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| Photo about of some original Kathy Thompson artwork |
For those not aware of our little campaign Unique Dyslexic Get Creative sought to reach out to dyslexics and other neuro diverse people / communities in Fife. As it turned out we did much more than reach out across Fife but across the world.
Not bad for a tiny dyslexia focused social enterprise. In fact Dyslexia Pathways CIC (Community Interest Company) was the first dyslexia focused social enterprise in the world.
One of our goals it to change the way we think about dyslexia that's why we have a social model of dyslexia focus. We see dyslexia as a difference that reflect diversity rather than a disability. We believe that our social model of dyslexia focus together with social enterprise offers a more positive and empowering way forward for the dyslexic community.
We know many dyslexic kids struggle at school, not because they are not bright enough, but because our education system is not a very dyslexia friendly place for many dyslexic kids to be. As a result many dyslexics do not achieve their potential in school. Moreover, many leave school with poor self esteem, low self confidence and can even suffer with long term mental health issues.
Unique Dyslexic Get Creative campaign wanted to focus on creativity because we know it can enhance self esteem and self confidence. We know creativity is good for our mental health. We also knew we did not want to focus on literacy at all because we felt this may dissuade people from coming along to out creative workshops.
If you look back at other of my blog entries you can find out more about Unique Dyslexic Get Creative, Dyslexia Pathways CIC etc
Now I want to introduce Kathy Thompson and her blog
I thought I would share a short guest blog with you all from Kathy Thompson suspected dyslexic artist. She got involved with Dyslexia Pathways CIC Unique Dyslexic campaign in 2014.
Take it away Kathy
Three or four years ago I started painting for the first time , I am 56 years old. At the time I was going thru a lot of anxiety and questioning everything about my own self.
Never knew there was a creative side to me. I was looking around the internet and facebook trying to find a group or just anything I could identify with when I came across "Unique Dyslexic Get Creative".
My interest immediately peeked, being blown away by tapping in to my own creativity for the first time and having a brother and daughter who are dyslexics.
I began to share my art with the group, it took a lot of courage to do that, thru the acceptance and encouragement I gained there , I now have the courage to keep pursuing my art passion , and the confidence to share publicly.
I have sold five paintings and given away around eleven, been invited as an art vendor to local events.Most recently I posted a few on facebook for sale. I doubt I would have the courage to post publicly had I not found the "Unique Dyslexic Get Creative " group.
I suspect i am dyslexic. But atypical or compensated , i think i am a good reader , my writing is not legible. As for reading. I reas a lot but don't retain a lot. Just bits and pieces. |
| This is my personal painting by Kathy |
If there is anyone else who would like to write a little guest blog just send me an e mail or leave a message here.
So as usual its peace, love and groovyness from me here in Glenrothes in Fife
Steve McCue
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