The Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI ) are celebrating Dyslexia Awareness Month this October, the focus being on empowering people to #TrustYourInstincts.
All too often the DAI hear from parents frustrated that their concerns were dismissed and not acted upon sooner. Individuals with dyslexia also share their frustrations at not having their needs identified or support provided earlier, leading to lifelong impacts on their mental health. So if you suspect that your child, a child in your class, or indeed yourself, may have dyslexia trust your instincts. Talk to the school, talk to other parents, talk to someone with dyslexia. Please reach out to the Dyslexia Association of Ireland for information and advice on assessment and supports.
This Dyslexia Awareness Month, the DAI will be shining a light on the barriers that exist, sharing voices of dyslexia, and providing information and advice on how to help. On our social channels we will be sharing stories and personal insights on the dyslexia journey. We will also be making an Oireachtas Presentation on October 5 to highlight the challenging journey that many individuals face when dealing with dyslexia.
Teachers, parents and adults with dyslexia overwhelming agree that unidentified dyslexia damages self-esteem and mental health, yet access to dyslexia assessment is an ongoing barrier. In our recent members’ survey 54% reported a wait of over 3 years from when difficulties were first noted to a formal diagnosis. Only 15% were able to access a public assessment (either via NEPS or the HSE ) meaning the majority had to seek a private assessment. Unsurprisingly, 61% of families report that the costs associated with addressing dyslexia have placed financial stress on their families. The annual financial costs related to managing dyslexia within families (e.g. assessments, tuition, assistive technology ) is now €1,756 (based on our September 2022 members’ survey ), which is a 23% increase from 2021 figures. For some families the burden is much greater with multiple family members with dyslexia.
Teacher training on dyslexia is also needed. In our recent teachers’ survey, only 6% of teachers felt that their Initial Teacher Education prepared them adequately to address dyslexia in the classroom. 95% of teachers feel that they would benefit from more training on dyslexia identification and supports. 95% of parents in our survey similarly want to see mandatory training on dyslexia for all teachers. There are some great teachers and schools who have invested their own time and money in getting upskilled on dyslexia. However, the education system must ensure that all teachers and schools are properly training and resourced in evidence-based approaches to support children and young people with dyslexia.
Over the month, the Dyslexia Association of Ireland will be running a number of webinars and courses, and sharing videos on its social channels. Please follow us and join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn this Dyslexia Awareness Month. Click here to download our Support Pack which includes some posters and ideas for events, and other ways to get involved.
For more information on dyslexia visit: www.dyslexia.ie
