Mothers are behind the founding of national dyslexia associations

from SEN Magazine - SEN123 - March-April 2023

Introduction & Application to the SCERTS Model

determined to help their own children who were being failed by the school system. Many of my esteemed colleagues trained as specialist teachers and assessors after finding out their child was dyslexic. They started by working with their own child, then used their skills to support others. Never underestimate the power of the parent!

I come across many teachers and support staff with dyslexia. It's not surprising. If 10% of children are dyslexic, it follows that 10% of the staff will be, too. For some teachers it can be a way to be a role model for dyslexic pupils—someone who understands how they need to learn. For other members of staff it can still be painful and difficult to disclose.

Age is no barrier to learning and the Disabled Students

Allowance (DSA) can provide support to access a degree course fully. It is never too late to be assessed, meet your potential and support your children or your grandchildren even more.

Useful information

Adults who are either employed or self employed are able to apply for Access to Work support (gov.uk/accessto-work). This can be invaluable in giving resources that level the playing field, such as speech to text software or text to speech software and many companies are finally recognising the value of the skills that dyslexic individuals can bring to an organisation. The ADC will also help you with screening free of charge if certain criteria are met, and they also have a free Helpline (help@adc.org.uk). If you feel that your literacy needs additional support try your local Dyslexia Association or the BDA Tutor list for a specialist used to working with adults. (bdadyslexia.org.uk)

Dr Gavin Reid, the psychologist and Chair of the BDA Accreditation Board, has a very useful book that can help, providing lessons that are pitched at the right level for adults. Free on Amazon Kindle (incidentally, Kindles are great as you can adjust the font and font size and many adults and children like the grey background).

I am a Trustee of the charity that helps both adults and children—the Adult Dyslexia Centre (adc.org.uk), who run

About the author

Katrina Cochrane worked with Dyslexia Action before joining the BDA as Head of Education. She set up Positive Dyslexia Ltd in 2016 with the aim of raising awareness of Dyslexia and Neurodiversity in a positive way through assessments and training. She is also an author and conference organiser.

positivedyslexia.co.uk katrina@positivedyslexia.co.uk

A footnote in history

Lord Addington, Vice President of the BDA spoke for us all when he said he hoped we wouldn’t be around in another 50 years time. He didn't want a centenary of the BDA to be celebrated, he wanted the work of the BDA to be a 'footnote in history'. I hope he is right. Although the dyslexic landscape has changed somewhat, we still find that awareness is poor, and children are not being identified early enough.

free support groups for adults to discuss their difficulties in work, finding work and helping their children with homework. They also run six week parent courses so that parents can find out more how to support their child at home. These are normally very reasonably priced and the ADC will also help with the cost of screening and tuition if needed.Find your local Dyslexia Association on the BDA website—many have a packed newsletter full of tips and links.

Audio books ( Calibre audio library free for dyslexic adults and children—calibreaudio.net) and reading pens will allow the parent to engage in the reading experience with their child if their own literacy levels are low. Stuck on a spelling—ask Alexa!

If numbers are the difficulty and you suspect Dyscalculia, try the Dyscalculia Network (dyscalculianetwork.com). Many banks have also become far more dyslexia friendly and can give you access to your money without dreaded PIN numbers, which are easily forgotten by adults with memory difficulties.

Positive Dyslexia Ltd are pleased to announce two Neurodiversity Conferences in 2023. Suitable for SENCO’s, Teachers, Specialist Teachers and Assessors, TA’s and parents.

June 29th joint conference with Edge Hill University focusing on Dyscalculia, and we are back for our 4th Annual Dyslexia Conference in Liverpool on November 23rd at the Adelphi Hotel with a focus on Language Literacy and Communication. Both with a host of eminent speakers in the field of dyslexia and dyscalculia, exhibitors and with lunch/all refreshments. Come to both if you can’t decide which one will give you the best CPD!

Early bird prices/student prices are available through Eventbrite or for an invoice contact: accounts@positivedyslexia.co.uk. Ref SEN/PD. Book now from only £50 positivedyslexia.co.uk

We also have Masterclass recordings such as Dyscalculia, Executive Functioning skills, Assessment and Reading available on our online shop from only £10. We can offer diagnostic assessments for Dyslexia, online or in person, as well as INSET training for schools.