School to cater for people with learning difficulties - (Full text for Easier Reading follows)

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HELPING people with learning difficulties to 'come out of the closet' is the aim of a summer school to be conducted by dyslexia consultant Christina Alexander.

To be held during January, the four day training course aims to provide skills required for the teaching of adults and children of normal intelligence who have dyslexia or learning difficulties.

"For far too long they (people with dyslexia) have felt threatened, embarrassed and frightened about being called dummies or just plain stupid, Ms Alexander said.

"They frequently have a higher IQ than average and have to use clever subterfuge to fudge their way through life.

"This shouldn't have to happen. They should and can be using their natural ability to improve their own situation as well as that of their family and the rest of society.

"Our jails and youth detention centres have their fair share of people with learning difficulties and it is about time justice was done for the young ones in that they should be able to read and write along with the rest of their peers at primary and high school and manage tertiary studies without props, according to their intellectual ability.

"One of my students had a severe problem when he came to me and now he teaches physics at a large high school.

"Others are on the verge of suicide. This is not good enough. Children with dyslexia end up at both ends of the school yard scale of bullying.

"They are hiding the problem because of not receiving the help required.

"Assessed early and using the multi-sensory teaching method I have successfully developed over the past 15 years, there is no reason why these children cannot lead perfectly satisfactory lives.

"Without prejudice and fear of losing their job if the boss finds out that they can't read and numerate as well as the rest of them.

"All ages can do likewise without the pain of insultingly simple books which are ineffective.

"I intend to bring adults, parents, children, teachers, welfare and social workers together for a dyslexia summer school where a large group of people involved in this area can learn, network and appreciate that they are not only normal, but also very able to make their mark in the world with confidence.

"My experience shows that 'quick' and 'easy' remedies don't work and I disagree that the strong medication that some of these children are being placed on is needed.

"My teaching method, with love and perseverance, will win out in the end, and I believe that there is no necessity to produce drug dependant failures," Christina said.

Two summer schools will be held at The Kooralbyn International School, the first from January 17-20 and the second from January 21-24.

Both day and residential programs are offered.

For more information on the schools contact Clelland Associates, PO Box 1, Beaudesert, Qld 4285, or telephone (075) 44 6400 or (07) 3378 3915.

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