how far forward have we come with promoting a more positive profile of dyslexia?

 

 

Way way back in 2005 I did a little research on dyslexia and teachers and discovered that very few teachers told anyone about their own dyslexia. Many expressed concerns that being dyslexic would adversely affect career and job prospects. The research encouraged me to put together one of my early dyslexia projects, “Breaking through the barriers of dyslexia”. I was lucky enough to secure £50,000 from the Learning and Skill Council for this successful project.

Nearly 7 years later and things do not appear to have

changed much.

I was talking with a very bright undergraduate

student a while back who I have been providing

dyslexia support over the last semester. He was

expressing an interest in becoming a teacher but felt

that it was not possible for him to do so because of

his dyslexia. He was expressing his concerns about

telling any prospective employers about his dyslexia.

That if he did it would adversely affect his job and

career prospects. He would be a great teacher as well

in my opinion

There is still far too much focus on dyslexia as a

negative condition that adversely impacts on our

abilities to succeed academically as well as in the

work place.

Let’s face it what employer wants to take on a

dyslexic who can't spell, has poor memory, a brain

that does not work properly, who can't read well etc.

This is what the average person in the street believes

dyslexia to be. Very few mention any of the positives

of dyslexia at all. So it is not surprising many 

dyslexics keep it a secret, including teachers and

other professionals.

For every positive single article on dyslexia there and

20 or more negative ones. If we are ever to change

people's attitudes and perceptions about dyslexia we

need dyslexic teachers in classroom who are positive

about being dyslexic and can act as role models and

mentors to dyslexic children.

Here is some feedback I got from one very bright

student I supported. Most of it was very positive

apart from what he has written in the last paragraph:

Having left school with little or no qualifications and with

a real lack of confidence in terms of academic learning,

sport provided me with an avenue to realizes my

potential, on the sporting field and through employment

and education.

Through rugby I was given an opportunity to gain

coaching qualification and in turn gain employment. This

was my dream job which I never thought possible,

working as a rugby development officer within Dundee

I gain national recondition for development work I had

carried out within the city through the achievements the

club had made in volunteer and player development

within the sport.

After seven years working through my personally

perceived difficulties with dyslexia my confidence had

grown and I realized I can achieve just as well as anyone

else within the work place or other wise. I left my job to

do a HNC and HND in sports development which was

done in one year at collage and achieved A’s in all three

graded units. After this I gained direct entry on to BSc

Sports development (Hons) at university. Although at

this time I have only received grades for one assay

which was an A18 I feel I’m achieving far high standards

of work I had previously thought possible. With the

support and guidance Steve McCue has provided me

with.  

This has allowed me to focus my attention on strategies

best suited to my personally strengths and weaknesses.

Although dyslexia should not be a block to achieving

anything within the workplace or education I still feel

there are many negative preconceived perceptions of

individuals with dyslexia which can make life difficult.
This student was so concerned about this he didn't

want me to mention his name at all. He has since

completed his PhD.

 

Many thanks for taking the time to read my blog it is

very much appreciated.

regards

Steve McCue

Non stop this week and nearly time to relax lol some hope!

Good morning from Glenrothes in Scotland........

NEWS ON THE CENTRE:

Well its Friday to and nearly the end of my working week. I have had a number of very positive meetings with Fife Council and Voluntary Action regarding our plans to open a new dyslexia centre here in Fife.

Alan Fowler at Voluntary Action has been particularly helpful. He is provided us with so great contacts and is offering support in writing a business plan etc. He also did a funding search for us that was very useful.

This is all about networking and making new friends who can support us in our goal. I have also had two meetings with Carolynn Cruickshank Grey, who is one of our directors, regarding the centre also. We have put some meat on the bones so to speak and now have a clear set of objectives and idea of what we will be doing in this centre.

Among the many things we would be providing here would be the building of units where creative dyslexics can work, a dyslexic café, advocacy services for parents etc, dyslexia training courses, stuff around dyslexia and employability, entrepreneurship etc.

We are also exploring the idea of making the centre as energy efficient as we can using green technology so that we can sell surplus energy back to the grid. The centre will employ local dyslexics, we will take on interns and volunteers also. This centre has to self sufficient and self funding if it is going to work long term.

I would appreciate and feedback about this from my blog readers........If there were a centre like this would you use / visit it?  

I also went to a meet the funders meeting with Scotland Town Partnership, (STP), this week where I learned a lot about funding and writing funding bids. Looks like we can get some support from the STP also. 

They most positive thing I have gained from this week is the very positive feedback we have had from everyone we have met.

The only fly in the ointment is my personal finances at this time. I was unable to do as much paid work last year due as I normally do due to my heart attack. I did 20 week business incubator course whilst I was in recuperation from my hear attack and I was doing all sorts of other stuff because of my hear attack. Basically instead of doing paid dyslexia work five days a week I have been doing one.

On the plus side I am networking so much more than I was just meeting with all these organisation and this in itself may bring in some new business,

OTHER NEWS:

I have had two expressions on interests from two universities regarding the Scottish innovation certificate. My last experience with was not exactly stellar but I have high hopes this will work better this time. I think the main issue with my last attempt at this was the sheer size of my accessible social media idea.

Anyway that enough from me

ta for reading my blog it is very much appreciated.

regards

Steve

PS:

Where would the world be without dyslexic ingenuity, dyslexic creativity, dyslexic vision or dyslexic empathy.

Dyslexia is a difference that is an expression of the diversity inherent within humanity.

#vivaladifference



 

A bit a upsy downy day today

Hi blog readers hope everyone is well and happy.

Today has been somewhat frustrating but in the end a fruitful day. I have been umming and arring about launching the crowd funding appeal for last week. Oh it is going the be launched but I decided I needed to make a little two minute intro video before I launched it.

Simples you might think, at least that's what I thought. I have spent 4 hours today trying to get it right but with no success. 16 unsuccessful takes today and eons of time downloading and watching each take and time wasted lol.

I thing its the dyslexic seeing the big picture thing getting in the way. Gawd gimmie a ten thousand word assignment and I am as happy as a pig in poo. Ask me to write a five hundred word assignment and I struggle. I made a 17 minute video with music text and images no problem at all....two minute video me just talking arrrghhhhh lol.

The last take was close but not close enough so I will have to give it another go later in the week. No time tomorrow as I have two networking / work shop events to go to tomorrow that will keep me busy all day. Wednesday I have 5 dyslexic students to see at Heriot Watt University. Thursday I am going to see the capacity building officer at Voluntary Action about getting some support with writing a business plan for stage two and for the new dyslexia centre.

The late afternoon went much better. Had a meeting with someone at Voluntary Action something to do with employability and it looks like we will get some new business from this. We also got some good new leads from this meeting. it also looks positive for stage two of Unique Dyslexic.

Regarding the new dyslexia centre we are looking for some funding for hiring an architect for development of early stage plans, e.g change of use, feasibility study, planning application, virtual walk through etc. This will help us with out larger funding bids for the development of the centre. We will also be running a crowd funding appeal to raise cash for this.

Here is a photo I took about a week ago from the inside of my car. Its just ice and frost on my windscreen but it looks stunning.

Anyway many thanks for taking the time to read my blog

regards

Steve

PS We promote dyslexia in terms of a difference that reflects the diversity inherent within humanity. The world would be a poorer place if it were not for dyslexic ingenuity, dyslexic creativity, dyslexic problem solvers or dyslexic entrepreneurs?  Unique Dyslexic viva la difference

More from the Unique Dyslexic Celebration of Creativity

 

Here is a link to a short video of Siannie Moodie's performance at the Unique Dyslexic Celebration of Creativity on the 29th October 2014 at the Rothes Halls.

Siannie Moodies performs at the Unique Dyslexic Celebration of Creativity 2014

Unique Dyslexic Get Creative is a Dyslexia Pathways CIC project.

Now we have completed stage one we are currently in the planning of stage 2 of Unique Dyslexic and in the planning stage of opening a new Dyslexia Pathways CIC Dyslexia Centre in Fife.

Thanks for reading

regards

Steve McCue

I know its not easy to do but: Always chase your dreams

I have been reading al lot about some of the experiences we dyslexics go through in a non dyslexic society. I also listened a lot of negative stories from dyslexics who participated in Unique Dyslexic Get Creative. For some who attended our creative workshops it was the first time they had knowingly sat in a room with other dyslexics. For some it was the first time they had actually spoken to others about their dyslexic experiences.

Some of the feedback reflected this:

1. I had fun and enjoyed meeting people like myself
2. Happy and not alone with my dyslexia
3. Good about myself and happy to meet people like me

Many others said the same kind of things. When you consider that 10% of the population are dyslexic it is no surprise that many feel isolated by being dyslexic. Unique Dyslexic is here to try and end this isolation, to enable dyslexics to understand their dyslexia and to overcome societal and self erected barriers and hopefully move forward with confidence and self belief to achieve their dreams.

Many dyslexic are also creative people so idea behind Unique Dyslexic was to run the creative workshops to attract dyslexics along to them to share stories, offer support to other dyslexic and to break through the isolation barrier.  

The objective of Unique Dyslexic Get Creative is to support, promote and celebrate the creative talents of the dyslexic community across the full range of creative spectrum. At Unique Dyslexic Get Creative, we promote and support the social model of dyslexia. We see dyslexia as a difference that reflects the diversity inherent in humanity.

Viva la difference

Creativity is about expressing ourselves. It is about trying new things and new ways of being. Creativity involves being imaginative and original.

It is sometimes thought that only certain people are 'creative', and that to be creative you need to have an unusual talent. However, this is not the case - each one of us is capable of expressing ourselves creatively in some area.

It is also often thought that creativity is limited to the 'arts' - for example, music, drama, art, craft, dance, writing, etc. But these artistic areas are not the only ways we can express creativity - and you certainly don't have to be good at art to be creative.

Creativity is a way of thinking and being which can be expressed in many areas of life, for example, science, business, maths and cooking. We can all be creative in our own way.

Together we are not alone so come along to Unique Dyslexic social media get involved , see what we can do and share what you can do and most importantly have fun

 

 

Lol I had an entirely different blog to write at the start but somehow got myself side tracked by a post I read yesterday

 

Thanks for reading my blog 

 

regards

 

Steve

 

PS Why not some over to our Unique Dyslexic Facebook page:

 

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

 

If you like what you see give us a like or better still join us and get involved







The end of a very busy and fruitful week and aiming high

Hello there blog readers hope you are all well and ready for a relaxing week end? I know I am lol
 
This has been a very busy week here:
 
We completed and sent off all the documentation and photographs for one of the awards we are going for........I think we have as much chance of wining as everyone else. So wish us luck please.
 
The end of project lottery form and budget has been completed and sent off. Everything is hunky dory with that. We came in within budget which is cool wooo hooo. 
 
I want to take this opportunity to thank all the funders of Unique Dyslexic, The Big Lottery, Fife Cultural Trust, Foundation Scotland and Fife Creative Learning Network.
 

 

Photo from Unique Dyslexic Celebration of Creativity event

 

 

It seem the rest of Scotland may be trying to catch up with Unique Dyslexic. Dyslexia Pathways CIC and Unique Dyslexic have basically been trailblazers in promoting dyslexia / neuro difference and creativity. I received this e mail yesterday from the Cultural Enterprise office.

 

Dear Steve

 

My name is Helen Voce. I am the Events Programmer at Cultural Enterprise Office. I am a colleague of Jacqui Corcoran, who I believe you met at our Next Step workshop in Edinburgh on 18 September.

 

Why I am getting touch? Well, we are delivering an event titled Planning Creatively with Dyslexia in Edinburgh on 30 March 2015. When I shared details with my CEO colleagues, Jacqui immediately suggested forwarding information about the event to you. If the event is of interest to your networks please feel free to share.

 

This is the first event of this kind we have done. We are looking forward to seeing our attendees get creative with their planning and hopefully overcome some barriers. All with the aid of tea, coffee and cake of course!

 

Best wishes

 

Helen

 

For too long we dyslexics have been treated like second class citizens by society. By an education system that basically fails to meet out learning needs and still fails too many dyslexic kids.

 

For too long we have been shackled by negative stereo types of dyslexia by a medical model of dyslexia that has little positive to say to dyslexics everywhere.

 

The objective of Unique Dyslexic Get Creative is to support, promote and celebrate the creative talents of the dyslexic community across the full range of creative spectrum. At Unique Dyslexic Get Creative, we promote and support the social model of dyslexia. We see dyslexia as a difference that reflects the diversity inherent in humanity.

Viva la difference



 
We had a great meeting of Dyslexia Pathways directors where we welcomed two new directors into the fold. So a big welcome to Cat and Lecia both of whom are dyslexic. 

It was unanimously agreed that will start planning for stage two of Unique Dyslexic and the opening of a new dyslexia centre.......I learned a new word during that meeting.....commniversity..........that what we are aiming for a communiversity for the dyslexic and neuro diverse community.

We have a prospective site for the Dyslexia Centre in Lochgelly.....

The site is an old pub and is quite big enough for our needs. Ok it looks a bit ramshackle but it has possibilities. We plan to have an information centre, training facilities, run our workshops, open an social firm dyslexia café and build units to entrepreneur and creative dyslexics.

The back of the building shown above will be knocked down and replaced by specially built container units where entrepreneur and creative dyslexics can work.

 

 

 

The inside is a bit of a mess but it has a lot of potential and there is a basement and upstairs floor with this as well.

Its not going to be easy but nothing in life ever is. Its going to be a big challenge but I believe we are up to the challenge.  

Anyway that's enough for this blog lol ta for reading my blog

PS......we are currently seeking sponsors to help us finance our work and web sites and volunteers to help us grow our social media network......... So if anyone has an interest in enabling dyslexics to succeed and grow please just leave a comment. 

Oh yes finally watch out for the launch of our crowd funding appeal. I know I have been going on about this for a while but it is going to happen next week.

 

A pen of thorns(a re write))

Hi blog readers hope you are all well

A pen of thorns

Whenever I think about the difficulties I experienced with writing at school I am taken back to an image I used for a dyslexia project I did for my first dyslexia specialist qualification.

Some of you may also remember it. It summed up dyslexia for me to a tee at that time. It was just a hand wearing an industrial glove and holding a pen covered in rose thorns. No non dyslexic will ever comprehend how the seemingly simple act of putting pen to paper can be so difficult and painful for dyslexics, on so many levels.


Going back to my secondary school days I can remember that I would look at others in my class writing neatly in joined up writing. Using their fountain pens in precise and delicate ballet like movements. They left no trail of ink or blots on the paper as their hands glided over the page with all the ease of a professional skater on the ice. Their writing flowed effortlessly across the page like water flowing down river. Sentences and paragraphs all neat and tidy, their spelling all miraculously appeared accross the pages.

I couldn't get it together at all. The fountain pen felt uncomfortable, like an alien object from some distant planet in my left hand. My writing didn't flow it stuttered like chalk screeching accross a board. I had to drag it across the page like a heavy wieght through mud. Whilst not quite as prickly as the pen in the picture it metaphorically might as well have been.

No sooner had I put my pen to paper there would be a mess of ink trailing behind my left hand. My hand would be covered in ink as I tried hard to engage in the act of writing on a piece of paper. In the end I used to write with my head hunched over my work and my right hand covering the top of the paper.

A few minutes after I put pen to paper my hand would start to ache and cramp up. I had to grasp the pen so thightly in an effort to keept some control over my hand writing all to no avail. Oh my head would be full of ideas of what I wanted to write but I just couldn't get them down on the paper.

Needless to say it took me ages to write anything. Then every time I handed in work a teacher would comment on my messy work. If I was lucky they wouldn't do it in front of the rest of the class.

Then there was my spelling to contend with. It was like trying to drive down a road full of pot holes. It seemed like every third word I would have to stop and contemplate how to spell it. Every five yards I drove down that road I would hit an pot hole then another pot hole and then another and another.

By the time I was 14 years old I have had enough of school, well the learning part of it anyway. So I stopped attending. Not altogether though I would go to art and music but for me the rest of school was irrelevant, boring, painful even. I

 was able to express myself very well in art a music. No barriers there, my ideas flowed like mercury scurrying down a slope. I also enjoyed Religious Studies, not that I am religious in any way. But we used to discuss life and theories like ancient phylisophers. Exploring ideas in the spoken word was fun also.

It was a lot easier to skip school back then than it is now. I had lots of inventive ways of skipping school back then. The easiest one was to not wear a correct piece of the uniform. Just going into school without wearing a school tie was a good enough reason to be sent hope.

Years later in my first year at university I got feedback from a lecturer for a 2000 assignment I completed. I had spent many hours handwriting this assignment. Gawd only knows how many pieces of paper were screwed up and thrown in the bin before I had completed it.

Every word was written in upper case because that’s the only way I can write legibly. I checked every word for spelling errors many times. It was like painting the Cistine Chapel for me. The first comment the lecturer wrote, in the dreaded red ink I might add, was," doesn’t writing like this take a long time? How can you ever expect to pass any exam writing like this?" His comment took the gloss off the fact I got an A- for the assignment.

I moved to a different university for my second year and it was here I was assessed as being dyslexic. It was then I was given access to disabled students allowance to buy a computer and assistive technology. It was then I started my journey of discovery of my dyslexia. More importantly I didn’t have to do any writing by hand. I was finally liberated from that pen of thorns by the digital marvel that was the computer and printer.

many thanks for reading

regards

Steve