Dyslexia Action

File:Dyslexia Action Logo.jpg

Dyslexia Action (formally the Dyslexia Institute) is a British charity based in the UK, providing support to those affected by dyslexia and literacy difficulties. Dyslexia Action aims to:

• support improvement in education provision
• provide direct support to individuals
• lead the agenda for change.

Dyslexia Action is the UK’s leading provider of services and support for people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties in the UK, operating in over 100 locations and has 40 years’ experience and knowledge of how best to help and support those affected by dyslexia and literacy difficulties.

History

The charity was formed in 2005 when the Dyslexia Institute merged with Hornsby International Dyslexia Centre, and was renamed as Dyslexia Action in March 2006.

Under its previous title, Dyslexia Action had been providing teaching and support for dyslexic children, young people and adults, as well as specialist training for teachers, from 1972. It was initially founded as the Dyslexia Institute by Kathleen Hickey and Wendy Fisher, as a progression from the Surrey Dyslexia Institute, which had been in existence since 1968.

By 1981, the Institute had acquired 12 centres nationwide, and in 1993, the Institute began to offer its own Postgraduate Diploma course validated by Kingston University, and later York University and currently Middlesex University. In February 2003 HRH Sophie, Countess of Wessex, agreed to become the organisation's Patron. In July 2003 the Countess opened the Institute's Head Office at Park House in Egham, Surrey. Head Office moved to 10 High Street Egham in May 2014 and the Countess officially opened the Egham Learning Centre during Dyslexia Awareness Week on 4 November 2014.

Current service

Dyslexia Action provides assessment and tuition for children, young people and adults with dyslexia. It also offers specialist training to teachers, as well as undertaking research on, and raising awareness of, the various issues surrounding dyslexia and literacy difficulties. In addition, Dyslexia Action develops and distributes teaching materials and has an online shop, which provides specialist products to support those with dyslexia and literacy difficulties and undertakes a variety of project work, which includes working with adults through the prison and probation services and supporting children through interventions in school.

Objectives

The organisation aims for a world where those with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties can reach their potential. It collaborates with other dyslexia sector organisations and advises and consults on Government policy matters via The Dyslexia-SpLD Trust.

What is dyslexia?

A working definition of dyslexia was highlighted in a report, accepted by the Department for Education in 2009, following a review by former headteacher and Government adviser Sir Jim Rose. It states:

• Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.
• Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory and verbal processing speed.
• Dyslexia occurs across the range of intellectual abilities.
• It is best thought of as a continuum, not a distinct category, and there are no clear cut-off points.
• Co-occurring difficulties may be seen in aspects of language, motor co-ordination, mental calculation, concentration and personal organisation, but these are not, by themselves, markers of dyslexia.
• A good indication of the severity and persistence of dyslexic difficulties can be gained by examining how the individual responds or has responded to well-founded intervention.’

External links

• Dyslexia Action website