Dyslexic Brian - The Dyslexia Coaching Service That Assists You 2 re-Invent Dyslexia

Dyslexia Through An Artists Eye – Lerato Motau Inspirational Story

admin — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:46:37 +0000

Lerato Motau hid her dyslexia from others by drawing and doodling instead of writing. It was her secret that she never shared… until now. Lerato has bravely drawn on her life’s journey and is embracing her true self. She has created a body of artwork that reveals her story of overcoming dyslexia by expressing herself through the visual arts, culminating in this exhibition entitled, Dyslexia Through An Artists Eye.

2000 word essay in a week? You have to be joking?

admin — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:11:51 +0000

This brilliant short story by Shirley Cooper from Aberdeen in Scotland gives ‘none-dyslexic people’ an insight into a few of the issues experienced by some ‘dyslexic people’ when faced with the task of having to write a 2,000 word essay in just one week.

The Cure for Dyslexia

admin — Mon, 03 May 2010 09:50:55 +0000

I often get asked if it is possible to cure dyslexia to which I generally reply “No”. I reply “No” not because a cure for dyslexia doesn’t exist […], but simply because such a question implies that ‘dyslexia’ stems from some form of ‘deficit’, ‘abnormality’, or some other form of ‘less than normal state of functioning’ that exists within the individual.

Inspirational Dyslexia Story by Mairi Sharratt

admin — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 22:38:40 +0000

Mairi Sharratt, poet from Edinburgh, is an exceptional woman who, armed with the memory of inspirational parental support, has fought against all adversity, taken on extraordinary challenges, and pushed herself through the dyslexia pain barrier to surface as an accomplished poet!

Dyslexia – Fact or Friction Quiz

admin — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:52:29 +0000

Here are a few tricky True or False questions about dyslexia to stimulate your brian and to test your knowledge! dyslexic brain

Josh Cope’s Dyslexia Life Story – so far…

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:18:48 +0000

This dyslexia life stories by Josh Cope, Trustee of UK Youth, is a great example of how a young person, determined to succeed in life, pushed his way through the dyslexia pain barrier to come out the other side with a great sense of pride in being dyslexic.

‘Schools of Dyslexia DOOM’ – Parents of dyslexic children take control!

admin — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:02:21 +0000

Question: Is there any way I can make the school understand things about dyslexia? Answer: Over the years I have come into contact with loads of parents of dyslexia children. The vast majority of these parents are happy with the levels of dyslexia awareness and support within their children’s schools. There are thousands of great schools out there that are jam packed with brilliant teacher who know exactly how to support and encourage dyslexic children to learn to read, write and do well at school. These teachers support dyslexic children to learn without them feeling too much (if any) negative difference between themselves and the other children in the class… These teachers have a knack for assisting dyslexic children to build up their confidence, self-esteem, self-belief, etc… These teachers are able to stimulate the minds of dyslexic children and show them that ‘learning’ is fun and worthwhile… Wow for teachers like this!

Design vs. Dyslexia

admin — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:35:42 +0000

The University of Cincinnati is employing its design research capabilities to create a 21st century electronic toolkit to speed learning for children with dyslexia. UC digital designer Renee Seward describes some of the activities in her electronic toolkit to help children with dyslexia.

4,000 Children Caught Cheating in exams – Immoral or Ingenious?

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:14:37 +0000

Today’s educational headlines have focused on the 4,000 children who got caught ‘cheating’ in their exams. The majority of these children were apparently caught using their mobile phones to download answers to their exam questions. I was so shocked when I heard this – not because I think these children were wrong – quite the opposite, I think they should all be praised and given an award for their ingenuity. Isn’t it a bit peculiar how, in the twenty-first century, schools test children on the amount of information they can hold in their heads and then regurgitate on demand – when with a couple of click of on their phones all this information is available to them!

Is the iPad Good or Bad for Dyslexic Children?

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:05:58 +0000

Will the new iPad help our hinder dyslexic children to improve their literacy skills? This is a good question – a bit of a tricky one to answer – but a good one nevertheless. At Dyslexic Brian we love any resource that encourages dyslexic children to develop their literacy skills whilst having fun – and we feel that the iPad will do this job nicely. A great feature on the iPad is its onscreen keypad that looks so, so, sooooo touchable – who wouldn’t want to tap away all day on those sexy looking keys?! We are going to check out if any touch typing tutorial type applications are available for the iPad – we’re guessing that there are – in which case if you’re dyslexic and lucky enough to have an iPad already, then download a touch typing Application and start learning to touch type in style!

Fun Brain Website – Great Resource for Dyslexics

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:18:54 +0000

Dyslexic Brian loves this website - and not just because its got the word 'Brian' in it :) We love it because we think that it's a great resource for dyslexic people who want to improve their literacy skills whilst playing games...

Dyslexic Quotes

admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:47:15 +0000

Post your dyslexic quotes here...

This month I reviewed the book Twilight written by Stephenie Meyer

admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:53:52 +0000

Smitten or Bitten by Vampire Stories? Have you ever read a vampire book before, expecting to be cast into a fantasy world of spell binding excitement – only to find it hasn’t exactly met your expectations? Well, don’t let your past experience put you off! This is a brilliantly written book that I’m sure will [...]

Make the Letters Stop Dancing – an Inspirational Dyslexia Life Story

admin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:35:33 +0000

The following Inspirational Dyslexia Life Story and poem ‘Make the Letters Stop Dancing’ was sent to us by Andrea Boff Sutton, a remarkable woman who has harnessed her ‘dyslexia’ and turned it into an amazing resource. I hope that you enjoy this poem as much as I did – I’m sure that Andrea’s story will [...]

The Dyslexic Label and Low Self-Esteem

admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:06:07 +0000

Several years ago I ran a workshop in Birmingham that was aimed at assisting parents of dyslexic children to gain a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding dyslexia.

Here’s to a Prosperous Dyslexic 2,000 & TEN!!!

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 13:40:31 +0000

We would like to wish you a Prosperous Dyslexic 2,000 & TEN – and that you have fun in the New Year overcoming your dyslexia! We’ve got lots of exciting plans for 2010 that we hope will assist dyslexic people to overcome their dyslexic related difficulties. Here are a few things that are in the pipeline for 2010:

Confidence Building in Dyslexic Children

admin — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 21:40:38 +0000

With sequencing difficulties, any form of writing or math/s is going to present severe problems, and the dyslexic child cannot fail to notice that almost all of the other children are able to do the work which he or she finds so hard.

Disability Support at College

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:19:31 +0000

Further education at college or sixth form can be a great way to pick up new skills, open up new career options or prepare for higher education. Being disabled or having a specific learning difficulty needn't limit your choices.

The Dyslexia Myth

admin — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:28:28 +0000

The Dyslexia Myth (2005) exposes the myths and misconceptions that surround a condition said to affect 10 per cent of the population. The Dyslexia Myth argues that the common understanding of dyslexia is not only false but makes it more difficult to provide the reading help that hundreds of thousands of children desperately need. Drawing [...]

Disabled Students’ Allowances – How Much You Can Get

admin — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:13:13 +0000

The amount of help available through Disabled Students' Allowances is based on an assessment of your individual needs – up to a maximum allowance. The different allowances have different limits. This page offers a guide to how much you can get if you are a student from England.

New Brain Findings On Dyslexic Children | by Wendy Leopold

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:56:16 +0000

Recent scientific studies suggest that children with developmental dyslexia - a neurological disorder affecting reading and spelling skills in 5 to 10 percent of school aged children - have difficulties separating relevant auditory information from competing noise.

Dyslexia Workshop Makes a Big Splash!

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:32:46 +0000

Despite the heavy rain on Saturday 14th November 2009, four parents and three children turned up to Dyslexic Brian’s Parent as Dyslexia Support Coach Workshop.

Making Reading Right | Dyslexia Inspirational Story

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:28:04 +0000

Dyslexic academic Antonio Farruggia-Bochnak has made the leap from dunce to doctor. Now he wants to help others overcome the condition which proved such a handicap in his childhood. TOM HENRY reports on the self-help dyslexia website he has set up with his brother.

Proud to Be Dyslexic | Dyslexia Inspirational Story

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:43:40 +0000

Having been branded a dunce at the age of six, Antonio Farruggia left school virtually illiterate. He’s now close to completing a PhD on a subject close to his heart – dyslexia. Tom Henry meets this remarkable man who has embraced dyslexia and made it his great strength.

From Dunce to Degree | Dyslexia Inspirational Story

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:20:17 +0000

Birmingham Evening Mail, The Life Mag. 16.04.00 by David Jones Share Education experts have made great strides in the teaching of dyslexic children, but understanding of the condition has been a long time coming. Birmingham youth worker Antonio Farruggia tells DAVID JONES how he conquered his dyslexia to gain a degree “I WAS in my [...]

Reading and Writing – Why Dyslexics Love or Loath it!

admin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:39:49 +0000

Over the years I have come across dozens of dyslexic people who, like you, have a passion for reading and writing. Perhaps the reason that you and many other dyslexic people love to read and write is because reading and writing are great inventions. Reading can be a great way to stimulate our inner selves and writing can be a great way to help us express our inner selves.

I’m Luke, I’m five, and my dad’s Bruce Lee

admin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:38:04 +0000

Share A HEART-WARMING song about a little boy riding in his father’s digger has become a sudden favourite for Christmas No1 2005. (Click here to watch video) The track, called The JCB Song, came from nowhere to lead the charge for the festive top spot and will go head to head with the likes of [...]

Dyslexia Inspired Song by Nizlopi

admin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:57:30 +0000

A HEART-WARMING song about a little boy riding in his father’s digger has become a sudden favourite for Christmas No1 2005. (Click here to read the story)Share I’m 5 years old and my dad’s a giant sitting beside me. And the engine rattles my bum like berserk While we’re singin’ , ‘Don’t forget your shovel [...]

Dyslexia and Tomato Soup Video

admin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:38:17 +0000

Dyslexia, so what is it all about

admin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:27:39 +0000

Share Short animation explaining the issues of dyslexia.

Malcolm | Dyslexia Inspirational Story

admin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:46:17 +0000

Share As with many ‘dyslexics’ Malcolm’s experience of the British education system was not a good one. Before being labeled as ‘dyslexic’ Malcolm’s lack of concentration was a concern and a mystery to his parents. At the age of seven his parents paid for him to be assessed at the Dyslexia Institute. In Malcolm’s own [...]

First Overcoming Dyslexia Workshop Gets Thumbs Up

admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:22:59 +0000

The first of our Overcoming Dyslexia Workshops that we ran on the 3rd November gets the thumbs up from everyone who took part. The purpose of the workshops was to explore our perceptions of dyslexia. We did this by carrying out several exercises that Antonio used within the dyslexia support programme that he developed as part of his PhD research.

Upside Down Reader

admin — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:36:02 +0000

Unable to make progress in the usual way, this first grade student made a year's progress in only one month by holding his books upside down. He now can read both ways, but he does better when he holds the book upside down.

Overcoming Dyslexia as an Obstacle to Success

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:14:37 +0000

FAMOUS PERSON OBSTACLES EXPERIENCED Jamie Oliver Famous chef and celebrity Was put in the ‘stupid row’ when at primary school; later, as an unemployed and struggling single parent, wrote on scraps of paper in a local café. F W Woolworth Famous for founding the ‘Woolworths’ chain of shops Enjoys writing songs and tried to get into reading but just can’t get into that ‘book thing’. Richard Branson Famous entrepreneur Achieved his greatest work after the age of 46, by which time he was completely deaf. Ludwig van Beethoven A famous composer Being dyslexic has helped him in the business world – he sees some things more clearly than others. Alexander Graham Bell Famous for inventing the telephone in 1876 Didn’t speak until he was four and didn’t read until he was seven. His teacher described him as ‘mentally slow, unsociable and adrift forever in his foolish dreams’. J K Rowling A famous writer Was told by his employers at the shop where he worked that he was not good enough to service customers. Albert Einstein A brilliant physicist Was told after a meeting with the President, “That’s an amazing invention, but who would want to use one of them?” Robbie Williams Famous singer Didn’t do well at school; people thought he was ‘thick’. Source: Senco_Logo

Dyslexia Awareness Week 2009 – Dyslexic Brian Supporting the Cause!!!

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:48:28 +0000

Dyslexia Awareness Week 2009 – Dyslexic Brian Supporting the Cause!!! Its the British Dyslexia Association's Dyslexia Awareness Week from 1st - 7th November 2009. Dyslexic Brian is doing his bit for the Dyslexia Cause – Spreading the WORD via LIVE Radio Shows, Dyslexia Workshops, and Guest Speaking Events. Do your bit too – tell the world about dyslexia and if they need to find out more then tell them to give Dyslexic Brain a call! Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter to receive the latest Dyslexic Brian News Updates. All the best and have a great Dyslexia Awareness Week.

Dyslexic man named as top teacher | October 2009

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:46:13 +0000

A West Yorkshire teacher who overcame dyslexia to achieve his career dream has been named the most outstanding new teacher in the country. Edward Vickerman, head of business at The Freeston Business and Enterprise College in Normanton, was given the title at the Teaching Awards in London. Because of his dyslexia, the 26-year-old said he was sidelined at school and not expected to achieve much. He was described by a colleague as a "whirlwind" in the classroom. While working in the hotel industry, Mr Vickerman discovered ways of overcoming his dyslexia and achieved a degree in hotel management, which set him on the road to success. Invigorated department He then decided to pursue his dream of becoming a teacher and chose to take a postgraduate teaching qualification. Colleagues and students said Mr Vickerman was an "inspiration to work with" and had invigorated the department, introducing new courses to match student needs. Mr Vickerman said he gets round his dyslexia by using new technology in lessons rather than communicating by writing. The Teaching Awards, founded by Lord Puttnam 11 years ago, are open to every school in the UK and reward excellent teachers, head teachers, teaching assistants, governors and sustainable schools. Source: BBC published Monday, 26 October 2009

Dyslexic Brian – LIVE Radio Show about Dyslexia

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:57:18 +0000

Dyslexic Brian is being interviewed by Maf, one of Bristol’s best know DJ’s, on Bristol Community FM. The interview will be on 29th October 2009 between 2pm and 3pm (UK time) Click here for the Bristol Community FM website Antonio Farruggi-Bochnaka (co-founder of Dyslexic Brian) will explaining Dyslexic Brian’s perspective of dyslexia and sharing lots of tips and tricks that dyslexic people can follow to completely overcome their dyslexia. It will be a show well worth listening to! All the best and enjoy the show!

National Dyslexia Awareness Week | November 2009

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:45:21 +0000

Next week is National Dyslexia Awareness Week, and the question posed by Frewen College, the area's only specialist a school for dyslexics, is "Just how aware are you of dyslexia?" Most people think of dyslexia as a problem with reading, spelling, and perhaps comprehension, so assume it cannot be diagnosed until a child is already behind at school. But there are many other symptoms that can alert parents to the possibility in plenty of time to intervene at a much earlier stage. A spokesman for the school said: "Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence, and it can be found across all social and economic strata. Many dyslexics have considerable gifts, but if their difficulties are not identified and addressed early enough these strengths can be swamped by failure and self doubt." Here are Frewen's top ten tell-tale signs of dyslexia that are not reading related. If you can 'tick' three or more, you need to start digging more deeply. 1 There is a strong genetic element to dyslexia, so if there is any family history of dyslexia or reading difficulties, be particularly alert to other warning signs. 2 Being slow to start talking, and then having trouble pronouncing some letters, especially M's and N's, R's and L's. 3 Reversing or mixing up sounds in multi-syllable words (favourites include aminal for animal, hekalopter for helicopter, bisgetti for spaghetti, or even nucular for nuclear!). 4 Trouble with tying shoe laces and getting dressed. 5 Co-ordination problems (excessive tripping, falling over, bumping into things, difficulty with catching or kicking a ball, or clapping a simple rhythm). 6 Difficulty undertaking any task that involves a sequence of actions, such as 'do this, then do that.' 7 Difficulty learning abstract facts, such as days of the week or months of the year. 8 Very slow to learn the names of letters or sounds, or learning the alphabet. 9 May have walked quite early but did not crawl. 10 An unusually high number of ear infections.

DysFest dyslexia awerness week film festival | November 2009

admin — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:54:23 +0000

Exploring dyslexia from a f...resh new perspective. DysFest Is the first dyslexia awerness week film festival. That'll take place in London from the 2nd to the 6th of november 2009.

From car mechanic to teacher | Dyslexic Inspirational Story

admin — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:13:47 +0000

Birmingham Evening Mail published on August 18th 2005 "TEACHING has changed so much over the years," are the opening words from Paul Reid, a 39 year old from Perry Barr, when you ask him what he thinks of his new career. "I really struggled when I was at school. It was differrent back then and admitting you had a problem understanding something wasn't easy.'" Paul was a car mechanic for 15 years before suffering from arthiritis and decided to change career. "I loved mechanics so much that I decided that I wanted to teach others how to do it," he explained. Paul enrolled on a City and Guilds Further Education Teaching Course at Josiah Mason College in order to acquire the necessary skills and gain a teaching qualification. Paul decided to go all the way and since completing his course he has progressed on to a Certificate in Education, a university qualification delivered at JMC in partnership with University College Worcester, which will make him a fully qualified full time teacher. Shortly after embarking on this journey, he was offered a job as a mechanics tutor at Greensprings Training. To find out more, write to us or come to our Dyslexia discussion groups.

What Does Dyslexia Look Like in a Gifted Child?

admin — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:17:46 +0000

Spatial and verbal talent of dyslexic children, social and emotional issues of dyslexia, dysgraphia or writing challenges.

Dyslexia in Gifted Children

admin — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:12:09 +0000

Dyslexia doesn’t have to keep a kid down.

Assistive Technology and Training

admin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:27:24 +0000

A common outcome from a Disabled Students’ Allowances needs assessment , is a recommendation for the purchase of specialist equipment (or 'assistive technology'). It may also include training on how to use this effectively. Who buys the equipment recommended in my needs assessment report? You will need to contact your funding body (e.g. Local Authority, Student Finance England or NHS Student Bursaries) to find this out. They may purchase the equipment for you and arrange a delivery date, or they may ask you to buy the equipment yourself and provide them with receipts. Individual funding bodies vary in their approach to this, so you should always ask. What happens if it is recommended that I need a computer? When you have a Disabled Students’ Allowances needs assessment, the assessor will recommend the most appropriate solution to overcome any study-related disability difficulties you may have. This is to allow you to have the same level of access to your study as other students. If your assessor decides that the most appropriate solution is to recommend a computer (either laptop or desktop) they will include this in your report. It is up to your funding body to decide whether they agree to purchase the recommendations made in your assessment report however. You are strongly advised to keep to the original recommendation made in your report. This will be the best solution to your difficulties and complement any other recommendations made. However, you may be able to negotiate with your funding body about whether you receive a laptop or desktop machine. How is my need for training identified? Your need for training is normally agreed as part of your needs assessment. A copy of your assessment report is then sent to your funding body (normally your Local Authority, NHS Grants Unit or Student Finance England). The funding body will then confirm whether they agree to fund the recommendation made for you to have training. How is my training paid for? Your training will normally be paid for from your Disabled Students' Allowances. You will need to arrange payment between your funding body (e.g. Local Authority) and the trainer that is identified in your needs assessment report.

Learning disabilities, a silent struggle | By Jay Balagna

admin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:00:45 +0000

When Eric Thornley was five years old, he was diagnosed with dyscalculia, a specific learning disability that inhibits a person’s learning of math. Coupled with a speech impediment, he quickly fell behind the other children in his class. The now-19-year-old history and international affairs major is forced to spend more time studying and working on assignments than the average student. “I’m not like the typical college student where I sign up for a fraternity and go out and party,” Thornley said. “I have to spend a lot more time on my schoolwork to keep up.” Thornley is one of more than 400 students at the University of Nevada, Reno with a diagnosed learning disability, according to information from the Disability Resource Center. Students with learning disabilities make up the second-highest portion served by the Disability Resource Center after psychological disabilities, Mary Zabel, the center’s director, said. The psychological disabilities include attention deficit disorder, accounting for the higher number, Zabel said. UNR’s learning disability rates largely fit with the national trend. Specific learning disabilities are neurological disorders that affect a person’s ability to learn in various ways. “Learning disability” is an umbrella term used to refer to a number of different disorders, said Christine Cheney, a professor of special education at UNR and the chair of the education specialties department. Included in the list of learning disabilities are dyscalculia; dyslexia, a reading and language-based disorder and dysgraphia, a writing-based disorder, as well as other, less-common handicaps. Most people with learning disabilities are given a general diagnosis and not told which disorder they have, Cheney said. “Generally, in the school system, we don’t tend to break it down and just say people are learning disabled,” she said. That approach has the advantage of preventing decreased expectations for a student in any specific area, Cheney said. It sometimes expands those decreased expectations to all subjects, though. “For the most part, people see this as something that can be overcome,” Cheney said. “There is the risk some people will just give up, though.” Thornley said his learning disability affected him through grade school and into college. “When I was younger, my first year of grade school was in a special education program which was a little disheartening,” he said. The next year, Thornley was assigned to a regular classroom but still had to work to succeed in school with his disability. As the years went by, he began to find himself wondering why he couldn’t achieve the high grades his older sister had earned in the same subjects. As he slowly came to terms with his dyscalculia, he began to realize he would have to start taking more responsibility for his education if he wanted to succeed later in life. “Lowered expectations can often be a problem (for students with learning disabilities),” Cheney said. “Sometimes families and teachers can help too much and students can kind of get a learned helplessness.” Those feelings of helplessness keep many students with learning disabilities from college educations, she said. “There are a lot of capable students out there and the message is getting to them more and more that college is an option,” Cheney, whose son has a learning disability and is a UNR graduate, said. While Thornley tries to do as much as he can on his own, he still needs help in some areas. His freshman year, he took a year-long Math 120 class offered through the Disability Resource Center. Now that his math requirement is completed, he uses only the alternative testing and note-taking services offered through the center. The alternative testing is the same test given in the classes, but in a longer allotted time period and in the Disability Resource Center, Thornley said. Another student in the same class provides the note-taking service by agreeing to take his own notes on carbon-copy paper in exchange for a $100 stipend toward the next semester’s tuition, Zabel said. Note-takers are screened by the Disability Resource Center to make sure their handwriting is legible and they are not on academic probation, she said. The money automatically is reduced from the following semester’s tuition.

Dyslexic Friendly Video Email

admin — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:22:50 +0000

There’s now a great way for dyslexic people to communicate using video email. I came across some great technology called helloWorld that can be used to: Send and receive Audio and Video Emails Create Personalised Email Templates Broadcasts Live on the Internet Store and Manage all of Your Media Online Create Video Play Lists for [...]

Dyslexia & I

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:06:34 +0000

A cut-out collage style animation I made which follows the expirences of two girl with dyslexia

What is it like to have dyslexia? Animations & Illustrations

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:09:00 +0000

This is a series of animations taken from a project aimed at helping people to find out what it is like to have dyslexia. The animations were created by illustration students working with health professionals as part of our new Health Design Technology Institute. The DVD 'Demystifying Visual Dyslexia' can be bought on the Coventry University website. It is just one of the great examples of our students using their skills to help people.

Approaching a career with dyslexia

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:44:23 +0000

Approaching a career with dyslexia

Say ‘Hi’ to Your Dyslexia

admin — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:46:18 +0000

Saying ‘Hi’ to Dyslexia and explore how it affects your life. This is a fun workshop full of games and role plays. The session starts with Antonio telling everyone a bit about himself and how dyslexic affected his life until he learnt how to get rid of all of the difficulties that dyslexia was causing him. After this you will take part in a game that will help you to explain what your dyslexia means to you and how it affects your life. Once you have done this, Antonio will explain his theory about dyslexia to you and tell you how he used it to get rid of all of his dyslexia difficulties. Then it’s your turn to test out Antonio’s theory by doing a role play that will help you to decide if he’s theory will suit you too. Antonio will then set you some fun homework for you to do before the next workshop beings. The homework will help you to look at your dyslexia in a way that is really positive and that will make you feel proud to be dyslexic.

Say ‘Bye’ to Your Dyslexia Difficulties

admin — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:38:46 +0000

Saying ‘Bye’ to Difficulties by learning how to overcome your dyslexia. This workshop is full of excitement and challenges. The session starts with a group role play that describes some of the dyslexia difficulties that the group experiences. You will help to write the script for this role play so it’s your chance to show off your creative skills or to add a few comical bits to it. The next thing you will be doing is describe the main dyslexia difficulties you experience and would like to get rid of. Antonio and the rest of the team will then show you how you can become a ‘self-organised learner’ and find ways to overcome your own dyslexia difficulties. Then you will be able to do an experiment to see if you can find ways to improve your skills and abilities within an area that has been giving you difficulties, for example, improving your reading and writing skills. Then Antonio will set you some fun homework to do before the next workshop begins. The homework will help you to try out what you have learnt on start to overcome other dyslexia difficulties.

Join Dyslexic Brian’s Gang

admin — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:32:58 +0000

Join Dyslexic Brian’s Gang so that you can share issues and ideas with likeminded people. This workshop is the full of creativity and innovation. This session starts with Antonio explaining how important it is for members of the group to try and keep in touch in order to offer support to each other. As a group we will have a discussion around the types of methods that we could use to keep in touch with each other. We will have an IT specialist at our dispose that will help us to set up whatever methods of online communication we come up with as a group. Once we have decided on the way we will keep in touch with each other we will come up with our own Dyslexic Brian Gang Rules. Creating our own Gang Rules is good fun and we can add a few silly rules to have a laugh. This workshop ends with a Dyslexic Brian Gang Award Ceremony where you will receive a certificate of achievement from Dyslexic Brian himself!

Overcoming Dyslexic | Young Peoples Workshops | Aims and Objectives

admin — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:53:07 +0000

Overview of aims and objectives for Young Peoples Dyslexia Workshops in Bristol

Disabled Students’ Allowances

admin — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:23:03 +0000

Disabled Students’ Allowances provide extra financial help if you have a disability or specific learning difficulty like dyslexia. They are available on top of the standard student finance package and don’t have to be repaid. This page is an introduction to what is available if you live in England. Who Disabled Students’ Allowances are aimed [...]

Overcoming Dyslexia Workshop 1: Exploring Your Dyslexia

admin — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:13:15 +0000

Exploring Your Dyslexia Many dyslexic people never really take a close look at their own dyslexia and get to know it intimately. If this applies to you then come along to this workshop as it will help you to understand your dyslexia on a deeper level. As a group we will explore what dyslexia is, [...]

Overcoming Dyslexia Workshop 2: Creating a super charged ‘Dyslexic Mindset’

admin — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:09:52 +0000

Is your current view of dyslexia holding you back from achieving your goals or from excelling in your current career? If yes, then this workshop is for you! It has been specifically designed to help you conceptualise your dyslexia as a phantom condition that has been imposed on you by educational and social forces. We will guide you through the process of re-conceptualised your dyslexia in this liberating way and then assist you to create a super charged ‘Dyslexic Mindset’ that will help you achieve your goals and excel within your career.

Overcoming Dyslexia Workshop 3: Overcoming Your Dyslexia

admin — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 12:59:41 +0000

Difficulties with reading, writing, expressing thought coherently and organisational management are just a few issues that are commonly associated with dyslexia and which can generally limit the potential of dyslexic people. Within this workshop we will assist you to identify and then prioritise the main issues relating to your dyslexia that you wish to overcome. We will then assist you to design and develop your own methods and techniques to overcome these issues which if applied will help you to free yourself completely of dyslexia.

Dyslexic Brian @ The University of Bristol Freshers’ Fair

admin — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:02:04 +0000

Dyslexic Brian went down really well at The University of Bristol Freshers’ Fair. Two of the co-founders of Dyslexic Brian, Goga and Antonio, spent all day telling students about the services that we offer. Goga and Antonio were shattered when they got back to the office but they said it had been worth it due to them having met dozens of positive minded dyslexic and non-dyslexic students. There was a huge interest in November’s dyslexia workshops that are aimed at assisting people to completely overcome their dyslexia. Also, loads of people signed up for our newsletter – we’ll be sending out the newsletters very soon but first Goga and Antonio are sending out a personalised video email to everyone who signed up for it. Loads of the students we spoke to said that it would be good for us to start a Bristol University Dyslexic Brian Society – we think this is a great idea and we are now looking into setting this up. If we become a society we’re planning to run a free discussion group about dyslexia each month at the Uni – these should be good fun and will hopefully be useful to students who want to increase their awareness and understanding of dyslexia.

Dyslexic Brian’s Exercise 1

admin — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:48:53 +0000

Explore your dyslexia by doing a self-characterisation sketch One of the techniques that we use at Dyslexic Brian, to assist the people to overcome their dyslexia, is called a self-characterisation sketch*, (or sketch for short). (*N.B. a self-characterisation sketch is a technique devised by George A Kelly (1955) and used in personal construct psychology) We have found that using self-characterisation sketch can be a good way for many people to begin the process of exploring their perception of dyslexia.

Dyslexic Brian’s Exercise 3 (Instructions)

admin — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:42:15 +0000

This exercise has been designed to assist you to reduce some of the negative feelings that you might have towards your dyslexia. The exercise is made up of seven simple steps – these are outlined below to give you an overview of what it will take to do this exercise: 1) Make a list of all the things about your dyslexia that you feel negative about 2) Prioritise your list 3) Write each heading from your list on separate pieces of paper 4) Explore the negative aspect of each issue 5) Write down how you would like things to be regarding each issue you are focusing on 6) Start working out how you would bring about changes to create the way you’d ‘ideally’ like things to be 7) Write an action plan and act on it

Dyslexic Brian’s Exercise 3 (Step One)

admin — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:39:27 +0000

Step one: Make a list of all the things about your dyslexia that you feel negative about (and/or wish to overcome) Make a list of all the things that you are feeling negative about towards your dyslexia; a few words will do. Don’t worry too much at this stage where you start from as you will prioritise them in the next step of this process. For now simply list all the things that are making you feel negative about your dyslexia. Write down anything that comes into your head!