Dyslexia Awareness Week, 1 – 7 November

“Hidden Dyslexia”: a series of events in Edinburgh Libraries in association with Dyslexia Scotland

Dyslexia – a visual concept – an exhibition

Central Reference Library Landing: Monday 25^th October to Friday 5^th November

Terry Adams is a Fife based artist, and his art ranges from the abstract through to seascapes of local harbours. Terry has created these paintings to illustrate how people with dyslexia see the world and his paintings show the somewhat existential approach sometimes adopted by them to everyday tasks like reading. This body of work is refreshing and exciting and will appeal to those with and without dyslexia. Chat to Terry about his paintings at our evening events in the Central Reference Library on Monday 1^st and Friday 5^th November.

Many Faces of Dyslexia – an exhibition

Stockbridge Library: Monday 25^th October to Friday 5^th November

The title is from a quote by M. B Rawson, 1986. This is a sensitive collection of images by Edinburgh photographer Eleanor Darroch, which focuses on diversity of those affected by dyslexia in society, showing the emotional and social impact of the learning difficulty. Chat to Eleanor about her photographs at our evening events in the Central Reference Library on Monday 1^st and Friday 5^th November.

Sir Jackie Stewart

Central Library: Monday 1^st November, 6.30pm – 8.00pm

We are delighted to welcome Sir Jackie Stewart, our keynote speaker, who will highlight the potential impact of unidentified Dyslexia. There will be an opportunity to chat to painter Terry Adams and photographer Eleanor Darroch. Refreshments served.

To book your place contact Grainne Crawford 0131 529 7791 or grainne.crawford@edinburgh.gov.uk

‘Read & Write Gold’ supportive software

Read and Write Gold supportive software is freely available on all public access computers in Edinburgh City Libraries. This will be of particular interest to parents, carers of young people or anyone living with dyslexia. Craig Mills, e-Inclusion Advisor for the JISC Regional Support Centre, Scotland North & East, will demonstrate the benefits of free, downloadable software as well. Refreshments served. All welcome. The sessions will take place at the following libraries – phone ahead to book your place.

Drop in demonstration: Oxgangs Library (0131 529 5549) : Tuesday 2^nd November, 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Training session (please book your place in advance): Wester Hailes Library (0131 529 5667) : Thursday 4^th November, 10am – 12 and 1pm – 3pm
Training session (please book your place in advance): Stockbridge Library (0131 529 5665) : Friday 5^th November, 10.30am – 12.30pm

Arnaud Touanga

Wednesday 3^rd November:  Moredun Library (2pm – 3pm) and Craigmillar Library (6pm – 7pm)

Arnaud Touanga is a rapper musician. His single ‘Can’t hold me down’ is a song about his own personal struggle with dyslexia and how he overcame the obstacles he faced with perseverance and help from others. His music will be followed by an informal workshop on free, downloadable supportive software, by Craig Mills, e-Inclusion Advisor for the JISC Regional Support Centre, Scotland North & East, for those wanting to improve their reading and writing skills. To book a place phone Craigmillar Library on 0131 529 5597 or Moredun Library,  on 0131 529 5652.

“Lottery”

McDonald Road Library: Thursday 4^th November, 6.30pm – 8.00pm

This poignant and funny short play tells the story of Alan and Fizz, old school friends whose love is rekindled as they search for Alan’s lost lottery ticket in the local library. In a race to find the ticket in one of the thousands of books before closing time, both reveal the different ways they have met the challenges of dyslexia in their lives. Please e-mail flyingpizza@talktalk.net if you are interested in finding out more about the play or the writer.

This is followed by a short demonstration showing the benefits of highly acclaimed supportive software, ‘Read & Write gold’, which is freely available on all public access computers in Edinburgh City Libraries. Refreshments served. To book a place phone McDonald Road Library on 0131 529 5636.

Dyslexia Awareness Training

Room 2, Riddles Court: Thursday 4^th November, 9.00am-12.15

Training for supervisors and managers of organisations in Edinburgh.

To book a place or find out more about this extremely relevant free training session, please contact Vicki Hobson, WEA, 0131 226 9174 or email v.hobson@weascotland.org.uk

 

Special Screening: “Summer”

Filmhouse Cinema: Saturday 6th November, 1pm – 3pm

Screening of “Summer”, starring Robert Carlyle – 90 minute showing with panel discussion about dyslexia to follow. Panel includes: Special Guest Hugh Ellis, writer of the film “Summer” who is dyslexic himself and Fiona Dickinson, Chair of Dyslexia Scotland Council. Purchase your tickets at the box office on 0131 228 2688. Cost £3.00

For general enquiries about the programme of events please contact either Wendy Pearson 0131 242 8022 wendy.pearson@edinburgh.gov.uk or Grainne Crawford 0131 529 7791 grainne.crawford@edinburgh.gov.uk

For more information visit Dyslexia Scotland or find more sources of help and support on the Your Edinburgh community information database.