4 people with hidden impairments Attempting to open doors for people with hidden voices.

What is the British Dyslexia Association?
by Judith Stansfield
a BDA volunteer on the Computer Committee

The BDA is an information organisation set up to support those with Dyslexia and their families, supporters and carers.

The mission statement is:

‘To create a dyslexia-friendly society so that all dyslexic people have the opportunity to achieve their full potential’

The BDA has 89 local associations where a group of local people provide help. They organise talks and meetings on coping with dyslexia and related matters to support people near their homes.

They also have 134 supporting corporate members who have business interests related to providing services, books, software, schooling and research into dyslexia.

They have a register of schools which provide a variety of support for dyslexic pupils.

There are 2 special interest groups that are manned by expert volunteers:

1. BDA Computer Committee - reviewing hardware and software solutions, producing related booklets and organising seminars and workshops at conferences, both nationally and locally

2. BDA Music Committee

At least half of the membership of these committees are dyslexic people.

The National Office is in Reading. There are full-time, part-time and volunteer workers based there. Most of them have a personal interest in dyslexia, either because they are dyslexic themselves or have a relative who is dyslexic.

Their work involves:

• finding and updating information for their website www.bda-dyslexia.org.uk

• running a telephone HELPLINE 0118 966 8271

• running a web-based HELPLINE info@dyslexiahelp-bda.demon.co.uk

• contributing to an email forum for representatives from the Local Associations

• raising funds to support initiatives - currently :

• 'Dyslexia Friendly Schools' - to improve the environment for provision in schools

• 'Dyslexia-wise' - to improve support in the workplace

• ‘Young People in the Criminal Justice System’ – improving support given to dyslexic young people in the CJS.

• producing CONTACT - an information magazine that comes out 3 times a year

• producing a range of information books and booklets - some in electronic format on the web

• supporting the BEFRIENDING service to help dyslexics and their families get the right services for their children

• organising / supporting a range of conferences and family days to help share and disseminate good practice and research

• lobbying government and other providers on issues that affect dyslexic people

• producing the Dyslexia Handbook – a comprehensive guide updated annually

 

For more detailed information of the range of BDA provision,

visit the
Website
www.bda-dyslexia.org.uk

or ring the
Helpline
0118 966 8271
 

This item was written by Judith Stansfield a BDA volunteer on the Computer Committee

 

 

This article was received on 11th March 2004.

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