Professional Testimonials

"Students identified as dyslexic in Further and Higher Education have four key needs: self-esteem, independence, assistive technology skills and support from people who both know what it's like and can work at adult level. EDEN meets all of these needs. It is run by inspiring, lively and positive people. They offer a unique combination of learning strategies, technological ability, psychological insight and personal awareness of the challenges involved. I strongly recommend individuals and institutions to avail themselves of this excellent new team"
Dr David Pollak Principal Lecturer in Learning Support, National Teaching Fellow De Montfort University.

"EDEN Skills offer a service I have longed to see for a number of years.  I.T can empower, but only once it has been mastered. EDEN will enhance the I.T learning path for dyslexics [and for dyspraxics too, for the learning experiences of dyspraxics are very similar to those of dyslexics]."
David Grant, Ph.D.
Chartered Psychologist & Author of "That's the Way I Think"

"I appreciated your session so much because, from my perspective, you were talking about student-centred IT education....focusing on what and how the learner wants to learn and with special reference to the particular context in which they are having to do so. Unlike those trainers who see their role as telling students everything a piece of software can do in the shortest possible time!!..leading to overload. "
Dr M Herrington ,Educational Consultant, Visiting Professor of Education, University of Wolverhampton

"I totally support Eden Skills in its work with dyslexic adults in H.E and F.E. One of the greatest problems we face in our work with these students is that they are not properly trained on the hardware and software which is provided under the Disabled Students' Alowance (D.S.A). Often the only training they receive is very basic and provided by the suppliers who deliver the equipment.

Both Joseph and Atif have completed postgraduate qualifications in teaching dyslexic adults and are also highly qualified I.T trainers. The very best practice is to integrate as many services for dyslexic students as possible. A model of good practice is to offer support by highly skilled personnel who can implement both the I.T training and study skills training students need using the hardware and software they have been given through the D.S.A."
Sandra Hargreaves Author/Editor of Study Skills for Dyslexic Students and Lecturer on the PGC in TADLHE (Teaching Adult Dyslexic Learners in Higher Education) at London Metropolitan University.

Thank you both for an excellent day - we all got a lot out of it.
Vikki Anderson
Learning Support Tutor
Birmingham University

I, too, enjoyed the workshop and really feel that this must be the way forward for assistive technology training. So many students do not take up the training or if they do, forget, don’t get the most out of it or simply do not continue using it once they have got their ‘free laptop’. The article you wrote is very interesting and highlights what you wish to do succinctly. If only more people could take all that you are trying to do on board so many more students, tutors and assessors would be much wiser and probably more effective.
Margaret Ellis
Disability Adviser (Dyslexia)
University of Manchester

I thought that the workshop was very good and that Eden is tackling an area where dyslexic students have not previously been enabled to fully access support available.
Rebecca Parkin
Disability Co-ordinator
University of Leeds

I really enjoyed your presentation and just agree with you 100% about trying to fuse study skills and IT.
Sandra Falshaw
Leeds University

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Student Testimonials

"I have had dyslexia/IT tutoring with Atif for a year now and it has been of great value to me. Atif has used his knowledge of IT and the dyslexia equipment to help me with my studying, however, he also provides me with strategies, advice and information that helps me understand dyslexia and how to manage it productively. Learning with someone who understands dyslexia and knows how to use IT to support it is beneficial for me, especially, as I was diagnosed as dyslexic very late on in my education and was unsure of how I could be assisted. I have shown great improvement in my work and use the equipment as directed by Atif on all my projects, as well as encouraging others to do the same."
Mary Chilton
BA (hons) Drama & Applied Theatre & Education
Student union president
Central school of speech & drama

"Joseph Aquilina of Edenskills provided relaxed, informal, personalised training sessions.  The sessions explored the software provided, identifying their functions and uses.  The comprehensive computer skills training has enabled me to confidently use and investigate the programs.  Although the software aspect of the training was very helpful, the fact that it was combined with an explanation of what dyslexia is, and study skills suggestions was invaluable.  Even though I had been diagnosed with dyslexia, had a needs assessment, and equipment provided I had never had dyslexia explained to me.  All the new knowledge I have gained, and the study skills that Joseph suggested have enabled me to benefit maximally from the equipment, software and adaptive strategies I have developed.  The sessions with Joseph have acted as a spring board, enabling me to tailor tasks to my strengths, and use the software to aid me in all tasks that I may encounter in my course and life.  For me the training sessions with Joseph of Edenskills were indispensible and will enable me to succeed not only in my course but also in my future career.
Thank you for your help, advice and guidance Edenskills, a truly worthwhile service."
Theresa Morris
(Physiotherapy MSc Student, King's College University)

"I found my tuition sessions with Joseph to be very helpful and they taught me a lot of new techniques to help improve my spelling, grammar and essay writing skills. He also taught me how to use different programs on my laptop which would help me with my learning difficulties. The sessions were also very helpful during the period I was writing my dissertation. I was able to bring in my drafts and we would go through them checking for mistakes in spelling, grammar, punctuation and quoting. He also introduced me to programs which allowed me to crate mind maps with different sections for subjects in my dissertation which allowed me to write it in smaller, more manageable chunks. With out the sessions I don't think I would have been able to complete my dissertation. The sessions where fun and light hearted, this I believed help with the learning process and created a pleasant atmosphere."
Greg Hagen
Undergraduate (Textile Design, Central Saint Martins) 

"My computer specialist technology training was a real pleasure to be part of. I have recently been diagnosed with Dyslexia, so I was not sure what to expect from the training.
I was presently surprised; it was refreshing to be taught by someone who suffers from the same disability and not from someone reciting from a book or an I.T guide.
I was taught how to use computer programs such as Inspiration and Read and Write, which will all help me at University. I was also given tasks to complete helping me to become more confidant with the programs.
What impressed me the most was, they made me feel much more Confident about being Dyslexic.
No one had ever explained to me what dyslexia is; only that it is negative. During my training, the trainer made my mind feel at ease.
I will no longer see dyslexia as a disability, I will embrace it! It’s part of who I am and I can go on to great things."
David Good (Undergraduate)

"Last year I was diagnosed with dyslexia, as you know the government offers help to students with dyslexia but they often don't understand the real needs of people who suffer it. I got very nice equipment from a company when the technician/engineer came to install the equipment, he very quickly, extremely quickly explained how to use it, and needless to say when he left I had not understood a thing! I wanted someone to train me who understands dyslexia to come train me on this equipment! I was lucky to get a trainer from EDEN to teach it to me, the trainer knew what I was thinking or rather HOW I was thinking before I could tell him! I could not emphasise enough the need to have more dyslexic tutors for dyslexic students."
Maria T. Windsor (Undergraduate)

"The training I received for my new equipment reached far beyond my expectations. I was prepared for a brief run through what my new software packages would allow me to do, but what I got was much more than that. Atif gave me a clear and thorough interactive demonstration of the programmes using my own work contexts, which I found really helpful. In addition his enthusiasm and encouragement has given me confidence in what I am able to achieve as a dyslexic student. With my new equipment and Atif's support I now feel much more equipped to complete my studies." - Cassy Olszewski (Undergraduate)

"My mother was told I had dyslexia when I was at school, nothing was done about it. After working all my life I decided to go back to education and am currently doing a degree.
 
I had the test for dyslexia and found out about my weakness and strengths. Atif was assigned to be my dyslexia trainer. I was very worried as I thought he would think I was stupid, but instead he totally had knowledge of and understood my learning difficulties. Atif read me like a book and explained my dyslexia so I could understand and study with my disability. Atif was a great inspiration and taught me how to use the packages I was given. Throughout the training he gave me handy tips which I will use for life.

Kayleigh Linton, London Met Uni Health promotions (Undergraduate)

"I really enjoyed receiving tuition on how to use my equipment from Joseph.  Each bespoke session provided exactly the information that I needed to maximise the effectiveness of the technology for my needs.  Joseph was a good teacher because, being dyslexic, he seemed to know how I would learn best. There are definitely advantages in being trained by someone who understands how the dyslexic mind works.  I thought of myself as being very knowledgeable about the operation of computers.  However, I've gained so many new tips and techniques on how to work more efficiently that I will be able to achieve a great deal more on my course.  The sessions provide not only technical information on how to operate the equipment but also a great many study skills and time management techniques. These are actually an essential aspect of how to make use of the equipment and Joseph, rightly, teaches these in addition to a thorough knowledge of the software."

Domanic Hatje (Law Undergraduate)

More to Come...