Resources
To advocate effectively for individuals with dyslexia or learning disabilities (LD), the resources are vital, important and never seem to be enough. Luckily a range of resources are available around the world, tailored to various needs and locations.
These resources include toolkits, educational materials, and advocacy guides designed to empower individuals, families, and educators. The availability and focus of these resources can vary by country and state, reflecting local policies, legislation, and support systems. Below is a summary of key resources and their global applicability:
International Resources
The International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Thay provides a comprehensive Advocacy Toolkit to support advocacy at local, state, and federal levels, offering research, resources, and tools for best practices based on the science of reading. This toolkit is designed to empower parents, educators, and advocates to implement evidence-based literacy practices.
Advocacy Toolkit (IDE):
https://dyslexiaida.org/advocacy-toolkit/
Research to Support Implementation (IDE):
https://dyslexiaida.org/research-to-support-implementation/
United States
Note on Understanding Dyslexia Laws:
-Dyslexia laws vary significantly across states, offering more detailed guidance than the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These laws may define dyslexia, outline early screening and identification processes, and set standards for teacher training and professional development.
-National Center on Improving Literacy. Thay offers insights, highlighting the impact of culture, spelling and writing system variations, policies, awareness, teacher training, and the availability of assessments and interventions on the understanding and practices related to dyslexia:
National Center:
https://improvingliteracy.org/
The State of Dyslexia (NC).:
https://improvingliteracy.org/state-of-dyslexia
State Policy and Dyslexia (NC).
https://improvingliteracy.org/brief/state-policy-and-dyslexia
Canada
In Canada, several organizations and initiatives are dedicated to advocating for individuals with dyslexia, providing resources, support, and information to ensure equitable education and awareness. Here's a summary of key resources and advocacy efforts across different provinces:
National Level
• Dyslexia Canada is a national charity committed to ensuring that every child with dyslexia receives a fair and equitable education. They focus on driving systemic change through public engagement, education, and establishing legislation for recognizing and supporting children with dyslexia. Dyslexia Canada also highlights the importance of scientific, evidence-based approaches to reading instruction and has been involved in advocating for the implementation of recommendations from the Right to Read inquiry, which called for educational reforms to support children with dyslexia.
https://www.dyslexiacanada.org/
Ontario
• The Ontario Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA Ontario) offers structured literacy webinars, workshops, and training courses in both French and English. They support public libraries through grants for decodable books and training for volunteer reading programs. Their annual Literacy & Learning Conference provides an opportunity to learn from experts in the field. IDA Ontario also runs Read October, an annual read-a-thon to raise funds and awareness.
British Columbia
• Dyslexia BC is a grassroots parent/family-led organization advocating for the educational needs of individuals with dyslexia within the K-12 system, post-secondary education, the community, and the workplace. They strive for systemic changes, including universal dyslexia screening, adoption of a science-based reading curriculum, and improved access to resources and technology for individuals with dyslexia. Their activities include advocacy efforts like "Say Dyslexia at the BC Legislature" to raise awareness and support for dyslexia.
Quebec
Decoding Dyslexia Quebec is a voluntary, parent-led, grass roots movement.
https://www.facebook.com/decodingdyslexiaquebec
UK
British Dyslexia Association (BDA)
The BDA is a leading organization providing support and resources for individuals with dyslexia. They offer professional accreditation, training programs, dyslexia-friendly awards, a helpline for free and confidential advice, and an alumni network for graduates of their accredited courses. The BDA also hosts international conferences to share the latest research and best practices in dyslexia support.
https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/
The Dyslexia Association
This organization offers a wide range of services to assist dyslexics of all ages, including helpline services, consultancy and training, screenings, diagnostic assessments, tuition, assistive technology training, workplace needs assessments, and coping strategies training. They work with a large pool of assessors and teachers across the UK to provide personalized support.
Dyslexia Research Trust (DRT)
The DRT focuses on helping individuals with dyslexia, particularly addressing the visual aspects of dyslexia that can cause words and letters to appear blurred or move around. They provide advice for parents, teachers, and adults, and emphasize the importance of understanding visual problems associated with dyslexia. Their approach acknowledges the creativity and 'big picture' thinking abilities of people with dyslexia.
Dyslexia Association of London
The Dyslexia Association of London aims to remove barriers to success for individuals with dyslexia. They offer resources, events, counseling, assessments, and support for adults with dyslexia. The association has been supporting individuals since 1972 and provides a platform for members to access support groups and creative opportunities.
https://www.dyslexialondon.org/
These organizations play a vital role in advocating for dyslexic individuals, providing educational resources, promoting awareness, and supporting dyslexia-friendly practices in schools and workplaces. They offer a wealth of information, services, and support systems designed to help individuals with dyslexia achieve their full potential. For more information on their programs and how to access support, please visit their respective websites.
Australia
The Australian Dyslexia Foundation (ADF) could be a valuable contact. They aim to address urgent needs for the identification and remediation of dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. The ADF offers direct funding to individuals for accessing necessary assistive therapies, focusing on those selected based on educational and financial need.
https://www.ausdys.org/
audyslexia@gmail.com
New Zealand
Dyslexia Foundation of New Zealand (DFNZ): Established in 2006, DFNZ is dedicated to providing services and advocacy for individuals with dyslexia. They focus on education and justice, aiming to support neurodiversity and promote understanding and action for dyslexia. DFNZ offers various resources and information services online, with a commitment to helping those with dyslexia achieve their full potential by addressing self-esteem issues and leveraging the creative gifts dyslexia can offer. For more information, visit their website: Dyslexia Foundation of New Zealand.
https://www.dyslexiafoundation.org.nz/
Speld New Zealand: Speld NZ is a not-for-profit organization that specializes in helping people with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities. For over 50 years, they have provided support across New Zealand, offering diagnostic assessments, one-on-one tuition, teacher training, and other educational support services. Speld NZ's approach is personalized and evidence-based, focusing on the unique needs of each individual to improve learning outcomes. They also offer financial support and advocacy for people with dyslexia. To learn more about their services, check out their website: Speld New Zealand.
SPELADD New Zealand: A registered charity since 1999, SPELADD provides support and services for individuals with learning differences, such as dyslexia, other specific learning difficulties (SLD), and attention deficit hyper-activity disorder (ADHD). They operate mainly in the lower central North Island and offer assessments, tutoring, educator training, and access to resources through seminars and their library. SPELADD's mission is to enable those with SLD and ADHD to reach their full potential, ensuring their learning needs are recognized and met. Further details are available on their website: SPELADD New Zealand.
Indea
The Dyslexia Association of India (DAI) is one such organization that plays a significant role in providing support for dyslexia. DAI offers comprehensive services aimed at understanding dyslexia, its implications, and providing effective intervention strategies. They emphasize that dyslexia is a neurological condition characterized by difficulties in reading, writing, and spelling, which does not reflect on an individual's intelligence level. Many children with dyslexia possess average or above-average intelligence but learn differently due to challenges in language development and memory. DAI provides assessments, not-for-profit classes, counseling services, educational therapy, and individual education plans. They also offer certificate courses for teachers and workshops for parents to better understand and support dyslexic individuals. Their approach is to ensure that dyslexia is identified and managed effectively, highlighting the importance of early screening and intervention to help individuals achieve their full potential.
https://dyslexiaindia.org.in/
China
In China, the awareness and support for dyslexia are emerging but still face significant challenges. The condition affects 5 to 8 percent of school-age children in China, indicating a sizable population in need of assistance. However, societal understanding and acceptance of dyslexia are limited, leading to isolation and stigma for affected children and their families. Traditional views on education and learning, which prioritize rote memorization and written knowledge acquisition, further exacerbate the difficulties for dyslexic students.
The Weining Dyslexia Education Center in Shenzhen is among the few organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with dyslexia in China:
https://chinadevelopmentbrief.org/ngos/shenzhen-weining-dyslexia-education-centre/
This lack of support and recognition in the education system means that children with dyslexia often do not receive the accommodations they need, such as extended exam time or specially formatted test papers, which are available at The World Of Chinese:
https://www.theworldofchinese.com/2022/06/we-arent-stupid-chinas-dyslexics-share-their-stories/
If you wish us to add any resources to this page that we did not mention, or if anything needs to be corrected pleas feel invited to contact us, we would be happy update this list: