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British Dyscalculia Org set up?
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| tr3slunas |
Posted on June 23 2009 08:42 PM
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Member
Location: London
Posts: 288
Joined: 2007-12-04
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Hi guys,
Is there anyone in the UK over the age of 18 who would be willing to meet up to discuss the advancement of a British organisation? Let me know via this thread or message me privately!  |
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| elena532 |
Posted on August 11 2009 03:30 PM
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Member
Location: Derry, N.ireland UK
Posts: 196
Joined: 2009-05-02
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im only 13yrs old... but i migh know some people who would. i will talk to next time i see them
Don't annoy me, I am running out of places to hid the bodies |
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| tr3slunas |
Posted on August 11 2009 06:24 PM
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Member
Location: London
Posts: 288
Joined: 2007-12-04
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Thanks elena |
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| justfoundout |
Posted on August 11 2009 09:03 PM
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Member
Location: Texas USA
Posts: 6101
Joined: 2008-05-25
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8/11/09
Dear tr3slunas,
I started a Thread and called it "Akin to Getting Diagnosed". That name may have been my first mistake. It was about starting an Association that could assist adult dyscalculics, especially those who are trying to get a degree. I don't want to hi-jack your Thread, since I think that a British Dyscalculia Association would be a great idea. But seeing that, unless people are secretly sending you all kinds of support through PM's, you don't seem to have 'drummed up much business' with this Thread, please forgive me for 'transplanting' my own post to here. Would there be any possibility of an English-Language Association that could serve both the UK and the US? In no way am I meaning that it would not assist in every way possible dyscalculics in other countries. I'm just saying that, well, we are 'two countries separated by a common language',... wait,... that's not what I meant. I mean, there are a lot of people here who speak English. If we could ever get either a UK or a US Association started, then, with that experience, other Associations could follow. We would then have the expertise.
So, here, in a different color, the rest of this long post is just a copy of what I posted somewhere else on this forum. - jus'
8/7/09
Akin to getting diagnosed, those of us who are still in school also have to file that diagnosis with our school's Disability Office. If you thought that you'd climbed a mountain and 'conquered' when you got your Math Learning Disability diagnosis, just wait until you start trying to get the 'help' to which that disability diagnosis was supposed to entitle you!
Personally, I'm in a fairly happy 'place' right now. I'm getting to take Logic to replace my College Algebra credits, and if I pass that, I'll have my AAS Paralegal degree in January 2010.
But I'm writing this 'essay-type' post because, having been a 'regular' on this forum for a little over a year, I'm 'seeing' a few things that I just wanted to bring together in a single post,... and then I should be satisfied for a while.
Forgive me for making my 'outline' right here. I have trouble remembering a 'list' containing over two items.
1). Masters and Doctorates
2). Centralized Documentation
3). An Association
One of our forum members is trying to finish her Master's Degree. Yeah, well, 'hold your applause' for now, as the saying goes. I'm sure that you've guessed by now what's holding up the degree,... the math credits, of course. After all the study, hard work, and financial expense that she's invested, the Disability Office, whose help she needs, is putting every imaginable obstacle in her way. Aside from her personal tragedy, a 'thought' occurred to me. I hope that I'll be able to put it into words. Here, I'll put in in a different color to try to make it clearer. If more of us had Master's and Doctorate degrees, there would be more 'professionals' who would understand MLD, and from there, more 'help' for the rest of us. But, we are likely 'under-represented' in professional fields because it's so very difficult for us to get any college degree at all, let alone a Master's or a Doctorate. And even with one of those degrees, it would still take tremendous 'resolve' to overcome the entrenched status quo.
Once the diagnosis has been obtained in one's country of origin, if a person were to decide to go to another country to study, there would still be the issue of having that diagnosis validated in the new country. Likely, a complete re-testing would be required. Certain courses that had been 'substituted' or 'waived' in one's country of origin might still be 'required' in the new country, and vice versa. So, among other things, traveling to a more 'dyscalculic friendly' country to get a degree could result in having a degree that is not valid, for licensing purposes, in one's country of origin.
The idea of spreading the word of the existence of dyscalculia, both to the world in general and also to dyscalculics who have, until now, been oblivious to the cause of their math woes, are two of the goals that this forum fulfills. Here we encourage each other, suggest courses of action to each other, and ask for and receive understanding. We all appreciate this help and sense of community. But it doesn't solve the legal and procedural problems of getting our disability acknowledged and respected in educational circles. I've listed An Association as the third item on my 'outline list'. It just seems that without An Association that can help with Advocacy for Adult Dyscalculics, a lot more time will go by and a lot more money will be spent on education by dyscalculics,... and yet they will have very little to show for it. We've had great Threads in the past where everyone was in favor of some kind of Association that could help members get Advocacy for the accommodations and concessions they need. Are the legal hurdles too great? Is the financial cost to high? Is it too difficult to agree upon what goals the Association would have? And if An Association is an unrealistic goal, then are there any other ideas for how to collectively assuage the difficulties we have all encountered throughout our lives and our education? - justfoundout
Edited by justfoundout on August 19 2009 08:15 PM |
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| Kieran |
Posted on August 11 2009 09:22 PM
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Member
Location: No value
Posts: 6
Joined: 2009-08-11
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So, how many people would be keen to set up a British Dyscalculia Association - I am fed up with people (and indeed employers) not understanding the problem.
Has any headway been made in this direction? |
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| RottieWoman |
Posted on August 11 2009 09:43 PM
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Member
Location: No value
Posts: 3037
Joined: 2008-12-31
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I was curious so I looked around - there is something called: Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities in London <www.learning disabilities.org.uk>
also:British Institute of Learning Disabilities< www.bild.org.uk>;
and
also a link called: www.learningdisab...
now realize that doesn't imply they have any specific info. or knowledge on MATH LD - but it could be a start- |
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| RottieWoman |
Posted on August 11 2009 09:45 PM
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Member
Location: No value
Posts: 3037
Joined: 2008-12-31
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okay, tried that last one again myself and it didn't work, if interested just type in key words -"LDUK Home Page" |
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| RottieWoman |
Posted on August 11 2009 09:48 PM
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Member
Location: No value
Posts: 3037
Joined: 2008-12-31
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there's also something called:"LDW - Learning Disabilities Worldwide - and on the front page it does break down a list of LD's which includes dyscalculia. They allege to have an International Advisory Board and seem to want to be resource for LD worldwide- |
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| 3EBGPS |
Posted on August 16 2009 10:15 PM
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Member
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 63
Joined: 2007-05-29
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Id be very keen to have some sort of involvement...what would we have to do? |
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| justfoundout |
Posted on August 17 2009 05:15 AM
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Member
Location: Texas USA
Posts: 6101
Joined: 2008-05-25
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8/18/09
Tr3slunas and NoX81 have already seen (following link) Geoff's Thread and have posted there.
This was the very question that Geoff raised and addressed as much as possible back in 2006. I don't know if he is still able or willing to lend his expertise to setting up an organization, but everyone interested might learn a lot by reading his posts on the following link. - jus'
http://www.dyscal...ead_id=270
Or, just back out of this Thread by one click and you'll see it without using the link that I've posted. Geoff's Thread is called "Just an idea at the moment".
Edited by justfoundout on August 21 2009 06:13 PM |
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| ert |
Posted on August 17 2009 06:10 PM
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Member
Location: Denmark
Posts: 1388
Joined: 2005-03-11
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One of you needs to take the lead. tr3slunas, send a private message to all the people that have said they were interested, and arrange to get together to talk it through. It's probably easiest to start in a chatroom. Just send me a private message with a list of the people you get in contact with, and I'll give you all access to the chatroom we have here at the forum.
(It's not a secret chatroom only for invited... we just haven't opened it yet  ) |
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| tr3slunas |
Posted on August 19 2009 10:09 AM
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Member
Location: London
Posts: 288
Joined: 2007-12-04
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Hi ert,
Is there a way to send a single message to more than one person, i seemed unable to select more than one person? Thanks for the chat room idea that could really help!
Hi Jus' thanks for highlighting this thread, i had received a couple of private messages but organising things is proving a little difficult! I have been very busy recently. I think an online solidarity of two countries organisations could be a great thing but actual operation in the individual country would have to have separate - help in terms of jobseekers, school, college and the law differ - even setting up an organisation, but why don't you look into what the law says in America and perhaps launch at a similar time- a website could be shared? Solidarity in numbers!! My plans are below...
I tell you where I am in the push to move forward in this, i am looking to build a website (took a diploma especially so learning how to at the moment) which will advertise for volunteers to set up an organisation. Three people are needed to set up an organisation in the UK - a Head, a Secretary and a Treasuer for legal reasons these people need to be over the age of 18. These or more people will then decide on a manifesto (what, why, and how the organisation will develop.) The organisation will be eligible to apply for charitable status once it earns over £5000 pounds a year.
If there are people here who can web design, have experience in running an organisation or know British law or are interested in the above positions or can offer any other help advice or services then please reply to this thread and as ert kindly suggested we can use the chat room for discussion.
Edited by tr3slunas on August 19 2009 10:10 AM |
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| eoffg |
Posted on August 19 2009 02:28 PM
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 of clu[26].jpg)
Administrator
Location: Australia
Posts: 1262
Joined: 2005-03-20
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Hi Everyone,
I haven't been around for ages, as I was ill for a while. Then when I was better, my computer died. But I'm healthy again, and I just finished building a new computer.
But I'm really glad to see this discussion going.
I've done a lot of research into setting up an Australian Dyscalculia Association, so I'd really like to give you a hand.
Though the model that I developed, basically operates as an online association. So that people can join in, where ever they live in the country.
Rather than only those people that live in a particular city or town.
The only physical thing needed, is a postal address to recieve mail.
This also eliminates most of the costs, as no office space is required.
Where the main costs are simply for the annual registration of the domain name, and website hosting. Which would be less than a 100 pounds a year.
Then their is the cost of registering the association and annual renewal.
Along with some stationary and postal costs.
So this would cost a lot less to get started, without having to pay rent for office space.
Though a lot consideration needs to be given to the formal structure of organisation. As a lot of internal politics and power struggles go on in non profit organisations.
Yet perhaps most important, is to clearly define the objectives.
But in regard to having organisations in various countries, and working together?
I might suggest that we begin with a Global Dyscalculia Association?
Which could be registered as a website domain name.
Where the important side of this, is the 'website hosting package' for GDA.
With website hosting packages, it is possible to have multiple websites hosted within the single package. Which costs a bit more.
So we could take up a website hosting package for GDA that allows multiple domains.
Then when members want to start an association for their country?
They would just need to register a domain name for their country, which would be hosted by the GDA.
So they could get their association started, for about 10 pounds/ $20.
Then later on, they could move onto the formal process of registering their association with govt in their own country.
But, being able to easily get a website setup for their own country, would help them to get started and gather some members, to go on and form an association.
While each country would have information specific to their country. A great deal of the information would be common to all countries. So all countries could work together to develop and share the common information.
Though it would give each associations more status, to be part of the Global Dyscalculia Association. Or perhaps; WWDA World Wide Dyscalculia Association might be better?
So I seem to have side tracked a bit the British to World Wide?
But afterall, we are a world wide group here, so it can only help if we all work together.
Where what I'm really concerned with, is to make it as easy as possible, for members to start an association for their own country.
Anyway, it's good to be back!
Geoff, |
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| justfoundout |
Posted on August 19 2009 08:30 PM
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Member
Location: Texas USA
Posts: 6101
Joined: 2008-05-25
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8/19/09
It's good to have you back, Geoff. I really like the Global Dyscalculia Association website idea (by whatever name). People in each country, who might potentially start their own Association, would have a chance to get to know each other with that specific view in mind,... and the price certainly seems right! - jus' |
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| Kieran |
Posted on August 20 2009 02:44 PM
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Member
Location: No value
Posts: 6
Joined: 2009-08-11
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In the UK - I believe we would need to set up a 'company limited by guarantee', I could be wrong, but other charities and clubs have that set up.
Re: A GDA website - I think that is a great idea, would be very helpful. |
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| tr3slunas |
Posted on August 20 2009 04:29 PM
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Member
Location: London
Posts: 288
Joined: 2007-12-04
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A company limited by guarantee is for non profit organisations looking to build a corporate presence. It could be a future step but you need to have a non profit organisation first in which i have explained the steps above very quickly. The organisation may not agree with the share options so it would also be a descision made later down the line by board members.
Geoff i like your idea, I am in, and be willing to help in whatever way I can. |
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| Kieran |
Posted on August 20 2009 05:38 PM
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Member
Location: No value
Posts: 6
Joined: 2009-08-11
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Sure - So who will sit in those roles, as Head, Secretary and Treasurer? (wow A dyscalculic treasurer :-P ). As I say, I will help out anyway I can :-D
Kieran
PS: The manifesto, any thoughts on that as yet? |
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| tr3slunas |
Posted on August 20 2009 05:54 PM
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Member
Location: London
Posts: 288
Joined: 2007-12-04
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Yes i found the treasurer bit funny as well- me thinks other volunteers who are non dyscalculic may have to fill those roles!
In terms of a manifesto I would like to see something that aims to educate schools and raise awareness, that can lobby the Govt to provide help and better recognition of Dyscalculia and that can provide help and advice to adults, that keeps up to date with scientific advances and looks into products and services that can help people. I would also like to see private companies such as banks offer services to Dyscalculic's ( i am fed up being getting rude comments when I ask the cashier to fill out direct debit or cheque forms).
First and foremost though- to raise awareness and begin to get an even keel to dyslexia. The thing is the UK also needs to take an official stance on the types of Dyscalculia and decide on the best way to test and diagnose.
What would you like an organisation to do? |
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| justfoundout |
Posted on August 20 2009 09:22 PM
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Member
Location: Texas USA
Posts: 6101
Joined: 2008-05-25
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8/20/09
Dear tr3slunas,
My favorite part is where you said, "I would like to see something that aims to educate schools and raise awareness,..." I think that there have been some cases where all that might have been needed to 'nudge' things in the direction of a good outcome for a dyscalculic would have been just a brief, friendly, professionally written letter from some 'association' with a letterhead. I think that, in some cases, even people in 'education' think that we are 'pulling their leg' (making a joke) when we try to tell them about having Mathematics Disorder. An 'association' could dispell this misconception. - jus'
Edited by justfoundout on August 20 2009 09:23 PM |
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| eoffg |
Posted on August 21 2009 11:19 AM
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Administrator
Location: Australia
Posts: 1262
Joined: 2005-03-20
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As you can see already, their are a lot of different things to discuss and arrive at decisions on. So it's time to get to work on it.
But we need some working space to do that, so I've nearly finished setting up a new Forum that we can use to get organised.
Where you might ask why we need a separate Forum?
We will still continue general discussions of setting up an association here.
But on this other Forum, it will operate more like a committee, where each topic is discussed separately. Then put to a vote, so that it can be put into action.
It will also operate along the basic model of a registered association. So that when we come to actually registering associations in various countries. Everyone is familiar with how to organise and run it.
We will also need to continually develop and redevelop sub-committees to take care of different tasks.
Where an important thing with voluntary organisations, is to share the work around and not dump it all on a few people.
We also need to work out the best way to work in coordination with everyone here? So that the Association Forum, is really just a part of our Dyscalculia Forum, that always works hand in hand.
Also identify ways that Members here can help out.
Anyway, it's time to get organised, and turn words into action!
I'll post a link to the new Forum as soon as it's ready.
Geoff, |
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