The D word

My research work for a PhD is using Action research and looking at Learning Difficulties (dyslexia) in the community and in particular in higher education.

In Australia it seems that the D word is not in Education policy with all the ramifications of a hidden, disempowered , marginalized people. And yet the overall LD numbers are continuing to go up exponentially.

Some students may develop a lifetime of 'learned helplessness', shame etc and more... some are resilient and find their niche and are fine BUT the others?? Jail,drugs,mental health, etc The irony is that in higher education students ( the resilient ones) who may need some help with a scribe for lectures for example, has to tested ( pay for it themselves) and labelled dyslexic in order to get funding from the Disability Act!

I believe we need to 'reinscribe' it to be a learning difference/ways of knowing/style etc rather than a 'deficit' and part of the medical model. NZ they have just acknowledged dyslexia - Ministery of Education,and an new group which sounds like they are going down the path of advocacy and gift/talent of dyslexia I see we may change soon in Australia

I liked what Sue was saying about the words that are 'in' or 'out' and remember when I started in Mental health everything was mental illness. I insisted on calling my community project Mental Health and I was seen as a radical back in the 1980's. I'm thought to be radical now when I do information sessions in the community on the 'D' word and am inspired to continue when I hear parent stories of how they have approached schools and been told that their child wasn't dyslexic ( and the family have a history of it) and the confusion this causes and the lack of help given. I could go on ...

I have body/mind therapy background and work with the outstanding work and ideas of the late Dr Tomatis. My website leads on to other links (www.soundeducation.com.au)

His concept of of the voice/ear/brain as a regulator of perceptions makes sense and now we see he was 'correct' and it is being 'proven' now with current technology- yet 50 years ago it was revolutionary for an ENT to think holistically! He views listening starts in utero where the rhythms of the mothers voice connect the fetus and start the journey into language and learning. Great stuff, it brings about huge AH Hahs and spiritual development. In practice we work with the mother (and fathers too) and can help the integration process of mind/body/spirit and learning.

Any thoughts on this from anywhere would be appreciated....in anticipation...

Posted by Kay