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Dear Colleagues, I could write a long defence of Mozi Blocks, but a workshop for the sector on the implications of this little tool would be far better. In the meantime, a few comments: First of all, play is not frivolous. It is fundamental to effective learning - problem solving cannot be done in the abstract without the development of spatial concepts developed through literally the handling of objects, or the physical investigation of the world around us. Well deployed exercises with Mozi Blocks can save a great deal of unrewarded labour through their effect of underpinning the foundations of ‘academically effective’ reading and writing. Specialist learning support is more strategically effective in certain areas; ones where the paper and pencil method alone doesn’t reach. Mozi Blocks are worth recommending for anyone who has either a dyspraxia diagnosis or where perceptual organisation skills (POI- WAIS) are reduced against verbal potential (VCI - WAIS) or the Writ equivalents. They were introduced to me by a practitioner who has undertaken a great deal of work with children with a dyspraxia diagnosis being treated at Great Ormond Street – again, not frivolous. They ought to be cost saving. Mozi Blocks + DVD demonstrating how to use them + p & p £50. Time saved, and effectiveness of specialist learning support improved – not quantifiable- priceless. We are missing a trick or two if we don’t use them routinely where the apply well. Kind regards, Penny Penny Georgiou Access 1st Needs Assessment, Advice and Support Services For Disabled Students in Higher Education Direct: 07708 791 880 Tel: 020 7222 4877 Fax: 020 7152 4001 5th Floor, 50, Broadway, St James's Park, London, SW1H 0GR http://www.Access-1st.co.uk/ Registered Office: 9 Dartmouth Street, London, SW1H 9BL From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michael Parry Sent: 29 July 2011 12:56 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Mosi Blox?? Is this legitimate use of the DSA. Very interesting. I do agree, DSA assessors should avoid recommending frivolous products but… IF it these blocks are accepted within the psychological community as doing what they are supposed to do, I actually think they might be a legitimate recommendation. Agreed they’re not ‘assistive’ but they could conceivably be thought of as an additional expense, so it meets the primary DSA criterion.. Mike P -----Original Message----- From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Simon Jarvis Sent: Friday, July 29, 2011 12:48 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Mosi Blox?? Is this legitimate use of the DSA. Given the website says that "MOZIBLOX are an exciting new toy suitable for children of all ages!" and generally look like something you'd play with at Primary School I can't imagine the student is that keen on having them. Have you asked the student about the recommendation? More intriguingly, have the funding body agreed to the recommendation? Simon On 29/07/2011 12:32, Mark Phillips wrote: I have recently received a needs assessment report where one of the recommendations is that the student is supplied with a set of Mozi blocks. I've never come across this product as an assistive technology so googled the product ( <http://www.moziblox.com/> http://www.moziblox.com/). On the face of it looks like the product is simply a type of 3D puzzle. The blocks were recommended as a means of developing organisational and logistical skills. I would appreciate comments on this product as I feel this seems a frivolous recommendation to be funded through the DSA. This product may have its merits as a learning and developmental tool in the hands of a Dyslexia professional but I cannot see that this is assistive in any way. Your comments and thoughts would be appreciated. Mark Phillips (Needs Assessor) Assessment Centre, Cardiff -- Simon Jarvis Head of Disability & Dyslexia Service Queen Mary University of London Student and Campus Services Room FB 2.30, Francis Bancroft Mile End Road, London E1 4NS Tel: 020 7882 2765 Fax: 020 7882 5223 www.scs.qmul.ac.uk