I have been asked by Donald Schloss to pass on this information. Please
circulate to those who may be interested. Many thanks.

Best wishes
E.A.

Mrs E.A.Draffan
TechDis, Sussex School of Education
The Institute, University of Sussex
Brighton BN1 9QQ
Tel: 01273 873600
http://www.techdis.ac.uk

 
Ufi/learndirect LAUNCH DYSLEXIA GUIDE
 
Dyslexic adults who thought the e-learning revolution wasn't for them will
now be able to access support on a range of online ICT and business courses,
thanks to a new Dyslexia Guide.
 
The Dyslexia Guide has been introduced by Ufi, the company behind the UK's
largest e-learning network learndirect, to help its 2,000 learndirect and
6,000 UK online centres identify and support dyslexic learners.
 
Part funded by the European Social Fund Objective Three project 'Disability
Champions', the Guide will be launched at conferences to be held on Thursday
19th February 2004 at the @Bristol and Monday 15th March 2004 at Manchester
United Plc. The events will be hosted by the Adult Dyslexia Organisation
(ADO), who are working with Ufi/learndirect to help promote an understanding
of dyslexia in training and employment.
 
John Lawton, Head of Equality and Diversity at Ufi/learndirect said: "There
are estimated to be more than 6,000,000 people in Britain with dyslexia.
With devices like spell-check and with easily changed font sizes and
colours, many see ICT as a way to manage their everyday lives. It's
important learndirect meets these needs in order to help people use
computers to help themselves.
 
"We've been working closely with the ADO to get expert advice on the
usability of our courses and how best to support dyslexic learners. The
Dyslexia Guide, written by the ADO, covers the identification of dyslexia,
using ICT with dyslexic learners, support and styles of learning. A mini
guide will also be available for front line centre staff advising on
practical steps to take with dyslexic or suspected dyslexic learners."
 
The conference is open to local learning centres, business representatives,
educational institutions and ICT service providers. It will consist of a
series of workshops and keynote speeches promoting the use of accessible,
usable and sustainable ICT.
 
Donald Schloss, Chief Executive of the ADO, said: "This year is the Year of
Dyslexic Employment and we want to illustrate that dyslexia friendly is user
friendly. Adjustments made for dyslexia benefit not only dyslexics but
disaffected learners, other learners with disabilities and some older
learners.
 
"The role of educational organisations in tackling issues facing people with
disabilities, including people with dyslexia, is high on the political
agenda. Many organisations will need to learn more about their
responsibilities, and about techniques to engage with learners with
disabilities."
 
John Lawton concluded: "Dyslexia is massively under diagnosed, largely
misunderstood and often over simplified. By tapping in to the expertise of
the ADO, however, we can ensure learners in our centres receive the best
possible support."
 
For further information on the Conferences in Bristol and Manchester, please
contact Donald Schloss on 0207-207-3911 or 07974-755163.
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