Impact Report
2010-11
s
Taking Action • Changing Live
Dyslexia Action, Park House,
Wick Road, Egham, Surrey,
TW20 0HH
T 01784 222300
F 01784 770484
E [email protected]
www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk
Dyslexia Action is the working name for Dyslexia Institute Limited, a
charity registered in England and Wales (No. 268502) and Scotland (No.
SC039177) and registered in England as company number 01179975.
02
A charity that takes action
to change the lives of
people with dyslexia and
literacy difficulties
s
Taking Action • Changing Live
1
Over
20,000
children benefited
Our year
in numbers
from the training we
gave their teachers
We secured a
Government grant of
677 teachers
improved their
knowledge of
dyslexia and literacy
through our training
services
£1,300,000
with RNIB to improve the
accessibility of secondary
school curriculum
materials
Approximately
We were one
1st
of the
to
be on Google+
2,424
people
We raised
£152,489
for the It’s ME! Learning
Fund to help support
those from lower
income families
people
83
We helped
companies improve
their workplace
practices
We supported
700
over
adults with their
learning goals
100%
of our learners made
some progress in one
or more areas of
weakness
More than
3,180
people are
following us on
Twitter
With your help we raised
£1,053,000
in voluntary
income
1,459
professionals are
now members
of the Dyslexia
Action Guild
Over
250,000
people called us for
information
and advice
We assessed
5,426
2
318,931
people benefited
from the information
and advice on our
website
children
(91 schools) have
now benefited from
our flagship in-school
intervention programme
called Partnership for
Literacy (P4L)
Approximately
We gave
one-to-one
specialist support
to
40,000
We have
achieved a
network of over
6,125 friends
through
Facebook
On average
976 people
visited our website
each day
A profit of £21,619
from the Dyslexia Action
Shop Limited was put back
into the charity to provide
help and support for those
affected by dyslexia.
3
I took over as Chief Executive of Dyslexia Action in April 2011.
I would first like to pay tribute to my predecessor, Shirley
Cramer, who over many years has steered Dyslexia Action
through changing times to become what it is today. It is now my
job to work with everyone involved with Dyslexia Action to build
on the rich heritage that Shirley, with many other colleagues,
has built.
As every day passes I become more and more aware of how
privileged I am to have the opportunity to hold this position of
leadership. I feel very humbled by the impact of the work this
fantastic charity delivers and by the dedication and commitment
of a wonderful team of staff. In my work I am lucky to get the
chance to meet many learners of all ages and I am constantly
inspired by them and the specialist support that enables each
learner to change their life.
The impact of dyslexia can only really be understood by the
person affected, and as a charity we have an important role to
increase awareness and understanding of this ‘hidden disability’
so that less people are denied the opportunity to transform
their life.
The reality of illiteracy figures remain unaltered year on year,
with over 20% of young people still unable to read and write.
The real frustration is that the solutions are there. We know that
the key is good literacy teaching. What works for the dyslexic
child works well for all children with literacy difficulties. Dyslexia
training, therefore, should be a compulsory part of initial
teacher training and different levels of Continuing Professional
Development (CPD) through to postgraduate qualifications
need to be made more accessible for all teaching staff.
Dyslexia Action as a national charity takes action to change
the lives of those affected by dyslexia and literacy difficulties.
Going forward we continue to strive to close the gap between
the needs of those affected and the support available.
Contents
Who needs us?
6
How do we work?
7
How we work directly with 8
individuals living with dyslexia
How we empower others to help individuals living
with dyslexia
9-10
How we influence policy to help individuals
living with dyslexia
11
Funding our work 12
Financial Summary
13
The future for people living with dyslexia
14
Thank you
15
Kevin Geeson
Chief Executive
4
5
“Once a child feels
they have no worth it is
something they will carry
with them throughout life
and this is why the right
help and support is so
important.”
“Thank you
for giving me
back my son.”
Ben’s mum
Molly’s mum
Our
beneficiaries
are at the heart
of everything
we do.
Who needs us?
How do we work?
• Over 6 million people in the UK
Dyslexia Action is a national charity that
takes action to change lives by:
We have 25 centres and 97 teaching
locations around the UK.
•O
ffering help and support direct to
individuals
We work with:
• 2-3 children in every classroom
• Around 500,000 teachers
• Over 17,300 primary and 3,300
secondary schools
•E
mpowering others so they can help
individuals affected by dyslexia
• Every employer throughout the UK
Dyslexia is a hidden disability that affects
approximately 10% of the population
to varying degrees. It doesn’t affect
intelligence but predominately causes
difficulties with reading, writing and
spelling. However, it is much more than
just a difficulty with reading. Organisation,
memory and mathematics may also be
affected. It is biological in origin and is
caused by differences in how information
is passed around the language areas of
the brain. It is defined by a lack of
phonological awareness, which is an ability
to convert letter combinations to sounds
and vice versa.
The impact of dyslexia is extensive. If you
cannot learn to read, you cannot read to
learn and everything we do at school and
throughout life requires us to have the skills
to be able to read fluently and accurately.
Above and beyond the difficulties and
barriers dyslexia presents it is the damage
that low self-esteem can have, which is
life-long.
BUT with the correct help and support
dyslexia and literacy difficulties need not
be a barrier to education, employment and
fulfilment.
Dyslexia Action exists to ensure all
those affected by dyslexia and literacy
difficulties get the help and support
that they need.
• Influencing change to help individuals
affected by dyslexia
We are the UK’s leading provider of
services and support for people with
dyslexia and literacy difficulties, specialising
in assessments, teaching, training and
consultancy. We also develop and distribute
teaching materials and undertake research.
• Those affected by dyslexia and literacy
difficulties and their families
• Teachers and other teaching staff
• Schools, colleagues and universities
• Pupil Referral Units
• Employers
• Prisons and Probation services
• Other voluntary organisations with similar
goals and ambitions
• Training Providers
• Central and Local Government
• Local communities
“I will shout from the
highest mountain that
this intervention identifies
and fills the gaps to
enable ALL students to
move forward.”
Caroline (a class teacher
involved in P4L)
6
7
“Just having an
assessment has
identified technologies
and support strategies
that are making my
day-to-day working life
so much easier.”
“There is no doubt of
the impact P4L has had;
the evidence is so strong
that our recent Ofsted
report noted the rapid
and significant progress
being made.”
Kevin (CEO of
Dyslexia Action)
How we work directly
with individuals living
with dyslexia
How we empower others
to help individuals living
with dyslexia
Dyslexia need not be a barrier to success. The key to the right support is the identification
of the individual’s specific needs. As a charity that is passionate about providing the right
help and support to enable learners to change their lives, and as the leading provider of
services for dyslexic people, Dyslexia Action is continuously striving to provide the right
help to fit all learning needs. We offer a range of assessment and screening services,
one-to-one specialist teaching, home support packages that include the use of our multisensory computer software Units of Sound (UofS) and other services such as study skills,
to mention just a few.
Dyslexia Action offers a range of training opportunities for teachers and other
professionals and parents, as well as consultancy services for schools, colleagues,
universities, employers and training providers. We work with a range of partners on a
number of projects to help build the capacity of the number of people who have the skills
and expertise to help and support those affected by dyslexia and literacy difficulties.
During 2010 - 11
Teacher Training
• Of the 5,426 we assessed 50% were
under 19 years old, with approximately an
equal number of males and females
• We worked directly with 1,575 young
people through delivering multi-sensory
teaching
• 834 children benefited from our
Screening and Planning Interview and
Teaching and Planning Interview services
• 82 people found out more about their
difficulties with our Dyslexia Portfolio
Screening service
• 138 people were given more insight
into their difficulties with the Teacher’s
Diagnostic Assessment
8
David, a Headteacher
from a P4L school
• 80 teenagers got the right support with
their exams
• 48 adults were given a detailed profile to
assist with their learning
• We were able to help 230 people through
the It’s ME! Learning Fund. These are
children and adults who would have
otherwise not been able to afford the right
help. However, going forward into 2012
there are thousands of people that could
benefit from The Learning Fund, giving
them the opportunity of life changing
support.
Examples of how we increased our reach and improved the support services
available to people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties during 2010 – 11 includes:
We trained 370 teachers through our
Postgraduate Certificate in dyslexia and
literacy and 62 educators were trained to
assess examination access arrangements
through our CCET (The Certificate of
Competency in Educational Testing) course.
A couple of comments from our
delegates:
“I would just like to say what an
interesting course this has been. I’ve
got valuable resources and feel that this
course helped improve my teaching.”
“This course has been great! I certainly
feel that my teaching has improved as
a result. It has been very interesting in
lots of respects.”
Partnership for Literacy
(P4L)
P4L is a unique flexible and sustainable
solution that involves the whole school
community in improving the literacy
standards of all children. It offers different
levels of training to all school staff and
leaves Dyslexia Action’s knowledge and
teaching materials with the school.
During 2010 – 11 we worked with a
further 33 schools bringing the total
number to 91. Our reach during this
time was 460 educators (180 of whom
were Teaching Assistants); which
improved the educational outcomes of
approximately 14,000 children.
9
“I am slowly coming
to terms with my
situation. I now realise
that being dyslexic has
nothing to do with my
ability and I am in fact
good at my job.”
Peter (an adult learner)
How we empower others continued...
Hidden Disabilities
Questionnaire (HDQ) and
Workplace Consultancy
and Assessment
The HDQ is an interview based
screening system designed to identify
adults aged sixteen or over who are
showing signs of a hidden disability like
dyslexia, dyspraxia or ADHD. It is not a
diagnostic tool but has been developed
to give an insight into the practical
difficulties an individual has, enabling
informed support.
Our workplace consultancy and
assessment services provide employers
and dyslexic employees with advice and
guidance on how to make reasonable
adjustments to both support the
employee but also increase productivity.
The range of organisations worked
with during 2010 – 11 includes:
• Offender Management Teams
• Companies such as AXA, PwC,
Deloitte and Remploy
• Local authority services such as the
East Midlands Ambulance Service and
Edinburgh, Lothian and Surrey Police
10
What our clients and partners
thought:
“It was good to go to training where
the trainer had an understanding of the
prison environment and the learners and
clients we serve; thank you!”
“I have improved in confidence when
writing emails and have improved my
communications with colleagues.”
How we influence policy
to help individuals living
with dyslexia
Dyslexia Action has 40 years’ experience and knowledge of how best to help and
support those affected by dyslexia and literacy difficulties. We therefore prioritise
working with decision and policy makers to improve the opportunities for those with
hidden disabilities across the UK.
Examples of how we influence:
All Party Group for
Dyslexia and Specific
Learning Difficulties
Working in partnership with the Royal
National Institute of Blind People
(RNIB) we secured £1.3 million from
the Department of Education for a two
year project that started in April 2011
that aims to improve the accessibility of
secondary school curriculum materials.
Dyslexia Action is the Secretariat of
the All Party Group. Through this group
of Peers and MPs’ we work with our
sister charities to ensure Westminster is
kept appraised of important issues and
updates related to our sector. We also
use this group to identify opportunities
to influence positive change for our
beneficiaries.
The BID Project
Collaborative working
The BID (Building on the Inclusion
Development) Project developed a
range of CPD materials and training
for Teachers and Teaching Assistants.
In total 633 educators signed up for
the range of courses we were able
to offer.
We continue to work closely with
the Dyslexia-SpLD Trust, The British
Dyslexia Association (BDA) and other
sister charities to deliver Government
Funded projects through schools and
with Local Authorities. One project
currently being delivering is called
Empowering Parents and Carers,
which aims to increase the knowledge
and understanding of parents of
dyslexic children; as well as the work
we completed on the BID Project and
Load2Learn
“The HDQ
screening training
was excellent
and very
informative.”
The Qualifications Framework to help
teachers identify the skills they needed
and therefore the right training.
The SEN Green Paper
As with many other Government reviews,
which included The Rose Review
(2009), Dyslexia Action has been asked
to advise on educational issues related
to special educational needs (SEN). We
submitted evidence to the SEN Green
Paper (Support and aspiration: A new
approach to special educational needs
and disability, March 2011) which,
depending on how its aspirations are
taken forward, has significant potential
to affect the outcomes of children with
dyslexia and other SEN.
Lobbying on initial
teacher training
Together with our sister
charities we are working
to ensure that dyslexia
training is a compulsory
part of all initial teacher
training courses.
“I cannot tell you
how rewarding it is
to see these children
reading because
I have been able to
help them.”
Sam (a P4L Teaching
Assistant)
11
“I would like to take
this opportunity to
say that these classes
have changed my life.
They have given me
confidence that now
assists me to do a job
I never thought I would
be able to do.”
Financial summary
Julie D (an adult
learner)
For the financial year ending August 31, 2011
Incoming resources
0.3%
12.8%
In difficult financial times generating income remains hard but
our success is the result of a dedicated team of staff, trustees
and supporters.
Funding our work
During 2010 – 11 our Fundraising Department generated a total voluntary income of
£1,053,000, which has kept this income consistently over £1 million for the last 4 years.
Total income
£303,000 29%
£133,000 13%
£62,000 6%
£140,000 13%
£12,000 1%
£38,000 3%
£140,000 13%
£225,000 22%
13%
13%
6%
13%
3%
1%
22%
29%
Total Annual Income £8,180,000 £8,229,000
Resource expended
Total fundraising income from the financial year ending
August 31, 2011
Trusts
Corporate
Individuals
Events
Legacies
Major Donors
Fundraising from
our Centres
General donations
Income 2009 - 10
2010 - 11
Donations and other
fundraising activities
£1,094,000 £1,053,000 12.8%
Dyslexia Action services £7,067,000 £7,156,000 86.9%
Interest and Investments
£19,000
£20,000 0.3%
Expenditure
2009 – 10
2010 - 11
Teaching£5,070,000
£4,856,000 59%
Training£1,046,000
£1,315,000 16%
Assessments£249,000
£235,000 3%
Development &
Innovation£189,000
£218,000 3%
Dyslexia Action
Shop Limited
£780,000
£783,000 10%
Administration£317,000
£279,000 3%
Governance costs
£60,000
£86,000 1%
Fundraising£425,000
£444,000 5%
Total Expenditure
10%
16%
5%
3%
3%
3%
1%
86.9%
59%
£8,136,000 £8,216,000
5p
£1,053,000
How do we use our income?
For every £1 we receive:
5p is spent on generating more funds and management
and governance
95p is spent on charitable activities
12
95p
13
Poor literacy
skills are costing
the UK more
than £81 billion
per year*
The future for people
living with dyslexia
The social cost of
illiteracy is more than
£23 billion, which is
spent on welfare and
unemployment benefits
and social programmes
related to health, crime
and poverty*.
Dyslexia and literacy difficulties are barriers to educational success, employment opportunities
and personal fulfilment. The socioeconomic costs of illiteracy are huge and those living with
dyslexia will continue to be disadvantaged unless we take action now. With the growing
competitiveness of our society and global economy the future for those with dyslexia and
literacy difficulties is an exponential issue that will continue to escalate unless we can increase
the reach of the interventions we know work.
Going forward Dyslexia Action
continues to take action by:
• Working with our sister charities and
other partners to provide different levels
of training for all teaching staff and other
professionals
• Working with employers and training
providers to improve workplace practices
and increase the opportunities for dyslexic
people
• Empowering parents and carers so they are
able to better support their child
• Working with communities to increase
awareness and understanding of dyslexia
and signposting where people can go for
advice and support
• Advising on policies that improve access to
help and support for those in and out of
full-time education
• Increasing our voluntary income so we
are able to increase our reach to the most
deprived communities.
14
Illiterate adults
will earn at least
30% less than
someone who
can read*
Calls to action
You can help us to make a difference by:
• Increasing your knowledge:
If you are a parent, a teacher
or anyone that works in an
environment where you are
expected to support those who
struggle with literacy there are
courses and training available.
“It is so good to
come somewhere
where they get me”
Seanna (aged 13)
Thank you
Everything we have achieved, and will achieve in
the future, is only possible due to the amazing
people that believe in what we do.
From the families and communities we have worked
with; to companies, schools, colleges and other
providers partnered with; to our sister charities; to
organisations that make donations or enable staff
to raise funds; to those that remember us in their
Wills; Trust and Grant funders; major donors; to
those that have attended and supported our events;
to our fabulous team of staff, volunteers, celebrity
ambassadors, committee members, Trustees, our
President Charley Boorman and Patron HRH The
Countess of Wessex; we extend a special thank you
to each and every one of you.
“My handwriting
and spelling is getting
better and I am not so
scared to read in class
anymore. I am feeling
happier at school.”
• Spread the word: Tell people about
dyslexia and where they can go for help,
support and/or training.
•G
et involved: with one of our Centres or
support projects like Partnership for Literacy.
*Research published by The World Literacy Foundation: The
Economic & Social Cost of Illiteracy, Interim Report January 2012
Pete (an adult learner)
Here are some messages that
really show how you are helping
to make a difference:
• Donating just £5 per month by
completing our Regular Giving Direct
Debit Form (enclosed) or Text DYSL02
£5 to 70070
• Empower teaching staff: They
do a wonderful job but we need
to make sure all educators have
the right training, support and
resources to teach all children.
Please sign the petition to make dyslexia a
compulsory part of initial teacher training.
“This is my first
chance at an education
and I cannot thank my
dyslexia teachers enough
for helping me to understand
me, and giving me the
confidence to know I am
worth something.”
“I have found
my way; I am a
successful man
and I am happy.”
Gavin (an adult
learner)
Jess (aged 10)
“Abagail became happier
and brighter once we came
to Dyslexia Action; it just needs
someone to detect what is
wrong and who is qualified to
help. She came from nowhere
and is achieving now; she is
the one that is teaching the
other children now.”
Abagail’s mum
“I have
got better at
spelling.”
Ruby (aged 9)
“The help and
support has built my
confidence so much
and I don’t shy away
anymore and I don’t
feel ashamed.”
James (an adult
learner)
15
15
Impact Report
2010-11
s
Taking Action • Changing Live
Dyslexia Action, Park House,
Wick Road, Egham, Surrey,
TW20 0HH
T 01784 222300
F 01784 770484
E [email protected]
www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk
Dyslexia Action is the working name for Dyslexia Institute Limited, a
charity registered in England and Wales (No. 268502) and Scotland (No.
SC039177) and registered in England as company number 01179975.
02
A charity that takes action
to change the lives of
people with dyslexia and
literacy difficulties
s
Taking Action • Changing Live
1
Perforation
Taking Action • Changing Lives
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TW20 0HH
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Dyslexia Action is the working name for Dyslexia Institute Limited, a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 268502)
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