How Difficult Can This Be? The F.A.T. City Workshop: Understanding Learning Disabilities
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Host: Richard LavoieDVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language)
Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 70 minutes
Published: 2004
DVD Release Date: 2004-06-18
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: PBS
DVD Reviews of How Difficult Can This Be? The F.A.T. City Workshop: Understanding Learning Disabilities
DVD Review: should be required viewing
Summary: 4 Stars
This is an outstanding presentation by a very bright and capable educator. I would have given it 5 stars were it not for some production problems related to the original taping.
Lavoie takes a group of people through a series of exercises designed to give "normal" people an idea of what it is like to have learning differences (LD). The exercises are remarkably effective and amazingly enlightening. He also dispels myths and discusses common errors teachers and parents make in teaching and communicating with children (and adults, for that matter).
The exercises take one through experiences dealing with processing problems, memory problems, perceptual differences, motor function problems, reading problems, and behavioral challenges.
While there are some obvious problems with the sound at times (probably malfunctioning wireless mics in the original recordings), the material is still extremely valuable and well worth the minor inconvenience of the sound issues.
I first saw this while running the control room for a distance class in Special Education. Since the love of my life has multiple learning differences, the impact on me was particularly strong. I actually cried as I watched, realizing just how incredibly difficult her life must be. I have since seen it many times again, and purchased my own copy. I will soon be buying another copy, as I gave mine to a relative who teaches, who also loved it.
While somewhat dated (notice the width of ties and lapels), it is an extremely important work, especially given the increase in such problems today. It is still very powerful and relevant today. This program has helped make me an advocate for LD people.
However, this is not just for educators or those who know LD people. I think every business and organization should have their employees watch it, especially customer service folks, as it would be extremely helpful for them to understand the behavior and problems of many people. Since it has been shown that up to 80% of the people in prison have learning differences, it would be good for law enforcement and related people as well. In fact, I think it should be shown to everyone on a regular basis.
Learning differences are not the same as mental retardation, a common mistake many people not in Special Ed make. I like to use the example of color blindness to try and explain this to people - these are errors in processing perceptual and memory data that are simply not under the control of the person, just like being color blind. No amount of sarcasm, shouting, punishing, or "motivating" these people will change what they cannot physically process, PERIOD. You have to be a better, wiser person than that.
Given the massive amount of "moral" and related misjudgments society heaps on those who are different, I consider this material extremely important, and I heartily encourage everyone to watch it at least once. I owe Lavoie a tremendous debt of gratitude for what this information has done in my life, something I imagine he hears a lot. I have also learned a lot from the professor who introduced me to it. The world needs more people who care this much.
By the way, give yourself a pat on the back if you get the first perception test (fuzzy picture) without his direct instruction. My significant other (LD) got it instantly.....I didn't.
More How Difficult Can This Be? The F.A.T. City Workshop: Understanding Learning Disabilities reviews:
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Description of How Difficult Can This Be? The F.A.T. City Workshop: Understanding Learning Disabilities
Studio: Pbs Release Date: 05/06/2009 Run time: 70 minutesBestsellers in DVD
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