BBC writes the story of Jack Harley-Walsh - a 10-year old boy from England who is diagnosed with dyscalculia and dyslexia. Avid climber, Jack has won awards and done more for for charity than most of us. Yet - he can not find a school that wants him. Quote;

The young mountaineer from Ascot has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya and Mount Meru, and also has to overcome daily challenges at school. He has been diagnosed with dyslexia and dyscalculia, and struggles with numeracy and literacy. His mother claims he has been turned down by 24 schools in three counties.

"Surprised and saddened"

She has tried to find him a place at schools in Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey, including private ones, but none will take him on due to his high levels of special needs. Jack's mother, Sue Walsh, added: "Knowing how bright he is, it is incredibly frustrating because he really needs a specific type of education for his needs.

"I do think there is a solution out there for him. He's always proved what he can achieve outside the classroom." As well as climbing three peaks in Africa, Jack has also walked the length of Hadrian's Wall raising money for charity and has been awarded a Gold Blue Peter Badge and a Bear Grylls Personal Award.

On Monday Jack visited RAF Benson in Oxfordshire to receive a certificate in gratitude for the £1,046 he has raised so far for the Thames Valley & Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust. Pat Conafray, Head of Fund Raising at TVACAA said: "Jack has already achieved more in his ten short years than many people do in a lifetime.

"We were very surprised and saddened when his mum Sue told us about his educational predicament because we know how much he is looking forward to secondary school. " A spokeswoman from Royal Windsor and Maidenhead said: "We are working closely with Jack's mother on this issue, we have approached three schools that could meet his needs, and are awaiting their responses."

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Time to set up association

We must keep in mind that it is not only children who need testing but also adults who may have learning disabilities. This is vital so that they can produce proper documentation to prove their disabilities. Too many adults are suffering because employers fail to understand, recognise and accept learning disabilities. For example, a dyscalculic person might be fired from his job as a cashier because he can’t count accurately. Mental and emotional stress is often inflicted when the person fails to deliver. However, these people have no choice but to continue working. It is not fair for them as they have already suffered in school, and now they continue to suffer in their jobs. Often adults with learning disabilities are scared to reveal their disability, fearing that they might be sacked.

Children with learning disabilities do not “grow out of it” but as they grow, they become smart enough to adapt and create coping techniques. These children will one day be adults and join the workforce. Giving them equal chances in their job is vital for a better future.

Read the full article at thestar.com