Newsletter
Welcome to the latest news from the LDA, informing you of some of the happenings in the world of dyslexia.
New Logo for BDA
Launched at the BETT show in January, the new logo features the full name of the BDA with 'dyslexia' encased in a speech bubble, affirming the Association as 'the voice of dyslexic people'. The 'i' of dyslexia is an upside down exclamation mark, which emphasises the typical problems that dyslexics experience with recognising letters and characters correctly when reading and writing. (British Dyslexia Association, http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/)
BDA Website. www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
This is currently undergoing a major revamp which should make it much easier to navigate as well as looking much more exciting and useful. It already provides a huge up to the minute resource on dyslexia, so if you have never looked at it I really do recommend it.
BDA move.
The BDA has been in Reading on London Road for many years in firstly a semi-detached house, and more recently in the other half as well. However the lease expires shortly and the landlord is looking to convert to luxury apartments so the BDA is moving on February 22nd to Bracknell (the home of Waitrose) a few miles out of Reading.
The new address: Unit 8. Bracknell Beeches, Old Bracknell Lane, Bracknell. RG12 7BW. Helpline 0845 251 9002, Office 0845 251 9003 Fax 0845 251 9005.
I have been there, and it is a smart new building backing on to the railway station.
BDA Conference.
The BDA 7th International Conference takes place in Harrogate from March 27th to 29th. Full details are on the website. Over 500 delegates are booked in to date.
The Education Show. NEC Birmingham.
Arran Smith and myself will be on the BDA stand (SN-Y35), at the Education Show, which takes place from 28th February to the 1st of March. Do pop in!
Special Educational Needs (Information) Bill.
The second reading of this bill took place on Feb.1st presented by Mrs Sharon Hodgson, MP for Gateshead, mother of Joseph who was diagnosed with dyslexia until he was 10 years old. The full text of the proceedings can be read under news on the BDA website. A quote from Kate Griggs, founder of Xtraordinary People caught my eye, "I can't understand why the teaching methods that have been used to support dyslexics for decades are still not a compulsory part of our teachers' training." Also the suggestion that the SENCO should be part of the management team of the school, in order to provide a whole school approach. The bill proceeds.
LDA March Meeting. Wednesday March 5th. 7.30pm
We are delighted to welcome Anna Stephens and Tessa Halliwell to speak about some of the techniques, which they use to help dyslexic learners. Do come if you can, and pass the word around to other teachers and parents who should all find much to support them in what they are already doing.
Membership.
Renewal of membership comes due shortly, so a form has been enclosed for your convenience. If you are not already a member do please consider joining us and supporting the work we do in Leicestershire.
Family Information Day & Exhibition.
We were delighted as an association to be involved with the county Specialist Teaching Service in such a day at Castle Rock High School where we met with a number of parents seeking help and support for their dyslexic young people. A similar day takes place on March 15th at Brooksby College Annexe, Melton Leisure Centre on the Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray 10.30am - 1.30pm. If we can help, do come and see us.
Dyslexia Friendly Schools.
The county asked for bids for a pot of money to enable schools to reach dyslexia friendly status and 11 bids were judged in January with some very worthwhile schemes being put forward. We wish those schools every success as they implement their ideas and hope that many others will follow suit. Fiona is on the panel considering these bids.
Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) and your Child.
Children and Young People's Services Leicester City have produced a useful handout for all city schools to use to help explain to parents/ carers about dyslexia. We were pleased to have been included on the panel, which produced this leaflet.
Leicestershire Council for Voluntary Youth Services.
We were invited last November to exhibit at Melton Borough Council Offices at the Annual Civic Reception hosted by Mrs Pamela Posnett, Mayor of Melton Mowbray and organised by LCVYS. Arran Smith, who was also doing all the technical arrangements for the evening and Alan Turner joined me in explaining to a 'Chain Gang' of Mayors from the other areas of Leicestershire something of the work of our association.
Fundraising. The NEXT big thing from www.buy.at lda
Not only will LDA receive a donation when you make a purchase at Next http://nexttransactionalshop.at/lda?CTY=26&LID=14-02-2008, but there's also £6 donated for every directory ordered. Order yours now; http://nextdirectoriesshop.at/lda?CTY=26&LID=14-02-2008 for your chance to win a BMW Z4 Roadster or £30,000!
Best wishes for the Spring 2008. Chris and Fiona Hossack