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“Our aim is to help dyslexic children achieve their full potential by giving them access to specialist assessment and teaching.”

The Dyslexia Trust was established in 1994, to provide support to dyslexics who are unable to get the help they need due to reasons of financial difficulty. The Trust makes sure donations are not lost in administration costs but go directly to help children and families wherever they are in the world.

The Problem

There is little help available for dyslexia from the education system. Teachers are not trained in dyslexia. It is extremely rare for a school to have a dyslexia specialist. It is usually parents who raise concerns and it takes several years to have even a limited assessment. Yet research evidence has proved that the longer that help is delayed then the more difficult it is for dyslexic children to catch up. The longer children are left to fall behind then the greater the impact on their self-esteem, often leading to depression and them giving up. The Dyslexia Trust wants to change this.

Who we help

In addition to dyslexia, we help with other conditions or learning disabilities, for example dyspraxia, dyscalculia, mild autistic spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder, speech and language difficulties. These children almost always display low levels of confidence and self-esteem and also need emotional support.

Donate

Text Donate numbers

To donate £1 send a text message to 70201 with words TEACHME
To donate £3 send a text message to 70331 with words TEACHME
To donate £5 send a text message to 70970 with words TEACHME
To donate £10 send a text message to 70191 with words TEACHME

Case Studies

Katie’s story

Six year old Katie was so bewildered and confused by her early experience of school that she frequently hid under the table, refusing to come out.  The Trust was able to support lessons at the Bristol Dyslexia Centre. Katie’s first impulse was to hide and Centre staff responded by giving Katie a large box in which she could sit, emerging only when she felt ready to join in learning activities.  Slowly Katie’s confidence increased until the box was no longer needed, with patience and using games to learn, Katie took gradual steps in reading and writing to overcome her dyslexia, becoming confident and literate.

Becky’s story

Aged 8 years Becky’s self-esteem was so fragile she cried every time she had to look at words.  After being supported at 18 years Becky had gained the highest mark in Geography A-level in the UK, scoring 99%. One examiner commented that he “can hardly believe this girl is dyslexic”.  Becky went on to  thrive at University and is now pursuing at career with Linked In.

David’s story

David was dyslexic, and known as the naughty boy at school where he received little support or understanding. We supported him to have lessons throughout his secondary years, and as a result he gained his exams, entered the army and is now an officer.

Sean’s story

Sean could not read and was failing at school.  But his father was dying of cancer and his mother could not afford to send him to the Centre.  Sean received a bursary to enable him to attend, gained his exams and is now a paramedic.

Nick’s story Nick was an adult but had a reading and spelling age of 7.  He had managed to get a job with a large company doing odd jobs but wanted to improve his prospects and so found the courage to find help.  The trust was able to cover the cost of an assessment, and then contacted his company and persuaded them to pay for lessons. Nick had lessons for 2 years and left with reading, writing, office and IT skills. His company offered him promotion and he is now resources manager of a large department. With the right help Nick was able to make a huge leap forward in his life.