Petition Tag - dyslexia

The following is the definition of dyslexia adopted by the Research Committee of the International Dyslexia Association in August 2002:

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterised by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction.

Secondary problems may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.

Dyslexia Australia's Definition:

Dyslexia is the capacity to process information differently, enabling innovative thought and perception. It is characterised by a visual and experiential learning style. Methods using this learning style allow dyslexic people to realise their capabilities and minimise the negative impact commonly developed by conventional methods. (concept by C. Fraser. Wording by B. Baird and C. Fraser)

People with dyslexia display some of the following signs:

Confused by letters, numbers, words, sequences, or verbal explanations.

Reading or writing shows repetitions, additions, transpositions, omissions, substitutions, and reversals in letters, numbers and/or words.

Complains of feeling or seeing non-existent movement while reading, writing, or copying.

Seems to have difficulty with vision, yet eye exams don't reveal a problem.

Trouble learning Sight Words (WHY? Click Here)

Reads and rereads with little comprehension.

Spells phonetically and inconsistently.

With the exception of New South Wales, Dyslexia is not recognised within the Australian School System.

This is not in line with other countries like the United Kingdom, or United States of America. Australia is behind and our children are suffering.

Dyslexia is a learning difference not a learning disability. It is only a disability because the current education system only recognises one way of learning. If you don't fit the "norm" then you have to adapt or get left behind.

It should not be a fight between parents and the school system. Teachers and specialists should have the knowledge and tools to be able to assist all children with their learning, whatever their style.

View petition

Dyslexia is characterised by a significant disability with reading and spelling. Dyslexia often presents in children who otherwise appear capable and academically promising. It is estimated that two to three children in every classroom have dyslexia.

5-10% of children and adults struggle with dyslexia daily. Research shows that children with dyslexia are at greater risk of behaving badly at school, becoming socially withdrawn and developing depression. Currently dyslexia is not recognised as a learning disability in any state other than New South Wales. Similar nations such as Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States have 'dyslexia friendly schools'.

With the national focus on standardised testing, it seems incongruous that the Western Australian government does not recognise dyslexia as a learning disability, thereby enabling the appropriate educational support for our dyslexic children.

In Western Australia dyslexia is not recognised as a learning disabilty.

View petition

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE 2/8/12

Upperlimits HAS BEEN SAVED from closure!!!

Through your support and the efforts of the club staff, climbers, their family and friends Leek College agreed to colaberate with Leek High School and gift the equipment to the climbing club. Leek High School has also offered their support to encourage the development of a community based climbing centre.

Thank you for your support.

Leek Climbing Centre as it is now known is carrying on with the regular programme of Kids Club and Squad training as well as providing a training centre for climbers of all ages and abilities.

To contact Mark at the centre contact: 07837881198

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE 6/3/12

At a recent meeting with Leek College principal, Rob Morrey we were told that UPPERLIMITS CLIMBING WALL WILL CLOSE ON 31ST JULY 2012.

Upperlimits has already closed down as a provider of outdoor pursuits activities for Leek College and, although the Kids Climbing Club is growing in numbers, it doesn't fit the criteria for further education. Therefore the climbing wall can no longer be part of the college.

BUT…
Leek College has pledged to extend the use until 31st July to allow climbers of all ages time to find alternative funding and management to keep the wall. They have also promised to include the users in any developments and support the users find independence.

SO…
With this aim a committee representing users and supporters is being formed to keep the wall open and running as a climbing facility for community use.

We would like to thank you for your heartfelt support and ask you to please offer what you can whether time, advice, or ideas that continue your support. Any help however small or seemingly irrelevant is powerful.

THE PETITION IS STILL ACTIVE.
Not only will it ensure fair treatment by Leek College, it will help to demonstrate the need a community climbing wall to secure funding.

It has already had an impact!

BACKGROUND
The kids club has been going for many years and has produced national climbing champions and influenced the careers of many young people, who have passed through the ranks to become instructors and move on to related employment.

Since relocating to Leek High Specialist Technology School from Longnor in 2011 kids club membership has outgrown one evening and now occupies two evenings of double sessions.

Upperlimits is unique among similar children's climbing clubs for the dedicated and individual attention given by the staff. Each child is befriended and helped by staff and more experienced youth members. Complex skills are taught through fun and peer support as confidence is gained through the risk taking aspects of climbing in a safe environment.

Many of the members are effected by difficulties from conditions such as Autism and Dyspraxia. The club provides an essential outlet for these young people to feel accepted and to achieve without the pressure of competition. For some it is their only social contact outside school.

The families who attend have found a rare welcome and exceptional tolerance for tag-along siblings with similar conditions. Many have not attended other clubs without fear of disrupting the session. Comfortable seating and beverages are thoughtfully provided while they watch.

With public access other climbers are welcomed at any time adding diversity and a greater pool of shared skills. The youth members particularly benefit from seeing adults climbing.

The centre is situated in Leek with no alternative closer than in Stoke-on-Trent 20 miles away which for most members would be too far to travel.

Upperlimits is not just a sports club, it is a life-line to many of its users past and present. It is essential that it remains open.

View petition

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond imagination. It is our light more than our darkness that scares us. We ask ourselves - Who are we to be brilliant, beautiful, talented, and fabulous. But honestly, who are YOU not to be so?"
-Marianne Williamson

Dyslexia is not recognized or tested for in any school district. Dyslexic children often dont qualify for special education...because their IQ is too high...so they are left to suffer in the class room. These are intelligent children who only need to be taught differently...If we could recognize Dyselxia and treat it accordingly we would produce highly intelligent, productive adults. People like: Thomas Edison, John F. Kennedy, Henry Ford, Andrew Jackson, Albert Einstein,Magic Johnson,Tommy Hilfiger, Pablo Picasso,Nelson Rockefeller
Leonardo da Vinci, Tom Cruise, Whoopi Goldberg

View petition