WELCOME TO Diverse learners association in Helsinki HERO

WELCOME TO Diverse learners’ association in Helsinki HERO Helsingin seudun erilaiset oppijat ry

HERO l is founded 4. 5. 1994 l is an association for the interests of people who have difficulties in learning (children and adults) l target groups – – – – different learners themselves their parents teachers social and health care sector employers authorities etc.

Finnish Diverse Learners’ Association l l l founded in 2001 18 sub-organisations in Finland an umbrella organization for people with learning disabilities in Finland emphasizes that we all are different and learn new things not in the same way than others acting Finland-wide for ”diverse learners’ interests

Not stupid ones, just diverse! l l A lazy collegue? A stupid student? A difficult child? An incompetent employee? OR MAYBE A PERSON WITH A DIFFERENT WAY TO LEARN? THEIR BRAIN JUST PROCESSES INFORMATION IN DIFFERENT WAY!

Diverse learners l 20 -30 % of population have learning difficulties – l 5 – 10 % have dyslexia Diverse learners have problems for example – in reading and/or writing – in mathematics – orientation with space, time and direction – in concentration – motorical problems – etc.

Some features of learning difficulties l l l lots of typing errors letters and numbers change places lines ”jump” on the paper east and west, left and right easily mixed with each other difficulties to use a map problems with the co-ordination difficulties to keep to time-tables and remember dates

Some features of learning difficulties l l Not connected with IQ! Often inheritable Only part of persons with learning difficulties has a neurological reason for the problems and a special diagnosis like ADHD, Asperger syndrome, autism etc. When not attended, connected often with low self-confidence

Dyslexia l l l Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory and verbal processing speed. Dyslexia occurs across the range of intellectual abilities.

Dyslexia l Co-occurring difficulties may be seen in aspects of language, motor co-ordination, mental calculation, concentration and personal organisation, but these are not, by themselves, markers of dyslexia. (BDA)

HERO l l l for interest of diverse learners promoting studies and research on the topic informing and consulting building networks publishing bulletin institute for studies

HERO Center l l l is open daily 11. 00 -18. 00 organizes many activities and services – consulting – training groups for different subjects and hobbies – expert services in testing – rehabilitation – public lectures etc. publishes books and other material

HERO Center l organizes experimental projects looking for solutions and possibilities for people who learn in different way l a library cafe and a computer class open daily l centre itself houses not only HERO but also – – – the ADHD Association in Helsinki region the Association for the Support of the Dysfatic Children in Helsinki Region the Association for Neurofibromatose in Finland

Diverse learner – different way to learn! l l ”whole body” -learner ”whole picture” -learner creative learns by doing -> DON’T FORGET THE STRENGHTS!

Aids and Devises for Diverse Learners l l l l Audio books Screen reader Audio book maker Dictation machine Camera (OCR) Scanners (OCR) Dictionary Pen Speech recognition Program