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10.11.03
Cornwall Dyslexia Association announce
launch of Dyslexia Awareness Week
The Cornwall Dyslexia Association (CDA) (1)
is holding a Dyslexia Awareness Week from November 17th-21st.
The week will focus on all aspects of dyslexia, but particularly
Employability and Dyslexia Friendly Schools
At least one in 10 people in the UK has dyslexia (2)
and during the Dyslexia Awareness week the CDA aims to put
forward ideas to enable employers and employees to strengthen
their relationships and to help schools become dyslexia friendly.
On November 19th, in Truro (3)
there will be a free seminar entitled Missed Opportunities,
jointly organised by the CDA and the Objective One supported
Cornwall Neighbourhoods for Change (CN4C) (4),
aimed at employers, all those who work in recruitment and
organisations that help clients find work. Employers and others
interested in attending should contact the CDA on 01872
571038.
Pam Sekula, who runs CN4C's Neighbourhood Pathways to Employment
project (5) said: "We
work with people to help them overcome the obstacles which
can make finding a job difficult. If you are dyslexic you
may find it hard to complete an application form, or prepare
for an interview, so you may never get the chance to demonstrate
how well you could do the job. We hope this seminar will help
employers appreciate the tremendous value that dyslexic people
could add in the workplace - if they had the chance.”
As part of the campaign the British Dyslexia Association
(BDA) has produced a set of guidelines, which provides a framework
for employers that will enable them to bring out the best
in their dyslexic staff. The CDA has sent these guidelines
to a large number of both small and large employers in Cornwall.
Sarah Wright (CDA Chairperson) said: "It makes business
sense to ensure employees are reaching their full potential
within an organisation, thus maximising the company profits
and effectiveness. In many workplaces there is potential in
dyslexic people that is being untapped. We want to create
an open dialogue between employers, employees and their customers
to assure that dyslexic people in the workplace have positions
best suited to their skills."
On Thursday November 20th (6) the CDA has joined forces with
the LEA to organise a dyslexia conference entitled 'Dyslexia
- A Whole School Approach'. The conference aims to support
teachers and other professionals in meeting the needs of dyslexic
pupils. The presenters will explore recent research and look
at practical teaching and learning strategies, which will
ensure access to the curriculum for dyslexics.
There are still places available at the conference, please
contact Sandra Page 01872 322681for further details.
Contacts:
Sarah Wright (CDA Chairperson), 01872 571038
Barbara Smith (PR Adviser CN4C), 01736 786421/07801 947897
Editor's notes:
| (1) |
Cornwall Dyslexia Association is a registered
charity that offers advice information and help to dyslexic
people, their families and the professionals who support them.
Alongside the practical help, the Association is working to
raise awareness and understanding of dyslexia and to effect
change. Helpline Tel: 01872 274827 |
| (2) |
The word "dyslexia" was coined
from the Greek, and literally means difficulty with words - but
that's not the whole picture. Dyslexic people can also experience
difficulties with organisation and short term memory, confuse
directions, find it hard to remember a list, dates or times
and have problems following a sequence like days of the week
or months of the year. Today dyslexia is viewed as a combination
of abilities and difficulties. Dyslexic people can have good
problem-solving skills, enhanced creativity and excel in the
arts, design, architecture and computing. |
| (3) |
The Seminar will be held at The Alverton
Manor Hotel, Truro from 9am – 12.30pm |
| (4) |
CN4C is a tenant-led community development
organisation addressing the needs and desires of social housing
communities through partnership and participation. As part
of the wider CN4C network, Neighbourhood Pathways to Employment
(NPE) works closely with other CN4C community development
and regeneration projects. |
| (5) |
Neighbourhood Pathways is a unique employment
initiative created by CN4C and JobCentre Plus. NPE goes out
into the community to help clients take their first steps
towards the ultimate goal of training, volunteering and finding
a job. |
| (6) |
The Conference will be held at The Falmouth
Hotel, Falmouth from 9.30am – 4.40pm |
Jason Clark
Communications Adviser
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Tel: 01872 241379
Fax: 01872 241388
objectiveone@cornwall.gov.uk
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