About this ebook
This book has been reprinted using this open dyslexic font. This is an open source font that can be downloaded and used by anybody for any purpose. The typeface includes regular, bold, italic, and bold italic styles. It is being updated continually and improved based on input from people who use the font. It has been designed to make the text heavier on the bottom of each letter in order to try to anchor it onto the page so there is less movement of the letters for the reader. There are no quick fixes for dyslexia, however there are some solutions that may make it easier for a person to read certain types of font on certain types of paper. I wanted to see whether it made it easier for this book to be read if it was printed in the open dyslexia font and on a cream based, environmentally friendly, low gloss paper.
Information about the open dyslexia font can be found on the website - http://opendyslexic.org.
It is definitely not the only answer for dyslexia, but again based on individual preference, it may be helpful for many people. Often people with dyslexia will describe letters that float or move around a page with no real anchor. This font adds gravity and weight to the letters and words as it is thicker at the bottom than at the top. Studies have found that text printed in this font often stays more still on the page and works better for them. It is important though that you ask students if it works for them. This is just another one of the solutions in the dyslexia puzzle. Have a look at the website and download this font from this website http://opendyslexic.org.
There are a number of different books that have been printed in OpenDyslexic font. I decided to try doing a print run of my book with this font as it will work for all students; those without dyslexia as well as students who have dyslexia. If it only helps in some small way that is all right.
I became very interested in Dyslexia and the understanding of hidden disabilities in the work I do in schools and professional development with my consultancy Discovering Disability and Diversity.
www,discoveringdisability.com.au
We sometimes need to find a combination of solutions and strategies to help students with dyslexia to be able to access literature. It may even make it a lot better for those students that have dyslexia. I want to at least create an number of different options of this text in a variety of formats to support students with reading difficulties!
I would love it if you would like to buy this book and see whether it works with your students who are either diagnosed with dyslexia or have problems with reading and processing information. For me it has been a little bit of a learning curve and something that really has to be trialled with the individual who has dyslexia. Each individual is different and a solution that works for one person will not necessarily work for all. I do however think it is exciting to create a book that uses the open dyslexic font that is very popular according to many studies around the world and is very popular with people who have dyslexia. I explored this more in my new book, Discovering Dyslexia - experiencing mysteries exploring solutions. If it only helps in some small way at least, I will be happy.
About the story- Sarah thinks because Alexandra's mum is in a wheelchair their holiday will be boring - how wrong is she!
This book is a new updated version of the original journey of discovery about Alexandra's family and their exciting and funny holiday adventures. This book will appeal to young readers interested in their environment and disability and family issues.
This book demonstrates a thorough knowledge of disability both from a practical perspective and a theoretical framework. It explores a variety of social justice issues through the eyes of a child. Because this book can be used as a teaching resource across the curriculum and because it has a particular focus on disability it would be an invaluable classroom tool. Can be linked to ACARA and used to develop Australian themes across many teaching areas. Heaps of inbuilt activities and exercises for children and teachers. It is an exciting mystery story that would appeal to a wide audience and it also includes disability and social justice themes. It is funny and fresh and easy to read. It helps create understanding of disability in a family. It keeps you intrigued until the end of the book. I thoroughly recommend this book for all ages – but especially 6-14 year olds.
About the author
Sharon is an author, educator and disability advocate. She wears many different hats and performs many different roles. She is the current advisor to the Queensland Disability Minister and Chair of the Queensland Disability Advisory Council and the South West Regional Disability Advisory Council. She is a part time education academic at University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and also a consultant in disability awareness, working across Queensland. She was the Qld facilitator for the Leaders for Tomorrow program run across Australia. Sharon is also a member of the Health Consumers Queensland Collaborative.
Sharon was diagnosed with Juvenile Chronic Arthritis at 11, and has used an electric wheelchair since she was a young adult. Since then she has devoted her life and her considerable talents to promoting a true understanding of disability and diversity.
Sharon founded Discovering Disability and Diversity and helped design the Discovering Disability and Diversity experiential hands on Disability Awareness program which helps students and teachers and care, community and doctors and health workers experience and explore a wide range of disabilities, instead of just talking about them.
Sharon's PhD Research and her recent filmed lectures at USQ give an experience and help you to explore and understand a little more about physical and hidden disabilities, dyslexia and creating inclusive curriculum, pedagogy and workplace support.
Sharon has also written a number of books. She is designed an educational resource kit called Another Day in the life of Sharon Boyce. This includes a DVD and 20 laminated wall posters. She has also written a children’s book called ‘Discovery at Paradise Island, this deals with the issues of social justice, disability and how children react to it. This book has been chosen as part of the NSW School Syllabus. She has completed and has launched her new book Discovering Dyslexia all about Dyslexia and reading and perceptual issues.
Sharon awards and recognition include:
· Received the Human Rights Award for Individuals 2008 for her contribution to creating inclusion across the Australian community,
· Honoured with the Queensland Regional Achiever Regional Service Award 2012, Regional Achievement and Community Awards.
· Awarded the Australia Day Regional Citizen of the year for work in awareness raising and creating inclusive communities (2013)
· YWCA – Top 125 Queensland Women Leaders (2013)
· Dept of Communities Local Hero Award (2015)
· University of Southern Queensland's Community Services Alumnus Award for (2016)
· USQ Alumnus of the Year Award (2016)
· Toowoomba Business Disability Award for Social Inclusion (2017)
