Dyslexic Diver needs advice!

[NewbieScubyDoo]

Dyslexic Diver needs advice!

First, and foremost, I want to thank Scubaboard. My thirst for knowledge and learning how to do things right the first time is invaluable to me. I log on daily to read and to learn.

My dilemma is this:

I have Dyslexia. I have always accepted this and adapted. The benefit from having to adjust has it's benefits. I retain far more than the usual student (as I have to read the same material over and over to ensure I understand it) so it helps immensely when it comes to remembering what was taught.

I scored a perfect 100 on my OWC test (SSI), only because I bought the course 2 months before class so I could practically memorize the book countless times and watched the DVD just as much.

And I did the same with AOW. Passed with a perfect score (but again, reading course work month before taking class). I am now taking Stress and Rescue and Nitrox classes in 2 weeks. I again, bought the course books a month in advance as I have been reading the text over and over again, so my brain can slowly begin to understand what it perceives.

As soon as I pass the check out dives ( 1 week after class) I will have my Master Diver cert.

I have begun back in August of 2012, so it's only been 3 months and 50 dives (again, being dyslexic) I wanted to dive as much as I can to ensure I know the skills and physics laws and implement them flawlessly countless times.

As the coursework becomes increasingly more difficult, specifically, physics and equations for Nitrox, is there any advice as far as understanding all of this new information?

I know my dive computer will do the calculations for me (Nitrox) but I do not want to rely on that as it will not help me in a situation where it could fail. I want to learn and master the tables and equations but being dyslexic, that's becoming increasingly more difficult.

Sorry for the back story and long explanation! I just thought it was pertinent to understand why I am asking for advice.

I genuinely appreciate the time to read this, and I look forward to any advice!

 

[shmuggy]

I don't have dyslexia but I want to share a few thoughts:
Many people dive with more than one computer on because they do fail from time to time.
So you don't want to be on an expensive trip and find you have to stay out of the water for 24 hours because your dive computer battery failed. The other thing is- IMO- I think using dive tables, particularly the Nitrox ones, are more prone to error. Not because the dive tables are bad but because we mess up using them. Also, since they don't account for multi level dives, they significantly reduce your dive time.
I would recommend that you get a computer that has a visual cue as well as a numeric reading. My Data Max has the numbers showing how much air and deco time I have left but also displays a green, yellow and red zone to show me I am getting close to a limitation.
Make sure any buddy you dive with knows about this too.
Hope this helps.

 

[Lead_carrier]

As you take more advanced and difficult courses, just get the instructor aside well before class and discuss it with them. With few exceptions, they will be glad that you discussed it with them ahead of time and they will go out of their way to give you any extra help that you need/want. Don't be afraid to ask questions and challenge yourself. I have taught a couple of dyslexic divers and they were an absolute blast to teach and dive with. If anyone has a problem with your dsylexia, find a different instructor/buddy. It'll be their loss, not yours.

 

[NewbieScubyDoo]

I don't have dyslexia but I want to share a few thoughts:
The other thing is- IMO- I think using dive tables, particularly the Nitrox ones, are more prone to error. Not because the dive tables are bad but because we mess up using them. Also, since they don't account for multi level dives, they significantly reduce your dive time.

So I shouldnt adhere to the "clock" time table?

Thanks for your advise!

 

[SubMariner]

Dyslexic Diver needs advice!

First, and foremost, I want to thank Scubaboard. My thirst for knowledge and learning how to do things right the first time is invaluable to me. I log on daily to read and to learn.

My dilemma is this:

I have Dyslexia. I have always accepted this and adapted. The benefit from having to adjust has it's benefits. I retain far more than the usual student (as I have to read the same material over and over to ensure I understand it) so it helps immensely when it comes to remembering what was taught.

I scored a perfect 100 on my OWC test (SSI), only because I bought the course 2 months before class so I could practically memorize the book countless times and watched the DVD just as much.

And I did the same with AOW. Passed with a perfect score (but again, reading course work month before taking class). I am now taking Stress and Rescue and Nitrox classes in 2 weeks. I again, bought the course books a month in advance as I have been reading the text over and over again, so my brain can slowly begin to understand what it perceives.

As soon as I pass the check out dives ( 1 week after class) I will have my Master Diver cert.

I have begun back in August of 2012, so it's only been 3 months and 50 dives (again, being dyslexic) I wanted to dive as much as I can to ensure I know the skills and physics laws and implement them flawlessly countless times.

As the coursework becomes increasingly more difficult, specifically, physics and equations for Nitrox, is there any advice as far as understanding all of this new information?

I know my dive computer will do the calculations for me (Nitrox) but I do not want to rely on that as it will not help me in a situation where it could fail. I want to learn and master the tables and equations but being dyslexic, that's becoming increasingly more difficult.

Sorry for the back story and long explanation! I just thought it was pertinent to understand why I am asking for advice.

I genuinely appreciate the time to read this, and I look forward to any advice!

First, congrats on your courageous undertaking. I know it is a challenge for anyone with a learning disability to get into diving, but you are certainly approaching it with a great attitude. It can be done: my nephew is learning challenged & was able to complete his OW certification with us a few years back. (He's now in 2nd year Uni in biochem, btw. We can't be prouder!)

That being said, make sure to talk with your Instructor. I don't know about SSI, but PADI makes provisions for students with learning disabilities by allowing material to be presented in a more easily absorbed manner as well as offering different options for taking the tests that include extra time, verbal exams, etc.

I know that shmuggy suggested getting another computer in case of failure, but I have to tell you that this doesn't happen as often as he would infer. IF you are happy with your current dive PC in that it presents you will all the information you need in the way you need it, stick with it. Otherwise you may want to consider "trading up" to one that better suits your needs.

Bonne chance,

 

[NewbieScubyDoo]

As you take more advanced and difficult courses, just get the instructor aside well before class and discuss it with them. With few exceptions, they will be glad that you discussed it with them ahead of time and they will go out of their way to give you any extra help that you need/want. Don't be afraid to ask questions and challenge yourself. I have taught a couple of dyslexic divers and they were an absolute blast to teach and dive with. If anyone has a problem with your dsylexia, find a different instructor/buddy. It'll be their loss, not yours.

My OWC Instructor was a nightmare. I pulled him aside before the beginning of the class, and he basically just shrugged his shoulders, and replied, "Just do the best you can do".

When I didnt understand the open water skill of completely taking off the BC and putting back on again (in my brain, I got the steps reversed) I told him before it was my turn, that I didnt understand the steps, and he humiliated me in front of the rest of the class, by flippidly saying, "Just do it backwards".

I ended up struggling underwater for about 20 minutes, as I refused to give up, and only brought me up, when he could tell I was physically exhausted and air depleted. He took one look at the rental BC and told me he never seen one completely destroyed like that. Again, if he only took the time and took me step by step, I could had easily mastered it.

After that pool session, I refused to give up, but was livid as well as deeply disappointed, and almost switched to PADI. But I wanted to push through. So I asked another Instructor from my LDS, and asked if I could have an additional pool session and to take me STEP BY STEP.

After his first instruction on this skill, I did it flawlessly and is now one of my favorite skills to perform.

As to class, I know all of my questions would quickly tire the group, so I write them all down, and ask various Instructors (to ensure I get and cover all possibilites) afterwards. But I know, this too, is sometimes a little much for them.

And I return home to study, study, study!

I have 2 big erasable boards that I constantly use to write equations, and important bits of info, which helps considerably.

Thanks for your kind words and advise!

---------- Post Merged at 01:09 PM ---------- Previous Post was at 12:46 PM ----------

First, congrats on your courageous undertaking. I know it is a challenge for anyone with a learning disability to get into diving, but you are certainly approaching it with a great attitude. It can be done: my nephew is learning challenged & was able to complete his OW certification with us a few years back. (He's now in 2nd year Uni in biochem, btw. We can't be prouder!)

That being said, make sure to talk with your Instructor. I don't know about SSI, but PADI makes provisions for students with learning disabilities by allowing material to be presented in a more easily absorbed manner as well as offering different options for taking the tests that include extra time, verbal exams, etc.

I know that shmuggy suggested getting another computer in case of failure, but I have to tell you that this doesn't happen as often as he would infer. IF you are happy with your current dive PC in that it presents you will all the information you need in the way you need it, stick with it. Otherwise you may want to consider "trading up" to one that better suits your needs.

Bonne chance,

Thank you for the kind words! Your Nephew sounds amazing! Please convey to him that it's a accomplishment that few can truly appreciate and he should be extremely proud of himself.

Although, I understand the methodology of having an alternate way to absorb all of this info (Yikes!) I have the mindset that the ocean (or any body of water) wont be as forgiving or lenient, so I choose the harder path to learn.

Further, I am hoping that with the less easier path, I will be able to handle any panic situation with a much more understanding of the mantra, "Stop, Breathe Think, and Act". As I been doing exactly that through out studying so far.

As far as my dive computer, I bought the Mares Icon HD, as the graphics as well as the ease of it, is extremely easy for me. At a glance, I can get any info that I need and most critically, understand it.

Again, Thank you for the encouragement. Means a lot from a fellow diver!

 

[Quero]

Newbie, I have worked with students who have learning challenges, and very recently with a dyslexic student. I only teach private courses, so I am able to shape the course to the student's needs. In the case of my recent OW dyslexic student, I sat him down with the materials all in one place--the manual, the video, a remote control, the study questions. I had him read the study question and then watch the video until he got an idea of the answer, and then I had him read the manual until he got to the part of it where the information matched. He would rewind the video to view it again, re-read the text to make sense of it, and then wrote out his answer. We went over all the questions to make sure he could explain them to me rather than the other way around, and then he did his quiz or test. He scored between 90 and 100 percent on each of five quizzes or tests.

For courses with more depth of information in physics and physiology, I try to make sure that students can visualize the processes so that they are less "abstract" and more "concrete." Doing this helps people understand what's behind the numbers and the details. This kind of work is most effective when it's a one-on-one course so that the student doesn't feel singled out for struggling with the material, so I'd recommend a private course with a sympathetic instructor who is willing to work with you to find the best "key" to unlock the information in a way your brain can make sense of it.

 

[flots am]

I know my dive computer will do the calculations for me (Nitrox) but I do not want to rely on that as it will not help me in a situation where it could fail. I want to learn and master the tables and equations but being dyslexic, that's becoming increasingly more difficult.

Don't get too jammed up over the tables. The reality is that the last time most divers will ever see a dive table is on their SCUBA written exam.

It's open water diving. If your computer fails, surface with your buddy and end the dive.

Dive Tables are like "brushing your teeth after every meal". Everybody agrees it's a nice idea, but few people actually do it.

flots.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

And don't think that you have to choose an instructor by agency. Or shop. There are many independent instructors for other agencies like NAUI and SEI that have nearly total freedom to tailor a course to the student. We are not locked into performing skills in a set order, what material needs to be covered at a particular time and in a specific manner. We just need to cover it. The use of materials other than the agency ones is permitted and even encouraged if it will benefit the student. We can create our own if necessary.
Teaching students with learning challenges is all about adapting to their needs and way of absorbing the information. Many instructors know how to teach by the book. Often not their fault. That's the way they were taught or they simply don't have the experience to deal with some issues. Some have no imagination and are unable to deviate from the prescribed methods of their agency. Some don't have time to do it or feel they don't have time. And still others just don't care. It sounds like you ran into one of those.
Tables are repetition and learning to use the format they are laid out in. Think of them as road map that you can take different routes on. You know the mileage (depth) , speed (time), and direction (table "A" to table "B" to table "C"). Once you arrive at your destination (residual nitrogen) on table "C" you take the residual nitrogen you've built up and add it to the next trip. If you are out if the water for a longer period between dives the more residual nitrogen you leave by the side of the road and it is not added to the next leg of the trip.

 

[Johan Broere]

It sounds to me that you are well on your way and maybe you will write study material some day. Many manuals are written by people that do all those things every day and for many years and then they think that we know what they were meaning to tell us. Anyhow, I have seen more people struggle with that then you think. It's the little things like loading a BC with weights and then trying to strap it to the tank or putting defog on the mask and then they go clean it in the spit bucket. Argh! Enjoy.