The BDA thanks Sharon Hodgson MP

On behalf of our members and beneficiaries, the British Dyslexia Association would like to extend sincere thanks to Sharon Hodgson MP for her work as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dyslexia and other Specific Learning Difficulties.

Elected as Chair in 2016, Sharon has brought her own personal experience as the parent of a severely dyslexic child to her passionate advocacy on special educational needs and disability issues. All too familiar with the challenges that people with dyslexia face throughout their lives, Sharon has consistently campaigned to raise awareness of the support that children, young people and adults with dyslexia need and deserve.

Recently, the APPG has discussed Intersections of Dyslexia: Ethnicity and Cultural Perspectives which was an informative and powerful examination of race, gender and social class on individuals’ experiences of dyslexia. Other recent topics have included Reforming Assessment in Secondary Education, Early Screening and Adults with Dyslexia and the Justice System.

During her tenure as Chair, the APPG also published the following seminal reports:

• The Educational Cost of Dyslexia highlighting how many young people with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties are being let down by the education system.
• The Human Cost of Dyslexia looking at the cost of undiagnosed and poorly supported dyslexia including the emotional wellbeing of dyslexics and their families.

The APPG will continue its important work under the new Chair, Tom Hunt MP, who will draw on his own lived-experience of dyslexia and dyspraxia to explore relevant themes and campaign for change.

Sharon Hodgson MP will continue as a member of the APPG, joining other parliamentarians committed to advocating on these issues in Westminster and beyond. A big thank you to Sharon for her ongoing service to our community.