Marlborough and District Dyslexia Association 

2016 Chairman’s Report

The MDDA is a charity that has been in existence for almost 3 decades. The original aims where to encourage early identification of dyslexia, to procure and provide information about dyslexia to dyslexics, the public, parents and families of dyslexics, teachers and schools. This charity is still much needed to day and we continue to run our helpline, loaning out resources, holding a monthly drop in session at the Library and usually running 2 dyslexia related lectures a year.

This year we have continued to collaborate with the Wiltshire Dyslexia Groups – MDDA, Wiltshire Dyslexia Association, Wiltshire Council SEND and Wiltshire Parents’ and Carers’ Council – in delivering our conferences ‘Making Sense of Dyslexia to support the implementation of the new SEN Code of Practice that was introduced in 2014.

In two years we have presented the event in 5 locations across Wiltshire, Chippenham, Marlborough, Ludgershall, Downton and Westbury. It’s estimated that we reached over 400 parents and teachers.

Further events are being planned to support teachers, parents and children affected by dyslexia.

School years can be difficult for dyslexic students and this has inspired us to provide a series of lectures ‘How to survive school’. The first in the series was given last year by David Williams – a dyslexic teacher and SENCO, a trustee of the British Dyslexia Association and author of many articles on dyslexia. His talk focused on what it’s like to be dyslexic and how to become a successful dyslexic. David shared a wealth of experience including: – How he survived school, Practical tips for studying and work, coping strategies and revision tips.

Our series of lectures will include Building Self Esteem and Resilience and providing practical strategies and support.

We are also aware of the number of adult dyslexics who need support and we will continue to look at ways of providing support for them.

We are a committee of 7 – very pleased that Sarah Cardy and Caroline Philps have joined us since our last AGM.

I am standing down as Chairman but remaining as Helpline Officer, Link Officer with other organisations and updating the website.

Helpline Report

Helpline – this year we have had an increase from 51 last year to 63 cases this year.