Klarinet Archive - Posting 001203.txt from 2004/03

From: "Karin Berman" <berman@-----.ca>
Subj: RE: [kl] not just the music department
Date: Sat, 20 Mar 2004 20:15:21 -0500


At 12:26 PM 3/19/2004 -0600, Christy Erickson wrote:
>Bill, The goal of reading by the fourth grade might be completely
>unrealistic for someone who is dyslexic. There is more than enough
>technology in today's world for someone to "get by" and yes, even be very
>successful without being able to read and write. We have books on CD,
>digital recorders, videos, DVD's, on and on. We also have developed the
>speech to text programs to a rather advanced level and I'm sure they will
>only continue to improve. While the ability to read and write certainly is
>helpful I really don't think it is absolutely necessary in today's world.

>I'm sure a dyslexic person CAN learn to get along OK without reading and
>writing. But what a limited life it would be! Dyslexic people CAN learn
>to read, although it is harder for them. It is still better than being
>dependent upon crutches.
>Bill Hausmann

I am dyslexic and had to go thru school without all that is now known about
it. In those days, you just had to get on with it or be left behind. I have
a bright IQ and perseverance, and 3 science degrees to my name and many
other qualifications. I found ways to help myself figure out how to cope
with reversals etc. I learnt how to be patient with myself. I still, to this
day, get very lost in cities I don't know.... reading maps is a disaster. If
I speak or write too fast and forget to think hard about what I am about to
say or write, or when I am very tired, I still swop numbers around and
letters around. It takes me twice as long to read anything. When I learn a
new dance, it takes me a long time to know where my right and left side is,
to remember which way to move. I have to think hard about it. Sometimes I
look dumb, but I am not!

I have progressed with my clarinet at a rapid speed!!, mainly due to
perseverance. I think, as a student, if I had not been forced to read and
cope like the rest of the class, I would not have been where I am today. But
I do think if the child does not have the gift and grace of perseverance and
patience, it might be an uphill battle. A lot depends on the personality of
the child with the difficulty. If the battle is too tough, the will too
weak, why not make use of technology that can ease it all?

Karin Berman

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