T h e s D i s a b i l i t y s S i m u l a t i o n

The disability simulation, "Put Yourself in the Shoes of a Person with Dyslexia", is a hands-on workshop designed to increase awareness of the difficulties and frustrations people with dyslexia and language learning disabilities encounter daily. The simulation leads to greater empathy and understanding of the problems these individuals face and gives insight into working effectively with them.

A participant in the simulation wrote, "I found it extremely eye-opening to put myself in the shoes of a dyslexic learner. I thought I had an idea what students with dyslexia felt, but I really didn't. I was frustrated when doing the tasks and can only imagine what a student with dyslexia must feel every day."

Participants of the workshop rotate among six learning stations which simulate various language related tasks, similar to classroom tasks and situations in the workplace. A leader guides participants at each station.

• Station 1 simulates a beginning reading problem.
• Station 2 simulates an auditory figure-ground discrimination problem.
• Station 3 simulates a visual-motor and writing task problem.
• Station 4 simulates a fine motor problem on a written task.
• Station 5 simulates a visual perception and processing problem.
• Station 6 simulates a hearing problem.

Participants move about in 10 minute periods from one station to the next. Station leaders give instructions at each station and lead a 2-3 minute debriefing after each task. When all stations have been completed, participants come together for a general final debriefing led by the moderator. The time required to complete the entire simulation is from 11/2 to 2 hours, depending on the discussion time.

NCBIDA provides simulation presentations to interested parties in the San Francisco Bay area. To schedule a simulation presentation, email simulations@dyslexia-ncbida.org. Include the following information in your email message:

• Requested date and time of simulation
• Number of expected participants
• Location, including city

Two months notice is required to arrange presenters.

L e a r n i n g s D i s a b i l i t i e s s S i m u l a t i o n s K i t

Available from NCBIDA. To order a simulation kit, please email simulationkits@dyslexia-ncbida.org.

Cost: $91.00, includes two tapes and shipping- February 2004 price
Kit includes: Facilitator’s packet with complete instructions and introductory/summary scripts.
Additional materials required: mirrors, pencils, tape recorder and headsets