Dyslexia Blog

Another Drop-In!

2012-02-01T16:12:00.002Z

I will be in the Library Basement on Friday, 3rd February 9.30 am and 11 am

Come along for a chat.

Find out about Dyslexia or what to do if you think you are dyslexic.

Tutorials for students with Dyslexia

2012-01-18T15:36:00.002Z

Some of you may have a different timetable this semester.

Check that you are able to keep your appointments with Monica or Jude and......

..... re book if necessary!

Fonts

2011-12-09T15:52:00.002Z

'Just my Type' - by Simon Garfield - is a book about fonts currently being serialised on Radio 4

There is a campaign against Comic Sans though it is seen as being dyslexia friendly!

This is written in Arial.
Do you have any preferences or opinions?

Dyslexia Drop - In

2011-10-07T11:22:00.004Z

Find out about Dyslexia!

Come to the Library Basement on 10th October

11 am - 1 pm

Evernote

2011-09-01T14:50:00.003Z

Get sorted for the new academic year!
Evernote is FREE and is easy to download to your computer.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has tried it.....

Congratulations and welcome to Northumbria

2011-08-18T14:32:00.002Z

Congratulations to all new students coming to Northumbria in September!

If you are a student with Dyslexia (or other Specific Learning Difficulty) come to see us in Student Support and Wellbeing, Ground Floor, Northumberland Building so we can set up your support needs.

Congratulations!

2011-07-18T09:52:00.003Z

Well done to all of you completing courses this year!

If you are still on the journey or things have not gone as well as you hoped - don't forget that Dyslexia Support Tutorials are available both at City Campus and Coach Lane.

Degree Shows 2011

2011-06-24T14:14:00.004Z

Architecture Degree Show

Reveal 2011 in the School of Design

Visual Arts

Check the University web page for details!

Free stuff!

2011-06-15T08:59:00.002Z

I'm exploring free assistive software at the moment and one brilliant thing I've found is the desk top equivalent of post it notes.

They are called Stickies and available at:
http://www.zhornsoftware.co.uk/stickies

Any other suggestions to share?

Last day of exams!

2011-05-27T08:16:00.002Z

Many of you will be finished for the summer after today!

Some of you will be on Placement or continuing with your course.

Remember that Student Support & Wellbeing will be open for appointments with Advisers and Dyslexia Support Tutors.

Exams!

2011-04-18T14:19:00.002Z

Exams are looming up for many of you. if you need any advice on revision techniques - book a tutorial with Monica at City Campus or Jude at Coach Lane Campus. Remember - a multi sensory approach often works well!

Technology reminder

2011-02-23T16:09:00.002Z

Mind Genius and Read and Write 9 are available through Citrix.

Mind Genius is useful for planning.
Read and Write 9 is a floating bar which will read text to you!
This could be your own work, web pages or journal articles.

Have a go and tell me what you think.

Using your computer....

2011-01-27T13:52:00.003Z

A comment on the previous post highlighted that using your computer was a good way to keep organised.

Have you used Google Calendar or the To Do Bar in Outlook?

Is there anything you would recommend?

January, 2011

2011-01-13T16:34:00.002Z

Happy New Year!
I hope you all had a good break and you are ready for lectures and seminars next week.

Any good tips for being organised this semester?

Strictly Star on Dyslexia

2010-11-15T12:19:00.001Z

If you missed this programme, find it on:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00vy8c7/Kara_Tointon_Dont_call_Me_Stupid/

Hidden Dyslexia

2010-10-27T12:30:00.003Z

Next week (1 - 7 November) is Dyslexia Awareness Week
The theme is: 'Hidden Dyslexia'

Do you hide your dyslexia?

I would love to hear your views on this - post a comment!

Don't panic!

2010-10-19T13:48:00.002Z

Are you having problems with your 1st assignment?

Don't panic!

Your tutors may be able to guide you
Look at Skills Plus on the Library web pages
There are dyslexia support tutorials available at City Campus and Coach Lane.

End of the 1st Teaching Week!

2010-10-01T14:04:00.005Z

I hope you are all settling in and managing to get organised.
If you are confused about technical issues - visit the I.T. home page for help.

http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/sd/central/its

Summer!

2010-07-15T13:39:00.003Z

I hope you all find some time to relax and enjoy the summer.

Is there anything you need to sort out for September?

Any advice from returning students?

Results!

2010-06-29T08:14:00.002Z

Congratulations to final year students!

If it hasn't gone as well as you hoped - don't forget that dyslexia support tutorials are available over the summer.

Orlando Bloom

2010-06-18T08:03:00.003Z

Orlando Bloom finds it difficult to read scripts and memorise lines because of his dyslexia. He talked openly about this in New York recently.

Do you talk openly about your dyslexia?

Dyslexia at Chelsea Flower Show

2010-05-28T13:42:00.003Z

A garden representing ideas about dyslexia is a bronze winner at the Chelsea Flower Show and Professor John Stein has been explaining it all on radio!

Careers!

2010-04-23T13:45:00.009Z

Northumbria Careers and Employment Service is offering a programme of summer workshops and career coaching to help you take a step towards career success.

The programme starts on 25th May with:

Think, Laugh and Plan with SUMOGuy Paul McGee

Email sv.careers@northumbria.ac.uk for more information.

http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/sd/central/stud_serv/careers/careersevents/careerconfidence

Dyslexia Support

2010-03-29T14:31:00.002Z

We are busy at the moment but we do get cancellations!

If you are unable to get a tutorial with Monica or Jude

- ask to be put on the contact list.

Another film about Dyslexia!

2010-02-04T10:09:00.001Z

After the highly acclaimed 'Taare Zameen Par' and 'Dislecksia:The Movie' comes 'Musik'.
This is set in the West Midlands and is about a teenage girl who finds a talent for music.
It stars 19 year old Natasha Bennett (now better known as Taisa) and is due to be released in the Spring.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-08T14:55:00.002Z

Welcome back - I hope you all had a good holiday and you feel ready for the challenges ahead.
Take some time to organise your notes.
Perhaps a colour coding system for different modules would help.

Dyslexia Awareness Week

2009-11-03T14:25:00.002Z

This week (from 1 - 7th November) is Dyslexia Awareness Week.

The theme this year is Dyslexia Strengths.

Keira Knightley is talented - perhaps her creativity is connected to her dyslexia.

Alan Sugar's problem solving skills may be connected to his dyslexia.

What are your strengths?

Post a comment

Referencing??

2009-10-16T14:37:00.003Z

If you are a student with Dyslexia you may find sequences difficult.

If you are confused about referencing, for example, and would like some help - book some time with one of the Dyslexia Support Tutors.

Phone for an appointment:

City Campus (0191 227 3849)

Coach Lane (0191 215 6590)

Psychological Test for Dyslexia

2009-09-14T15:05:00.003Z

Calling all Students who had an Initial Dyslexia Test in the summer!

If you would like to apply to ALF for funding the full Psychological test - the forms are now available.

Collect them from:

the ALF office, Northumberland Building, City Campus

Student Services - Northumberland Building, City Campus

Allendale Building at Coach Lane Campus.

Resits

2009-07-29T10:05:00.003Z

Don't Panic!

If you have to resit an exam or an assignment - Dyslexia Support Tutorials are available at City Campus over the summer.

Make an appointment by phoning 0191 227 3849

'Dislecksia:The Movie'

2009-07-02T10:58:00.002Z

Captured Time Productions are currently finishing a documentary called

'Dislecksia: The Movie'

The director (Harvey Hubbell V) is dyslexic himself and I have put a link to the Captured Time blog (go to Links on the right) so you can follow the progress of the film.

Check out the trailers on You Tube!

Bing or Google?

2009-07-01T13:15:00.002Z

I think we all use Google for some things - perhaps to start the thinking process or look up an idea.

Bing has been set up as a rival and you can compare results by going to:
http://www.bing-vs-google.com

Put in a topic and see the results side by side!

Degree Shows

2009-06-22T12:57:00.002Z

There are 3 brilliant Degree shows this week at Northumbria:

Architecture [24th to 30th June]
Ellison Building

Design [19th to 26th June]
Design School, City Campus East

Visual Arts [19th to 30th June]
Squires Annexe and Building

Careers Cafe today!

2009-06-03T08:30:00.004Z

Come to the Careers Centre today (Wednesday) between 10am and 4pm

talk to a careers adviser

get some help from the information team and the International student employment adviser

use the centre in a relaxed and informal way over a free cup of coffee, tea or juice plus cakes and biscuits!

ALF (Access to Learning Fund)

2009-05-28T08:53:00.003Z

Many students apply to the Access to Learning Fund (ALF) for help with the cost of the Psychological Test for dyslexia.

ALF is now closed for the summer except for students on year round courses like Nursing.
The fund for those students closes on 13th July 2009.

The Dyslexia Support Tutors will still be doing the initial assessments for dyslexia over the summer so please book an appointment if you think you may be dyslexic.
When the fund opens again we will give you the application forms.

Dyslexic at University

2009-04-29T10:54:00.002Z

On my previous post (about exams) a comment was posted from someone running a blog called 'Dyslexic at University'
If you click on comment at the end of the exams post, then click on 'Dyslexic at University' you will find this blog.

It is a record of that person's experience as a dyslexic student at University then beyond University into employment.

You may be able to identify with some of the issues raised!

Post a comment if any of you write similar blogs....

Exam Deadline!

2009-03-27T14:48:00.003Z

Individual Exam Arrangements have to be in place before the Easter break.

If you are eligible for extra time etc. go to Student Services and make an appointment to speak to one of the Disability Advisers

Your next piece of work....

2009-03-10T11:24:00.004Z

What do you do?
Wait until the last moment to start? Panic? Plan the work in small steps?

Reading the assignment question and making sure you understand what to do - this can often be a tricky moment and a test of your confidence.

Sometimes writing or typing it out again using a larger font in different colours can help you to find and think about the key words.
These are often commands telling you what to do. For example: 'critically evaluate'or 'discuss'
Sometimes just underlining the key words helps.
Perhaps talking it over with someone would help?

What do you do when you get a new assignment?

Health and Wellbeing Fair!

2009-02-26T15:02:00.007Z

The Venue, Students' Union

Monday 2nd March

11 - 3.30pm

plus satellite events across the University.

The fair will cover a broad range of health/wellbeing issues including information on:

Sport, Exercise and Outdoor activities, Mental Wellbeing, Food and Nutrition,

Smoking, Alcohol, Substance Misuse, Sexual Health,

Healthcare provision within the City and Alternative therapies.

Are you looking for a career in law?

2009-02-12T09:02:00.002Z

There is an event in London on the 19th March sponsored by 4 leading City law firms.

If you are a student with a disability, dyslexia or other specific learning difficulty and you are in in any year of study of a law or non-law degree at university in the UK or Ireland - you are eligible.

Apply by sending your CV and a covering letter to Employment Opportunities at bryn.roberts@eopps.org or phone 07940 589 649

Technology

2009-02-05T12:25:00.002Z

Have you got Inspirations, Text Help Read & Write, Dragon and a recorder?

Do you use your assistive technology?
Would you like some help learning how to use it?

Book a tutorial with the Dyslexia Support Tutors:
City Campus (phone 0191 227 3849)
or Coach Lane Campus (phone 0191 215 6590)

Post some advice or a comment!

2009

2009-01-13T10:23:00.002Z

1st week back: exams for some of you, assignments due and January weather!
if you have any spare time - try to get organised for Semester 2....

sort out your notes
put important dates on your wall planner
start using your diary

How could you improve your organisation?

Post a comment and pass on some advice...

Holidays!

2008-12-16T10:19:00.002Z

I hope you all have a really good holiday!

Free Software!

2008-12-01T11:03:00.003Z

Many thanks to Ian Smythe for providing some brilliant information about assistive technology.
Go to the new link on the right (Ian Smythe's Blog) and find the archive entry for the 1st September.

Much of this free software is also available in other languages.

Try it out and post a comment about it!

January Exams!

2008-11-19T14:53:00.002Z

Don't forget that individual exam arrangements have to be in place before
28th November so speak to a Disabilities Adviser if you need to.

Exams put pressure on our memory and organisational skills so a 1st step towards revision could be to sort out your notes.

Consider booking a tutorial with one of the Dyslexia Support Tutors to explore some exam strategies.

Share some revision ideas by posting a comment.

2008-10-31T13:12:00.002Z

Dyslexia Awareness Week 03/11/08 - 09/11/08

Have you told your friends, tutors or people at work that you are dyslexic?

I think it is a good idea to tell as many people as possible.....

Do you agree?

Any comments?

Don't Panic!

2008-10-20T10:58:00.002Z

Are you a Final Year student with a Dissertation to write?

Get help and advice from Academic Tutors, the Library and the Dyslexia Support Tutors.

If writing such a long piece of work is making you panic - don't forget to divide it up into stages to make it more manageable.

Any comments or ideas to pass on for getting started?

Get Organised for 2008-9!

2008-10-10T11:15:00.003Z

Your course has now started and you may be feeling overwhelmed!
Get organised with: a wall chart, diary, a daily to do list and prompts on your mobile phone.
Tutorials are available for dyslexic students at City Campus (Phone 0191 227 3849)
and Coach Lane Campus (Phone 0191 215 6590)

Any comments or other ideas?

Dyslexia goes to the Oscars!

2008-10-03T09:55:00.002Z

A film about an eight year old boy with dyslexia is India's entry for the 2009 Oscars.
It is called 'Taare Zameen Par' and you can find out more by following this link.

http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-31031920071218

Harry Potter/Daniel Radcliffe

2008-09-24T08:59:00.002Z

Some of you reading this may be either Dyslexic or Dyspraxic or perhaps both.

The actor, Daniel Radcliffe, recently disclosed that he is Dyspraxic.
Follow this link to find out more:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/main.jhtml?xml=/health/2008/09/15/hdyspraxia115.xml

Any comments?

Student Services

2008-09-17T14:35:00.002Z

The new look Student Services is up and running in Northumberland Building (City Campus) and Allendale Building (Coach Lane Campus)

Welcome to all new and returning students!

Student Services

2008-08-21T12:40:00.002Z

We are all getting ready for the start of the new Academic Year.

You may have seen the new Student Services logo starting to appear....

In the news!

2008-07-30T11:25:00.002Z

A medical student with dyslexia is to take legal action in a bid to prevent the use of multiple choice exams.

Professor John Stein of Oxford University commented that dyslexic students are disadvantaged by all exams which is why they are often given extra time.

This is the link to the BBC report:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7530159.stm

The Fonz

2008-07-09T13:05:00.004Z

Some of you may remember a tv programme called Happy Days and the character played by Henry Winkler - The Fonz.

Henry Winkler is dyslexic and has written a series of books about a dyslexic boy based on his own experiences at school.

He is currently on a UK tour to promote his books as part of the National Year of Reading.
Click on these links to find out more:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7486545.stm

http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Hey-139-too-cool-to.4268664.jp

Dore Company Closes

2008-06-04T08:18:00.002Z

A company that claimed to offer a 'miracle cure' for dyslexia has closed its UK offices.
Read about it online:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/may/28/dyslexia.dore/

Any comments?

Careers Cafe

2008-06-03T09:31:00.002Z

Come along to the Careers Centre today between 10am and 4pm.
You will be able to: talk to a Careers Adviser,
get help from the information team,
have a cup of tea,coffee or juice AND a piece of cake!

Help from ALF

2008-05-22T08:25:00.004Z

ALF (Access to Learning Fund) may be able to help with the cost of your Psychological test for dyslexia.
If you are on part of the March intake, for Nursing (degree or diploma) you may still be able to apply to ALF for help with this.

For other students - the fund is now closed and opens again in September 2008 after you have enrolled for the new academic year.

Arts & Social Sciences Drop-In

2008-05-01T09:17:00.002Z

Thanks to all the students and staff who spoke to us on Monday in Lipman foyer!
If you were unable to come and need some information or advice about Dyslexia - please e mail us on sv.disability@northumbria.ac.uk

Dyslexia Drop In

2008-04-23T10:15:00.003Z

Arts and Social Sciences

Lipman Foyer on 28th April

Drop in between 12 noon and 2pm

If you think you may be dyslexic - find out what to do.

Ask questions.

Get some information.

Spring

2008-04-04T15:09:00.003Z

I hope you are enjoying the holiday and better weather!

Don't forget that Student Services will be open both at Coach Lane and City Campus.

Dyslexia in the News

2008-03-17T12:06:00.002Z

Research commissioned by Xtraordinary People concludes that 55% of children failing SATs have dyslexia or a specific learning difficulty.

There is a call for dyslexia specialists in every school.

Read the full report by clicking the link to Xtraordinary People on the right of this page.

Any comments?

Search the Web!

2008-03-07T14:57:00.004Z

Intute is a free online service providing access to subject based Web resources.

http://www.intute.ac.uk

Go to Internet Training
Choose Virtual Training Suite to get started!

For more information - post a comment!

Exams - again!

2008-02-29T09:11:00.002Z

This is a very busy time for everyone....Dissertations....Exhibitions.....Exams.
We have put some exam revision techniques on disc.

If you book an IT Tutorial with Tim or a Dyslexia Tutorial with Monica - ask for a demo and take a copy home!

Placements

2008-02-15T16:44:00.002Z

Some of you may be going out on Placement this semester.

If you could give one piece of advice to dyslexic students going on Placement, what would it be?

2008-02-08T11:34:00.000Z

Thanks to the students and staff who came to the CEIS Drop In.

If you would like some information or advice on Dyslexia please e mail us
sv.disability@northumbria.ac.uk

Drop In Event at CEIS

2008-01-23T16:19:00.000Z

We are having a Drop In Event at the

School of Computing, Engineering and Information Sciences.

Wednesday, 30th January between 11am and 1pm in the Matrix.

Come along and meet us for a informal chat about dyslexia, get some information, advice, see the assistive technology and book appointments with the Advisers.

Xtraordinary People

2008-01-15T09:56:00.000Z

We have put a new link on the right .

Just click on it and you will go straight to Xtraordinary People which is all about: dyslexia, famous dyslexic people and the latest news.

Tell me what you think!

January Exams

2008-01-09T16:26:00.000Z

Good luck to everyone sitting exams this week and next.
If you would like to find out about ideas for revision, tutorial time can be booked at:
City Campus (0191 227 3849)
and Coach Lane (0191 215 6590)

Holidays!

2007-12-10T15:59:00.000Z

The term is drawing to a close.

Remember that Student Services will close at 5pm on 20th December.

We will be open again on 2nd January.

I hope you all have a really good holiday and come back refreshed.

Exam Revision

2007-12-07T15:08:00.000Z

Some of you are writing assignments and revising for January exams.

Divide the tasks into small steps and make lists!
Check Blackboard for revision questions.
Try to use a multi sensory approach with pictures, diagrams, recordings and active methods.

Have any of you any advice to share?

Busy time...lots to remember

2007-11-23T15:19:00.000Z

Many dyslexic students describe themselves as being very forgetful.
A short term memory deficit is often stated in Psychological Reports as part of a dyslexic profile.
This can have a big impact on both academic work and everyday life.

Do you write a to do list everyday?
Do you have any other strategies to help you remember?
What is the worst thing that you have ever forgotten to do?

Telling them at work

2007-11-16T15:39:00.000Z

Last week I had an anonymous comment about the implications of disclosing dyslexia at work.

Is it possible that there could be a positive outcome if you told them?

Have any of you told your employers and been pleasantly surprised about the support?
Have you any advice to give?

Dyslexia Awareness Week

2007-11-09T09:47:00.000Z

This week is Dyslexia Awareness Week.

Consider telling someone about your dyslexia.
This could be a tutor, friend or someone at work.

Do any of you have comments to make about telling people?
Do you have any advice to share?

January Exams

2007-11-08T12:29:00.000Z

If you are dyslexic and have not registered with the Disability Service please do this as soon as possible!
This is so all individual exam arrangements can be put in place by the end of November.

Dissertations 2

2007-11-01T09:04:00.000Z

Some of you have a January deadline for handing in dissertations.

Don't panic!

Think about how to use the next 6 weeks.

Divide the dissertation up into smaller tasks.
Meet up with your Dissertation Tutor and discuss ideas.
Write the sections you are confident with first.
Book tutorials with the Dyslexia Tutors.

Too many things to do?

2007-10-24T15:30:00.000Z

As this semester goes on and the work piles up, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Try to prioritise.

Make a list of all tasks, dates and special instructions.

Break the tasks down so you have smaller steps and then tick them off the list.

How do you cope? Any advice to share?

Referencing

2007-10-12T13:46:00.000Z

Lots of students are busy with assignments and sometimes find it confusing to use references.

'Cite them right' is a guide which your tutors may recommend.
It is being sold in the Library and in the Well Read bookshop and explains what referencing is as well as giving examples.

The Dyslexia Tutors often include referencing in the tutorial programmes.
Book an appointment at City Campus in Northumberland Building (0191 227 3849)
or at Coach Lane Campus in Allendale Building (0191 215 6590)

Do any of you have any comments or advice about referencing?

Dissertations!

2007-10-02T10:28:00.000Z

Final year students are starting to think about and prepare for their longest piece of writing so far.

It can be a bit daunting at first but help and advice is available from academic tutors and support staff.

Once you divide the work up into smaller steps it may feel a bit more under control!

Dyslexia tutorials are available at:
City Campus (0191 227 3849)
Coach Lane Campus (0191 215 6590)

Do you have any tips to pass on for the initial stages?

First Teaching Week...

2007-09-24T08:59:00.000Z

Your course starts or resumes this week!
You may be feeling a little bit overwhelmed with time tables, finding your teaching rooms and generally getting organised.

Try to work out what your strategies could be. A wall chart may help, a diary, a daily to do list or setting prompts on your mobile phone.

Tutorials are available for dyslexic students.
Phone 0191 227 3849 to make an appointment at City Campus
or 0191 215 6590 to make an appointment at Coach Lane

More moves at City Campus

2007-09-13T12:54:00.000Z

Welcome back to all returning students and hello to new students!

In the next two weeks, the Disabilities Service will be on the move.
We are joining the rest of Student Services – across the walkway – but still in Northumberland Building.

We are all still available for appointments.
Please phone Reception on 0191 227 3849 or contact us by e mail: sv.disability@northumbria.ac.uk

Careers Centre

2007-08-17T13:37:00.000Z

The new Careers Centre is up and running in Northumberland Building.

Ethic Minority Mentoring Scheme - find out more!
Are you are a UK student from an ethnic minority background and would like to be part of a mentoring programme?

Would you like the support of a mentor from a local company?

Contact Janice Morris, Careers Adviser
janice.morris@northumbria.ac.uk

Another move!

2007-08-07T09:09:00.000Z

The Careers Service at City Campus will be moving this week!
You can contact an Adviser on 0191 227 4204
or by e mail on sv.careers@northumbria.ac.uk

By next week, you will be able to find them in the main corridor of Northumberland Building.

The Careers Service at Coach Lane remains the same.

Famous Dyslexic People 2

2007-07-31T10:01:00.000Z

You may like to visit this web site.

Apart from information about famous dyslexics, it also has some interesting links.

http://www.xtraordinarypeople.com/

Fame!

2007-07-19T14:17:00.000Z

Try putting 'Famous Dyslexics' in Google.

You will find dozens of names including:

Richard Branson, Orlando Bloom, Eddie Izzard, Keira Knightley,
Jamie Oliver and Albert Einstein!

2007-07-09T14:41:00.000Z

Congratulations to final year students!

If it hasn't gone quite to plan - don't forget that dyslexia tutorials are available at City Campus (0191 227 3849) and Coach Lane (0191 215 6590)

Summertime 2

2007-06-29T15:22:00.000Z

We are open!

Don't forget that Student Services will be open throughout the summer at City Campus and Coach Lane Campus.

Moving

2007-06-18T11:41:00.000Z

Are you looking for the Access Funds Office?

It has moved to Room 32 in Northumberland Building (where Study Skills used to be!)

Summertime...

2007-06-08T14:18:00.000Z

There will be lots of changes to City Campus in September when Law, Business and Design all move to City Campus East.

Some of us in Student Services will also be moving but not very far!

The Study Skills Centre has already moved - just for the summer - and can be found in Room 34, Northumberland Building.

Follow the signs from their old room!

Dyslexia in the News (again)

2007-05-29T14:31:00.000Z

Some of you may remember a Channel 4 programme from 2005 called 'The Dyslexia Myth'.

Professor Julian Elliott, from Durham University, contributed to the programme which cast doubts on the existence of dyslexia.

Professor Elliott is in the press again this week outlining a similar argument. Follow this link:

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=50823&in_page_id=34

A counterpoint to this argument has been provided by John Rack, Head of Research and Development with Dyslexia Action, who said: 'There is ample evidence that dyslexia exists across the spectrum and the argument that there is no consistent means of identifying it is one cited by people who do not know enough about the subject.'

Any comments?

2007-05-24T14:39:00.000Z

One more week of exams and then it will be the end of the academic year for some of you!

Don't forget that appointments with the Dyslexia Support Tutors and Disability Advisers will be available for most of the summer break.

Phone: 0191 227 3849 (City Campus)

0191 215 6590 (Coach Lane Campus)

ALF

2007-05-16T14:39:00.000Z

ALF (Access to Learning Fund) may be able to help with the cost of your Psychological test for dyslexia.

If you are on a year round course, for example Nursing (degree or diploma) you will be able to apply to ALF throughout the summer.

For other students - the fund closes on May 18th and opens again in September 2007 after you have enrolled for the new academic year.

Exams 3

2007-05-04T14:47:00.000Z

The exams start soon and some of you may be completing written assignments as well as revising.

Don't forget to eat well and find some time to recover.

Regular breaks are important when you are revising!

EXAMS 2

2007-04-30T08:29:00.000Z

I have had a comment about exams (see the first Exams posting)

Exam details should be sent out to your University e mail address from your School Office as usual.

If you do not get the information, or would like to check, go to your School Office.

Are you funded by SAAS?

2007-04-26T09:15:00.000Z

SAAS students continuing in 2007 -2008

If you get Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) you need to complete a DSA form and send it to SAAS if you want funding to continue for consumable items.

Go to www.student-support-saas.gov.uk for more details and forms

EXAMS!

2007-04-25T12:19:00.000Z

If you have extra time in exams, you may be in a room with students from other courses who also have extra time.

You may be in a room on your own if you have additional arrangements like the use of a computer, for example.

Get the room details from your School Office

Get some help!

2007-04-20T13:53:00.000Z

Use Text Help Read and Write with all web pages including this blog!

Load Text Help Read and Write then click on the drop down menu next to the green arrow.

Choose Web Highlighting.

Click and hover your mouse over a section of text until it becomes highlighted.
The system reads it for you!

Lots of you have Text Help Read and Write as part of your assistive technology from DSA.
It is also available through Desktop Anywhere.

Pictures instead of words?

2007-04-12T13:40:00.000Z

You may like to look at a sketch weblog for a refreshing change.

Go to the Links section on the right and click on Planetham

Technology Two

2007-03-30T14:48:00.000Z

Is your DSA equipment being repaired?
Are you still waiting for delivery?
If you are a student registered with the Disability Service you may be able to borrow equipment from us.
We have: wireless laptops, assistive software and digital recorders.

Book an appointment with one of the Disability Advisers in Student Services to arrange this.

Tim Cunningham is also available to provide free tutorials for registered students who may benefit from some help with I.T.
This could be basic ideas to get started, refresher sessions or more specialist areas.
Do you need to go over the instructions for Text Help Read & Write or Inspiration?What about Power Point presentations? Are you confused about files and folders?

Contact:
Tim Cunningham (Disabilities Technical Adviser) on 0191 243 7686 and 07974972954
or by e mail tim.cunningham@unn.ac.uk

Placements

2007-03-23T14:11:00.000Z

A surprising number of courses at Northumbria have placements.
They may be compulsory or optional and some last a whole academic year!

Do you have any practical advice or information to share about your experiences on placement?

Dissertations!

2007-03-15T12:05:00.000Z

Dyslexia tutors are available to help with dissertations through individual tutorials...

....At this time of year, many students book a series of tutorials for this help.

Although the dyslexia tutors are unable to help with the actual content, there are aspects of writing (e.g. spelling, sentence structure, paragraphing, referencing) which they are able to explain and help you improve.

They will also be able to advise with time management and suggest steps and weekly targets.
Dividing work up into small steps can help with all long assignments - especially dissertations!

Book a tutorial at City Campus (0191 227 3849)
or Coach Lane (0191 215 6590)