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When DAL was formed in 1970 the people involved were all experiencing difficulties getting a dyslexic child properly supported in school. They worked from each others homes, shared knowledge about the condition and the education system, gave each other moral support. Over the following years the group grew. There were more parents of dyslexic children unable to get appropriate support for their child at school, more dyslexic adults only just coming to realise they were dyslexic, not knowing quite what to do next. The group hoped that in time, the condition would be properly recognised, that schools and employers would become dyslexic friendly and their services would no longer be needed. They arranged workshops for parents, teachers, employers; they supported parents, talked to schools, participated in national debates about the condition.
But time moved on and there were still more people wanting support, stretching resources to the limit. The group then formed a registered charity and in 2000 were awarded a grant from the National Lottery Charities Board which enabled them to take on an office and paid staff.
As the grant drew to a close, it was apparent that there was still more to be done, so the trustees drew up a business plan and put in a further successful bid to the Big Lottery Fund.
In 2003 the Helpline and Befriending Project came into being. The project, which was funded for three years, was divided in to three parts:-
Ø A helpline to give information and support to anyone with a question about dyslexia
Ø An information meeting to give parents and carers a clear idea of how to get support for their child within the school system
Ø A Befriending service to give one to one support for parents and carers going through the complicated process of getting special educational provision for their child.
When the grant came to an end the helpline service continued to operate and in the first two weeks of January 2007 took 75 calls. Of these, four needed the type of support previously offered by the befriending service.
For all dyslexic people the key issue is to get the condition properly recognised and supported. Without this there are long term consequences for the individual and society, in fact a 2007 KPMG Foundation report put the cost to the public purse of literary failure over the life course as £2.05 BN each year.
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What is Dyslexia?
The British Dyslexia Association defines dyslexia as follows:-
"Dyslexia is best described as a combination of abilities and difficulties which affect the learning process in one or more of reading, spelling, writing and sometimes numeracy and language. Accompanying weakenesses may be identified in areas of speed of processing, short-term memory, sequencing, auditory or visual perception, spoken language and motor skills."
Common Symptoms of Dyslexia
late to talk - speech difficulties - difficulty learning to read - poor spelling - difficulty learning to write - poor short term memory - trouble remembering names/the alphabet/days of the week - a tendency to reverse letters and numbers - disparity between spoken ability and literacy skills - restlessness - poor concentration - hyperactivity - frustration at lack of achievement - clumsiness - confusion between left and right - a tendency to be disorganised or untidy - poor coordination and balance - difficulty learning to tell the time - poor sense of time - a family history of similar difficulties - dyslexics can have other related difficulties; dyspraxia, dysgraphia, ADHD/ADA or dyslcalculia.
Not everyone who shows some of these symptoms is dyslexic. But if you are concerned, do seek help now and do not be put off by people who say "Oh, he'll grow out of it."
Although the list is written mainly with parents in mind, it applies to dyslexic adults as well.
Remember:
IT IS NEVER TOO LATE
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WHAT CAN YOU DO?
If you are a parent, find out if your child is dyslexic by have an appropriate full assessment carried out.
If dyslexia is diagnosed, make sure your child receives the right teaching and support at school and at home. The most important thing is to keep up your child's self-confidence. It is vital that no one criticises him/her for being lazy, naughty or stupid.
Dyslexic children are often the first to realise that something is amiss and they need reassurance. They generally try very hard to please and it is upsetting for them when they fail. Be positive and praise your child. Always acknowledge and appreciate their other abilities.
If you are an adult, find out about adult assessment, training and counselling. There are specific strategies amd skills that can be learnt. Our Dyslexia Contact magazine has information on the latest research, courses and useful general contacts and information.
It is important to remember that dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence. It can be inherited. We do not yet know what causes it but we do know that it is about the way the brain works. Dyslexic people learn in a different way. Therefore, with the right sort of teaching, people can be greatly helped.
Some of the most famous thinkers and inventors showed many signs of dyslexia, from Leonardo da Vinci to Farraday, Einstein and Eddison. Contemporary figures include leading architect Sir Richard Rogers, comis genuis Eddie Izzard, Olympic medallist Sir Stephen Redgrave, singer Toyah Wilcox and racing driver Sir Jackie Stewart.
Our association can help
Whether you are interested as a parent, adult dyslexic or professional, please join the association and find out more.
Three good reasons for you to join:
Your subscription enables us to help others with funds and information.
Join today - complete and return the attached membership form.
Gift Aid - If you are a UX taxpayer, we can reclaim tax on your donations. Don't forget to complete the Gift Aid form and return with your membership form. |