Dyslexia
Dyslexia Awareness Week16-22 June 2008
Blessing in disguise
Dyslexia - Blessing in Disguise is the theme for this year's Dyslexia Awareness Week, 16 - 22 June.
Our focus this year is on promoting greater understanding and acceptance of dyslexia as an alternative way of thinking and one that can offer wonderful creative gifts as well as bringing some learning challenges. The theme refers to the gifts of creativity as well as the difficulties and coping strategies which are the 'disguise'.
Last year, the Dyslexia is Real campaign was a great success, with the government formally recognising dyslexia and the Ministry of Education engaging in a work programme to address dyslexia in schools. More initiatives are expected this year, and both education for teachers and new programmes for students will be critical.
We now want to build on the gains that have been made, and also celebrate the creative gifts that dyslexia can bring. Dyslexia is often found in the creative professions, from artists to musicians, actors and chefs. Without dyslexia the world would be a much less colourful and creative place. Those with dyslexia must be supported in education and the workplace, and this often requires specific interventions, as well as awareness and understanding.
Let's make New Zealand a place of leadership for supporting people of all ages who think this way.
What’s planned for Dyslexia Awareness Week?
We have a number of activities planned for DAW including:
Online teacher survey
A full copy of the media release Dyslexia - its time to hear from the front line 
This is a ground breaking initiative that we hope will improve life for the 70,000 dyslexic students in our education system - an online survey of New Zealand teachers to gather up-to-date information about dyslexia in our schools.
We envisage that the survey will become an annual event, and we see this as being critical in benchmarking the attitude of our teachers towards dyslexia now and into the future. The survey has been developed in conjunction with The Nielsen Group and results are expected prior to Dyslexia Awareness Week.
4D – For Dyslexia
A full copy of the media release 4D- paving the way for dyslexia friendly schools can be viewed here .
We’ve also launched a pioneering new programme called 4D (For Dyslexia), to establish a register of dyslexia friendly schools across the country and share best practice learnings and resources.
4D is designed to share knowledge and drive educational change. It is commonly accepted that there is a need for better interventions and learning tools – so much so that many schools are developing their own approaches – and we see 4D as a mechanism to connect the good work being undertaken in schools throughout the country. To join 4D schools are required to draft a dyslexia policy statement, publish it on their website and link through to the Foundation’s website. See http://www.dfnz.org.nz/ for more information.
Other initiatives planned for Dyslexia Awareness Week include:
· A school resource kit - the kits, which were delivered to schools at the beginning of Term 2, are a treasure trove of resources with information about dyslexia, ideas for fundraising opportunities, information from solution providers, and resources galore to help teachers and students get creative in readiness to celebrate DAW
· Creative school activities – we’re encouraging schools to celebrate DAW with creative competitions and activities
· Fundraising - schools will be able to raise money for their dyslexia initiatives by taking part in the Cookie Time Smart Cookies fundraising programme
· Chances to win cash for dyslexia resources – in conjunction with the Cookie Muncher Charitable Trust, we’re giving schools the chance to win $2,000 for their school towards any dyslexia resource purchase or initiative. It started out as a $10,000 prize pool and it’s now $14,000 – that’s seven chances and growing!
· Dyslexia awareness materials – we’re making stickers and posters available free in the school kits and from our website. |
