DARE2 launched
Learning-Difference is supporting the new DARE2 EU-wide project funded by the Leonardo Transfer of Innovation fund. Learning-DIfference will create a new disability awareness training package for partners in the project aimed at small to medium enterprises in the EU. This will be tested in Poland and Cyprus. Additionally, Learning-Difference will support the implementation of DARE1 disability awareness training package in Iceland for universities.  

Polish Dyslexia Association conference book on dyslexia in adults: 2009, Gdansk:
The second PDA national conference on adults with dyslexia in Poland was held in Gdansk University, 28 November 2009. Learning-Difference wrote a keynote paper and a chapter for the conference publication on what happens to UK dyslexic graduate students when they leave university. The conference and publication are part of the the PDAs effort to increase knowledge and understanding in Poland about dyslexia in adulthood. This includes learning about the adult dyslexia situation in other countries.

International disability conference on the challenge facing employers: DARE

Learning-Difference was one of the guest speakers at a recent international conference on disability awareness for employers. Held in Krakow, Poland at the end of October, there were 200 guests and speakers from the USA and Europe. The conference also heard about the work of the DARE project.



Grant to support dyslexia charity in Birmingham: DAB 

The Dyslexia Association Birmingham (DAB) working with Learning-Difference has secured a grant from the Roughley Trust to support their work in the city. News is eagerly awaited on other grant bids that have been submitted.



Buy Local, Eat Local food awareness project underway: CPRE

A new Northamptonshire CPRE awareness project to support local food growers and suppliers has started. Learning-Difference helped secure funding and with the project planning. Awareness materials were created by learning-Difference to support the project. A project survey is now underway to assess the market. 
To see the leaflet and poster click this link.


Fundraising support in Birmingham - Learning-Difference and DAB
Learning-Difference is working with Dyslexia Association Birmingham (DAB) to raise funds for this key service provider. Funds raised will help DAB to consolidate its already successful services and to develop these services further. Especially important is the advice and support DAB provide free to people affected by Dyslexia in Birmingham and surrounding areas. More details later.


DARE Project presented to dyslexia/disability groups in EU

Learning-Difference presented information about the DARE Project to over 40 participants representing many EU dyslexia/disability organisations and universities. The presentation was part of the DysLearning (Adults) seminar in Antwerp and Brussels in May. The DARE Conference in October 2009 was of particular interest to participants.

Click on this link for more information about DARE and the DARE Conference.


DysLearning Adults - european-wide dyslexia network new project proposals

Learning-Difference attended a seminar in Antwerp in May led by the DysLearning (Adults) partnership. The event included a presentation to MEPs in EU Parliament in Brussels calling for greater support for adults with dyslexia. MEPs said they would do all they could to support the call. The seminar also enabled partners to develop new project proposals around dyslexia across the EU. Four projects are likely to be developed with funding applications to Grundtvig and Leonardo. Learning-Difference hopes to be in one project and made valuable new contacts across EU.

Learning-Difference helps local dyslexia group win grant award 

The local Dyslexia Association in Northamptonshire has been awarded a Community Foundation Grassroots Grant to maintain its office space, to review its strategy and to develop its marketing.

Learning-Difference drafted the bid and will facilitate the strategic review. The award is nearly £5,000.

CPRE Northamptonshire undertook a Learning-Difference Ltd Grant Fundraising training workshop to help them build their capacity to raise funds themselves by training a number of volunteers in grant fundraising. The workshop covered all apsects of grants funding including planning, funding research and bid writing and how to achieve a good relationship with grant givers. Follow-up advice and training is available once they have put their new skills to the test!

Disability package testing positive in EU

New post16years disability training package evaluations in Sofia and Krakow by Learning-Difference were successfully conducted in March 2009. The package will be aimed at employer and learning provider organisations in the EU. The evaluations looked at all aspects of the package and the experience of the learners. See DARE page on this website for further details.

CPRE FoodMiles Poster Competition judged a success!

Learning-Difference worked with CPRE Northamptonshire on its FoodMiles project last year. Part of the project involved all schools in the county entering a poster competition. Dozens of entries from the county's primary schools that took part showed many creative ideas. They clearly demonstrated that the message was getting through to children and families.

Learning-Difference is a partner in DARE - an EU funded project to raise disability awareness in higher education The project will host an international conference in Krakow in October this year.