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BDA News
In this section you can catch up on the latest news from the British Dyslexia Association and get the BDA’s latest views on the issues affecting dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties. Here you can find news from the last three months. For more historical news, please visit the news archive.
The TDA have now approved 34 centres
27 July 2010
Following representations from BDA and the Dyslexia SpLD Trust, the TDA have reconsidered the results of the recent tender for preferred suppliers for funded specialist teachers. The BDA is delighted that they have now approved 34 centres which will offer these funded places. Therefore, if you run one of these centres or you were hoping to enrol on a funded programme leading to the BDA’s qualifications, AMBDA or ATS , please get in touch with your centre for confirmation of future plans.
The tendering process encountered a glitch relating to the calculation of scores for centre approval on AMBDA/ATS and the BDA were able to point this out to the TDA procurement team. We are grateful to this team for rapidly taking note of the error so that it could be rectified. As a result, the training of specialist teachers should now go through as planned and we look forward to many more schools having access to specialist dyslexia support. In total, 2,000 places for funded training have been made available for this year.
New Chief Executive Joins the BDA
22 June 2010
The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) is delighted to announce Paul Marsden as its new Chief Executive.
Paul has joined the BDA from working on policy development for third sector organisations in Europe. Prior to that Paul was a Member of Parliament for eight years and subsequently held posts as Director of Policy for a charity and Chief Executive of a trade association.
BDA Joint Chair Margaret Malpas said: “I am really pleased that Paul has joined the BDA to head up our team and lead the charity into a new era. Paul is very passionate about the future of the charity and I am confident that he will be able to build on the BDA’s successes and help us enable even more dyslexic people to reach their full potential.”
Paul Marsden, who starts his role in June, will work alongside joint BDA Chairs Jim and Margaret Malpas and Dr Kate Saunders, who has been promoted from Education and Policy Director to Chief Education Officer.
BDA Launches Blog
The British Dyslexia Association has started a blog, which will be updated regularly with with stories, views and info. You can have a read and leave a comment here.
BDA Chief Executive Leaving
British Dyslexia Association Chief Executive Judi Stewart will be leaving the charity after four years at the helm. Margaret Malpas, BDA Chair, says: "Judi Stewart our Chief Executive is leaving on the 11th June. Judi joined the BDA in a very difficult period and her timely intercession meant that major funders grouped together to save the BDA, something that everyone in the dyslexia world will be eternally grateful for. The BDA is now running smoothly which has required a lot of determination and energy from Judi. We all wish her well in her travels and hope she has time to relax and “smell the roses”.
"In the meantime, we are advertising for a new CEO and as Judi kindly gave us so long to prepare, plans are well advanced for it to be business as usual."
To apply for the Chief Executive position click here.
Babyshambles Guitarist to Play Dyslexia Awareness Gig
23 March 2010
Babyshambles guitarist Drew McConnell is to play with The Tunics, Defector and Oh Verona at a gig being held in aid of dyslexia awareness.
Organised by Resolution Daes, a not-for-profit organisation highlighting current issues surrounding dyslexia through music, the event is to be held at the Barfly in Camden on 28th March.
Doors open at 4pm with the music starting at 10:30pm. Tickets are priced at £4 each, and available at http://www.seetickets.com/?c=462990.
Join the BDA's Group Mentoring with Sir Jackie Stewart
The BDA is hosting a group mentoring session with former F1 world champion Sir Jackie Stewart on 1 March in London.
If you would like to be a part of this Mentoring session you will need to meet the criteria available here and complete the Mentee application form.
For further information on the scheme call the BDA on 0845 251 9003 or email.
Please note: places are limited and new Mentees will be given priority.
BDA Responds to Further Disabled Students'Allowance Delay
4 February 2010
Responding to the news that two thirds of students in England are still waiting for Disabled Students Allowance grants to pay for specialist equipment, a BDA Spokesperson said:
"The British Dyslexia Association is dismayed to learn of the severe delays to the Disabled Students’ Allowance.
"Leaving two thirds of disabled students without the grant that is designed to support their needs is disastrous. This will affect their ability to fully access university education and will have a serious impact on their future careers. Lack of essential support and vital equipment may well lead to many dropping out of their courses.
"The Government is urged to deliver a solution to this problem and clear the backlog of applications as soon as possible."
BDA Responds to Science and Technology Committee Report
18th December 2009
In response to the Science and Technology Committee's report published today, the British Dyslexia Association is disappointed that this debate has reared again. The Government accepted Sir Jim Rose's report and acknowledged the existence of dyslexia. Dyslexia is not just a reading difficulty and unless the related working memory and processing issues are addressed, pupils will encounter more difficulties in being able to access the curriculum and the working environment later on.
Funding allocated for specialist teacher training will be of benefit to all children and not just those with dyslexia or literacy difficulties.
BDA Support Launch of New Reading Tool
Intel have introduced an innovative product that takes pictures of printed words then reads them back to users. Intel Reader is a handheld device that helps people with Dyslexia read printed text, and is now available in the UK.
Approximately the size of a paperback book, it converts printed text into digital text, using a high-resolution camera allowing users to point, shoot and listen to printed words. Large amounts of text, like a magazine article, can also be stored for reading later.
Intel Reader could transform the lives of people who struggle with reading, including those with specific learning difficulties (SpLDs), partial sightedness or blindness.
Ben Foss, director of access technology, at Intel’s Digital Health Group, suffers from Dyslexia and originally came up with the idea because he wanted to help people who have the same reading difficulties as himself.
He says: “The Intel Reader is a tool that can help give people with dyslexia, partial sightedness, blindness or other reading or learning difficulties access to the resources they need to participate and be successful in school, work and life”
Judi Stewart, Chief Executive of the BDA, says: “We are pleased that the Intel Reader is now available in the UK. This device has the potential to offer a great deal of independence to people who have a difficulty with reading.”
Intel Corporation, who currently sponsor the BDA Mentor scheme, announced that the Intel Reader will now be available in the UK through select retailers including Amazon.co.uk, Human Ware and Inclusive technology.
For more information, please see the brochure
BDA Celebrates Mentor Scheme Success
To wrap up Dyslexia Awareness Week the British Dyslexia Association is celebrating the success of its Mentoring scheme, launched with Cass Business School and Dyslexia Scotland in March.
Research by Professor Julie Logan, recently published in the Dyslexia Journal, suggests dyslexic people make up almost 20% of the UK entrepreneurial population and some of the strategies they have developed to overcome dyslexia are useful in business. The aim of the scheme is to encourage dyslexics who are already successful to share their tools and techniques with their mentees who are just starting out in their careers.
We already have group mentoring sessions from a number of high profile mentors, David Richards, CEO of Aston Martin, Jonty Hearnden, TV Antiques expert, and Zenna Atkins, Chair of Ofsted.
Read the full story here.
BDA: Government Not Dealing with DSA Backlog
The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) is asking the Government as a matter of urgency to solve the present crisis surrounding the delay in Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) payouts for those who entered Higher Education this September.
The BDA Helpline has received complaints since May 2009 from dyslexic students who have not received a response to their applications for DSA, leaving many deeply distressed about the situation. Some students have waited more than seven months for their application to be processed.
In addition, Access Centres reported that they had no bookings for assessments at what they expected to be their busy time.
When Liberal Democrat peer Lord Addington, who is dyslexic, asked the Government who would take responsibility for the thousands of disabled students still waiting for essential funding they did not have an answer.
Due to the backlog of DSA applications still to be processed by the Student Loans Company (SLC), many disabled students have had to defer their course for a year or drop out altogether.
The SLC report less than 20% of DSA applications received for 2009-10 have been fully processed. Applications for the next funding cycle 2010-11 will start arriving this month further adding to the backlog.
Read the full story here.
Doves, The Twang, Badly Drawn Boy and The Hayle Faye Band come together for Dyslexia Awareness
4 November 2009
Doves’ Andy and Jez Williams, and The Twang's Phil Etheridgeare, are to DJ with support live sets from Badly Drawn Boy and The Hayle Faye Band, plus special guests, at a live music club event being held in aid of dyslexia awareness.
Organised by Resolution Daes, a not-for-profit organisation highlighting current issues surrounding dyslexia through music, the event is to be held in one of Manchester’s leading music venues, The Ritz on 27th November 2009.
The night will start at 7pm till 3am, with tickets priced at £15 each, and available via Ticketline (search for 'dyslexia') on by calling 0844 888 9991.
Resolution Daes is kicking off its series of music events in Manchester in response to comments made earlier this year by the sitting Labour MP, Graham Stringer, who publicly stated that he "doesn’t believe dyslexia exists, and is a cruel fiction", and that "labelling a child who is illiterate with dyslexia is wicked".
Ki McRoberts, founder and project manager of Resolution Daes, and who has dyslexia says, "This sort of prejudice and ignorance is totally unacceptable. 1 in 10 of the population has some form of dyslexia and they need to be supported and not hear this from an MP. We rely on our MPs’ to push forward with important positive changes, and Mr Stringer has let his constituents and all those with dyslexia down. We would like him to make a formal apology regarding this matter and/or a speedy resignation.
"Through our music events we're also hoping to help link people to the relevant dyslexia charities who can provide the appropriate support and advice they need. They are also being organised to celebrate dyslexia and the many benefits it can have on ones life too!"
Dyslexia Awareness Week 2009
2 November 2009
The UK’s leading dyslexia charities have come together for Dyslexia Awareness Week 2009, which takes place this week, to celebrate the theme Dyslexia Strengths.
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that affects one- in- ten in the UK, approximately the population of London. Dyslexia mainly affects the development of literacy and language related skills, however, those with dyslexia also possess a number of strengths including:
- Innovative and ‘big picture’ thinking.
- Excellent trouble shooting and problem solving.
- Strong visual skills.
- Determination.
Research shows that dyslexic people make up almost 20% of the entrepreneurial population in the U.K (J. Logan 2008) and there are many celebrity dyslexics including Richard Branson, Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightley.
For the full story click here.
New Report Calls for Equality in Dyslexia Services in Wales
The National Assembly for Wales Enterprise and Learning Committee has published its follow up report on Support for People with Dyslexia in Wales. The report monitors the progress made by a previous report, published in July 2008.
BDA Education Director, Dr. Kate Saunders, who gave evidence at the latest inquiry, said of the report: "We are delighted with this follow up report. The Welsh Government understand that early recognition and appropriate support for people with dyslexia is essential if children are to achieve their full potential.
"We warmly welcome the proposed target for all schools and local authorities in Wales becoming Dyslexia Friendly by 2016. This is a realistic target, which builds on some existing good practice within the Welsh education system, but will ensure consistency of provision for all dyslexic pupils in future.
"It is important that effective provision should be available for both English and Welsh language users.
"We would endorse the need for effective dyslexia training for class teachers, specialist dyslexia teachers and other school staff and are pleased that the report highlights this key issue."
You can download the PDF of the full report here.
BDA Welcomes Dyslexia Tribunal Case
21 October 2009
The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) welcomes a discrimination case against the Gloucestershire Police.
A judgement by Bristol Employment Tribunal held that Gloucestershire Police had discriminated against Chief Inspector Phil Haynes in his application for promotion to superintendent and failed to make reasonable adjustments for Mr Haynes in his work
Mr Haynes is dyslexic and has 20 years service with the Gloucester and Kent Police Forces. He brought the claim under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
Judi Stewart, BDA Chief Executive, said: “The Employment Appeal Tribunal recognises that dyslexia, at all levels, is included in the Disability Discrimination Act and employers need to be aware of this. We welcome this case, which illustrates that failure to provide reasonable adjustments can result in litigation. All employers should ensure managers and staff have dyslexia awareness training and provide workplace support for dyslexic employees.”
Read the full press release here.
Regional Conferences to Help Dyslexic Pupils in the Classroom
2 October 2009
The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) is holding conferences across the UK looking at classroom best practice that will improve the lives of dyslexic pupils.
The exciting programme includes:
- Inclusive dyslexia teaching
- Technology to assist in classroom
- Information on Dyscalculia
- Learning through play
- Whiteboards and inclusion in the classroom
The conferences are taking place in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, on 13th October, Plymouth on 3rd October and London on 5th November.
Read more about the conferences here.
BDA Group Mentoring Sessions
13 August 2009
The BDA is running a number of group mentoring sessions in September and there are limited places left. The scheme, which was launched in March with Cass Business School and Dyslexia Scotland, will link adults with dyslexia with successful dyslexic people who will share the benefit of their experience and knowledge.
The Group Mentors and dates are:
3rd September- Zenna Atkins- Chair of Ofsted and Social Entrepreneur
17th September- Jonty Hearnden- Television antiques expert
29th September- David Richards, Chairman of Aston Martin
Please note: the sessions will last for approximately an hour and a half and are based in London. The sessions may be filmed.
If you would like to attend these events all you need to do is meet the criteria available here and complete the Mentee application form. Please make it clear that you would like to apply for the Group Mentoring.
Please send your application forms to the Human Resources Manager via email mentoring@bdadyslexia.org.uk or through the post at the British Dyslexia Association, Unit 8, Bracknell Beeches, Old Bracknell Lane, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7BW.
Please note: Applications will also be acceptable in alternative formats, for example, audio.
You can find full information on the scheme here.
BDA Chief Executive to Hold Workshop at Rose Review conference
29 July 2009
BDA Chief Executive Judi Stewart is holding a workshop at a one-day conference on the implications of the Rose Review for policy and practice in Local Authorities.
The Rose Review of provision for children and young people with dyslexia: Implications for policy and practice in Local Authorities conference is being held on 12 October 2009 at the University of Reading.
The conference is designed for those involved at Local Authority level in planning and provision for children and young people with dyslexia. Sir Jim Rose, author of the Rose Review, will provide an opening address to the conference. The conference is intended to help those in responsible positions in Local Authorities to move forward in implementing the recommendations of the Rose Review.
For further information and booking details click here.
BDA Launch Fresh New Website
The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) has revamped its website, www.bdadyslexia.org.uk, building on the success of the BDA’s previous site and affirming the organisation as ‘the voice of dyslexic people’. Read the full press release here.
Rose Review
The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) has welcomed the final report from Sir Jim Rose’s review on the identification and teaching of children with dyslexia.
The Rose Review has made the following conclusions and recommendations:
- Training 4000 specialist teachers in dyslexia over the next two years;
- Boosting early identification (eg. from Year 1) and effective intervention for pupils with dyslexic difficulties;
- Making provisions for dyslexia awareness training for existing teachers;
- Putting more special educational needs training into initial teacher training courses;
- Acknowledging the need for specialist teachers and 1:1 interventions for severely dyslexic pupils;
- School should build a positive dialogue with parents and provide relevant information for them;
- Schools should provide support for children with dyslexia at transfer to secondary school;
- Continuing Helpline advice for parents and teachers.
Judi Stewart, BDA Chief Executive, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Sir Jim Rose has listened to and acted upon the views of the British Dyslexia Association and other key dyslexia organisations and that the Department for Children, School and Families have accepted these recommendations. His suggestions are a real foundation for change and progress; and will improve the education of many children with dyslexia throughout the country.”
Read the full press release here
You can download the Rose Review here.
SpLD Reports
22 June 2009
Two reports on Specific Learning Difficulties were also released with the Rose Review. The No to Failure final report, which formed the basis for material for the Rose Review, and a report, commissioned by No to Failure, bringing together a body of international evidence on the impact of specialist teaching on children, a world first. Both reports support the findings from Sir Jim Rose's review.
You can download the No to Failure final report here.
You can download Chris Singleton's research here.
British Dyslexia Association response to claims by Professor Julian Elliott that too many children are wrongly being labelled dyslexic
It is very upsetting for individuals who have dyslexic difficulties when unhelpful comments are made doubting its legitimate diagnosis. The British Dyslexia Association’s (BDA) National Helpline (0845 251 9002) receives more than 20,000 calls a year from concerned parents, teachers and adults with dyslexia. Although there are a variety of reasons why children may struggle with the early acquisition of written language skills, dyslexia is one of the key problem areas.
The BDA support the early identification of children who have difficulty with the early acquisition of literacy skills. The BDA also supports the use of good 'quality first' classroom teaching and multi-sensory intervention programmes for those children who require further assistance. Dyslexic pupils tend to benefit from structured, phonics-based teaching, with explicit teaching of spelling and reading rules and patterns, backed up with memory anchors (eg. mnemonics, picture memory anchors and over-writing) to reinforce learning of common irregular words.
Dyslexia affects 10% of the population (4% severely) and increased identification is mainly due to raised awareness of this problem. Dyslexia is recognised by the UK government, education system, justice system and examination boards, however, there is still a long way to go before all dyslexic individuals are appropriately identified and helped.
Dr Kate Saunders, British Dyslexia Association Education and Policy Director.
British Dyslexia Association Response to Graham Stringer MP's comments
Graham Stringer MP’s comments, featured on manchesterconfidential.com, demonstrate that he misunderstands dyslexia.
The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) agree that with synthetic ‘phonics’ and a better understanding of how to teach children to read and write, literacy for all children can be dealt with more effectively. The BDA continue to campaign for the teaching of phonics and multi- sensory teaching. Mr Stringer assumes that literacy will solve the issue of dyslexia, however although many dyslexics have acquired the skills of reading, there is no doubt that they still remain dyslexic.
Mr Stringer needs to realise that dyslexia is not just about reading. Although, being able to read is often problematical for those with dyslexia it also sits alongside a range of other processing skills including organisation, sequencing, retrieval of information, short-term memory, spelling, writing and numbers.
It is concerning that an MP does not recognise dyslexia, which affects 10% of his constituents, even though his Government have taken steps to make sure dyslexic children and young people with dyslexia are recognised and supported.
Sir Jackie Stewart Calls for Drastic Change in Teaching
13 March 2009
Sir Jackie Stewart, former Formula 1 World Champion and Vice President of the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), has called for a drastic change in the training of teachers to ensure dyslexia is recognised by all educators, at the launch of a new Mentoring Scheme.
Sir Jackie Stewart, who discovered he was dyslexic aged 42, spoke passionately about his fight to encourage the Government to change its agenda in education.
Sir Jackie Stewart said: “We have to change to the teaching programme. Schools must have educators who are able to identify dyslexia.
Sir Jackie Stewart spoke openly about his dyslexia and his campaign to change the education establishment as the launch of the British Dyslexia Association’s Mentoring Scheme, in conjunction with Dyslexia Scotland and Cass Business School.
Read the full story here.
Mentor Project Launch with Sir Jackie Stewart
6 March 2009
The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) and Dyslexia Scotland are launching a mentoring scheme, with Cass Business School, City University London, to link adults with dyslexia with successful dyslexic people who will share the benefit of their experience and knowledge.
Sir Jackie Stewart, President of Dyslexia Scotland and Vice President of the British Dyslexia Association, will be both the key speaker at the launch event and a Mentor. The British Dyslexia Association is delighted to announce other keynote speakers and mentors including Zenna Atkins, Chair of Ofsted and Louis Barnett, founder of Chokolit.
The programme is an informal mentoring scheme, which is designed to be flexible. The emphasis is on two people getting together who share something in common - dyslexia. The aim is for the mentor to share some of their coping strategies and above all instill confidence in the mentee.
Sir Jackie Stewart, who will be a key speaker at the launch and a mentor, said of the scheme: “I am looking forward to being a part of this new project. I know from personal experience the difficulties that people with dyslexia face. To have a mentor who has suffered the enormous frustrations, humiliation and mental abuse will be tremendously constructive. I hope that myself and the other mentors will be able to provide help and give strength to demonstrate that being dyslexic does not have to be a barrier to success.”
Judi Stewart, Chief Executive, British Dyslexia Association said: “This is such an exciting project. We firmly believe that the talent and skills of a successful dyslexic person is invaluable to a similarly like-minded person with dyslexia, whether they are just starting out in their career or at a key point in their working life. We have a number of Mentors already on board, including Sir Jackie Stewart and David Richards the CEO of Aston Martin, and are inviting anyone who is dyslexic and feels they can benefit from this project to apply.”
Read the full story here.
The British Dyslexia Association keeps an archive of press releases on the following topics:
- Dyslexia Awareness Week
- BDA Events
- BDA Helpline
- Tribunal Cases
If you would like to access these press releases please contact Rachel Lawson detailing the topic.
