British Dyslexia Association

Background:

Ten percent (10%) of the British population are dyslexic; 4% severely so. Dyslexia is identified as a disability as defined in the Equality Act 2010. Many of the dyslexic people across the UK, whether adults or children, are unable to fulfil their potential as a large percentage of the population still do not understand what dyslexia is, the difficulties which the condition presents and do not know how best to support them. Dyslexia is not an obvious difficulty; it is hidden. As a result, dyslexic people have to overcome numerous barriers to make a full contribution to society.

The BDA is the voice of dyslexic people. We aim to influence government and other institutions to promote a dyslexia friendly society, that enables dyslexic people of all ages to reach their full potential.

The BDA promotes early identification of specific learning difficulties (SpLD) and support in schools to ensure opportunity to learn for dyslexic learners. In November 2007 at the BDA AGM Members agreed the policy on Early Identification of Specific Learning Difficulties. This forms the basis of BDA lobbying in this regard. To view our policy follow this link.

The BDA has three campaign areas:

1. To encourage schools to work towards becoming dyslexia-friendly.
2. To reduce the number of dyslexic young people in the criminal justice system.
3. To enable dyslexic people to achieve their potential in the workplace.

Putting our values into action

As an umbrella organisation, the BDA want dyslexic people to view the BDA as the organisation that best represents them. So the work of the BDA aims to reflect the values that dyslexic people hold dear.

We will listen to, and act upon, the needs of dyslexic people. We will foster a feeling of togetherness for all of our membership and respect for dyslexic people, volunteers and staff.

Our priorities include regional development, to support the growth of grassroots local dyslexia associations. We also want to grow the befriending network. Finally, we continue to develop dyslexia-friendly practice within the BDA and build a culture of total quality.

Mission:

• Campaign and lobby for long lasting and sustainable change for the benefit of dyslexic people
• Provide impartial and objective advice and support to dyslexic people and those with whom they come into contact
• Set the standards for and accredit dyslexia knowledge and professional expertise
• Deliver innovative solutions which break new ground in the field of dyslexia
• Disseminate and share best practice regionally, nationally and internationally
• Promote research.​

In the 40 years that the British Dyslexia Association has been campaigning there has been many changes in the world of dyslexia, some of them good.

In light of this milestone, the British Dyslexia Association has produced a report in 2012 looking back at the last 40 years and has made recommendations for the future.

In partnership with The Dyslexia Foundation and after consulting 100 organisations, this report is a wide ranging and comprehensive assessment of the current provision for adults with dyslexia.