mccue@uniquedyslexic.com

Tel:      01592 756 187

Everyone attending will receive a free Unique Dyslexic Get Creative T shirt and certificate

 

Unique Dyslexic Get Creative embraces, promotes 
 
and celebrates creativity, in all its forms, of dyslexic
 
and neurodifferent individuals and communities,
 
locally and globally.

We seek to promote the positive social model profile

 

of dyslexia and neurodifference.

 

"Viva le difference"

when just 1% is enough and Unique Dyslexic Get Creative workshop promotion

Good morning blog readers hope everyone is well and enjoying the glorious weather we have been having of late. I know I have been out in the garden working on Unique Dyslexic Get Creative stuff Ahhh so nice to be able to work outside.
 
I have been promoting the Unique Dyslexic Workshops like crazy all this week. I have put adverts on the Creative Scotland site, sending leaflets off to various community organisations, writing to local radio stations and newspaper etc.
 
Went to see my doctor yesterday to talk about my health after my heart attack a few weeks ago. Have to say I am feeling so much better than I was, been out getting plenty of exercise and been able to carry on working etc. In no way am as tired all the time before my heart attack.

This means the procedure to put a stent in my heart has been successful. I found out the rest or my heart is in good health.

It was only the right ventricle that was affected. Apparently it was 99% closed up according to the doctor. Which meant I was just 1% close to death.
 
Hmmmmm 1% does not seem like very much....but it was enough.

PROMOTION OF FREE WORKSHOP TIME AGAIN

Are you dyslexic or think you are dyslexic?

Are you aged 16 or over?

Dyslexia Pathways Community Interest Company
 
is running three fun and creative workshops across
 
Fife in July and August 2014 as part of our Unique
 
Dyslexic Get Creative programme

Workshops are free, travel costs and a free lunch is
 
provided, some help towards caring costs is also
 
available.

WORKSHOP DETAILS
Workshop	Date	Location
Visual Art	July 26th	Dreel Halls, Anstruther
Trash to Treasure	August 2nd	Furniture Plus, Dunfermline
Music making	August 18th	Cupar Youth Café, Cupar

 

All workshops start at 10am and finish around 4 pm

If you are interested and want to find out more or to
 
book a place on any of the workshops contact Steve
 
McCue:

E-mail:  steve.mccue@uniquedyslexic.com

Tel:      01592 756 187

Unique Dyslexic Get Creative embraces, promotes 
 
and celebrates creativity, in all its forms, of dyslexic
 
and neurodifferent individuals and communities,
 
locally and globally.

We seek to promote the positive social model profile

 

of dyslexia and neurodifference.

 

"Viva le difference"