Parents of children with dyslexia and indeed parents of all children with special educational needs will be pleased today at Ed Balls’ reaction to Brian Lamb’s final report on parental confidence in the SEN system. The Secretary of State re asserted his commitment to listen to parents and to provide them with the advice and support they need.
Chief Executive, Shirley Cramer said, ‘Many parents of children with dyslexia and other specific learning difficulties have regular battles with schools and local authorities to get the support that they ought to have by right. Parents often feel ignored particularly as dyslexia is a hidden disability’.
‘The announcement of a helpline for parents, improved redress for those families that are unhappy with their support and the call for more transparency from local authorities are all very welcome developments’
Brian Lamb has once again highlighted the patchwork nature of SEN services in England. Although many parents are happy at the education their children receive, others have little confidence in the complicated and slow SEN system. The recommendations made by the report and echoed in other recent reports show that schools need to be more ambitious for children with SEN and that there should be a cultural shift in the way that local authorities and other professional work with parents and children.
Following on from the Rose Report on Dyslexia in June, which made comprehensive recommendations improving services for children with dyslexia, the outcome of the Lamb Inquiry will serve to strengthen the call across the country for children with SEN to be treated as a high priority and to have their needs met. The focus on the needs of parents will make an important difference in their engagement with education and for the life chances of the most vulnerable children
Dr John Rack, Dyslexia Action’s Head of Research and Professional Development comments: “In accepting all of Brian Lamb’s recommendations, the Secretary of State, Ed Balls again emphasised how the issue of special educational needs must be a central concern for all schools not an ‘add on’. Dyslexia Action fully supports this view and welcomes the set of recommendations around strengthening and clarifying schools’ SEN policies and placing the issue of SEN and disability as a central issue for schools’ inspectors and governors. Ed Balls also emphasised the importance of a fair system where access to additional resources is neither decided by the lottery of where you live nor by the good fortune of having articulate and persuasive parents. As an organisation which has supported many thousands of parents in seeking to have their concerns recognised, and addressed at school, Dyslexia Action is delighted by this response. We particularly welcome Brian Lamb’s calls to make sure that parents are fully consulted at all stages, that they are given access to impartial advice and that appeals and tribunal procedures are made more accessible.”
EastEnders again works with Dyslexia Action
This week EastEnders will revisit a dyslexia storyline, which has been written with the help and advice of Dyslexia Action.
The character Liam Butcher, son of Bianca Jackson and Ricky Butcher, was revealed as being dyslexic in the BBC soap last year. And in the episodes that will be broadcast this week, Liam will be seen to continue to struggle at school. The impact that this is having on his self-esteem will be highlighted, extending beyond school and into family life.
Shirley Cramer, Chief Executive Officer of Dyslexia Action, comments, 'While EastEnders is a drama, dyslexia is very real. It does predominately affect reading and writing but the difficulties caused can also affect mathematics, memory and organisation, all of which can have a huge effect on self-esteem and confidence.
What is happening with the character Liam, where he grows increasingly frustrated, is something that will ring true for many parents in a similar situation. This can be extremely difficult for the parents too and can be very upsetting and stressful for the whole family.'
Dyslexia Action is lobbying to improve the identification and prevention of reading failure and is calling for better school awareness and improved teacher training in the identification and support of children with Special Educational Needs. However, it is important to involve parents so that they are able to understand and help their child.
Shirley Cramer adds, 'We are working with Government, Local Authorities and in schools to improve standards for the 1.2 million school children whom dyslexia affects. Dyslexia is a complex issue and the difficulties it can cause can affect different individuals differently and to differing levels of severity.'
24 March 2009
Partnership for Literacy: A whole-school approach to improving literacy standards
Partnership for Literacy (P4L) is a “whole-school approach”. This unique initiative uses the specialist knowledge of Dyslexia Action’s teachers to develop a sustainable model of support for primary-aged children who have literacy difficulties, including those associated with dyslexia. It demonstrates best practice and incorporates whole-school awareness, family learning and apprentice-style training in each partnered school. It aims to increase awareness, understanding and competencies of staff, governors and parents, and to improve the literacy attainment of children at risk of failing. It is designed to leave expertise and knowledge with the school leadership, teachers and teaching assistants, ensuring that not just those children involved in the programme benefit, but also those in generations to come.
In a report published today, March 2nd, we discuss how and why P4L is effective, detailing the evaluation results from the first two years and highlighting why this is a solution for improving the attainment levels of children who may otherwise slip through the net.
For more information regarding this project please click here.
Charley Boorman becomes Dyslexia Action President
Charley Boorman
Dyslexia Action announces actor and adventurer Charley Boorman as its new President.
Charley, who is dyslexic, takes over from best-selling author Ken Follett, who steps down after ten years. He is best known for his biking travels with actor Ewan McGregor in the TV series ‘Long Way Round’ and ‘Long Way Down’, and more recently ‘By Any Means’, where his travels took him from his home town in CountyWicklow, Ireland, to Sydney, Australia, and everywhere in between!
Dyslexia Action, the UK’s leading dyslexia charity, is proud to have Charley as its new President not only because of hisenthusiasm, drive and passion, but also because of his first-hand experiences and knowledge of dyslexia.
Charley Boorman comments: ‘School was not something I excelled at and I think everyone gave up on me! I now know I am dyslexic, but no one knew it at the time'.
As President, Charley will be involved in helping to promote awareness and understanding of dyslexia, as well as raise funds for Dyslexia Action to support children and adults who are dyslexic or have literacy difficulties.
Charley adds: ‘I’m reallyhonouredto have been asked to be President of Dyslexia Action. Being dyslexic I understand all too well the issues associated with it and therefore see the real value in the charity’s work.
I feel very strongly that if the right help and support is available it can make a real difference.’
Shirley Cramer CBE, Chief Executive Officer of Dyslexia Action, concludes: ‘We are thrilled to have Charley on board. He is a wonderful role model and champion. We are looking forward to working with him on a number of initiatives that will enable our charity to reach more individuals and improve their lives through education.’
Click here for more information on Charley Boorman.
21 January 2009
To the 6 million people dyslexia affects in the UK, it is very real. Dyslexia is not the same as just having a reading difficulty. It is a combination of abilities and difficulties that affect the learning process in one or more of reading, spelling, writing, mathematics, memory or organisation.
Dyslexia is a complex condition which affects each person differently and it is irrespective of intelligence, race or social background. It is life-long, but the effects can be minimised by targeted literacy intervention.
Shirley Cramer CBE, Chief Executive Officer of Dyslexia Action comments: “Once again dyslexia seems to be making the headlines for all the wrong reasons. It is frustrating that the focus should be on whether dyslexia exists or not, when there is so much evidence to support that it does.
“It is true that there is a strong link between literacy and unemployment. And we know from our own research that there is a higher percentage of offenders amongst the prison and probation populations who are dyslexic or have literacy difficulties. However, these individuals are no more likely to commit a crime and the associated links are the result of reduced opportunity due to poor educational attainment. Mrs Cramer concludes: “The dyslexia community has over 30 years’ experience in working with individuals with a range of complex specific needs. For this reason it has never been more important for us to work in partnership with Government, Local Authorities and individual schools to ensure that those at risk of school failure are identified early so that the right intervention is provided throughout our education system.”
For more information contact:
Kerry Bennett, Dyslexia Action’s Communication and Policy Manager: 01784 222 312 / 07841 672040 / kbennett@dyslexiaaction.org.uk
Dyslexia Action CEO honoured
Dyslexia Action Chief Executive Officer Shirley Cramer has been awarded a CBE in the New Year's Honours List for services to education. Shirley is a former National Council Member of the Learning and Skills Council and has been CEO of Dyslexia Action since August 2000.
Dyslexia Action responds to Ed Balls' £38 million investment and pledge to do more for children with SEN
Yesterday, Ed Balls (Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families) announced the Government’s pledge of £38 million to improve the aspirations and outcomes for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Mr Balls revealed that £31 million is to finance pilots for children with SEN to achieve their potential and work with schools to identify best practice in securing good outcomes for children with SEN, as well as to develop tools and approaches for supporting children with SEN effectively and for working with their parents.
The Secretary of State also confirmed that an additional £7m was to strengthen support for pupils with SEN, including strengthening school leadership.
Shirley Cramer, Chief Executive Officer, comments: ‘It is unacceptable that parents have to fight to get the right help and support for their struggling child. The biggest barrier to children with SEN is the lack of expertise within the system. However, we are confident that Mr Balls recognisesand understands the severity of these issues and this latest investment announcement further endorses this.
There are already some fantastic best practice models that allow whole school and family learning. Such interventions, including our own Partnership for Literacy programme, are evidence of how effective appropriate training for the whole school can be, through the sharing of knowledge and expertise. We would like to see the Government’s investment in SEN used to roll out such interventions across all schools and indeed the forthcoming Rose Review will hopefully provide recommendations in how best we do this.
Dyslexia Action, as the result of over 35 years experience, and along with the other leading dyslexia groups, has solution models for improving the overall understanding and awareness for both schools and families, but also in how to identify and address the needs of those children who are at the most risk of failure. It has never been more important for us to work in partnership with schools, local authorities, parents, sisterorganisationsand Government to ensure that every child has equal opportunity to learn and achieve.’
~ ENDS ~
For more information please visit the DCSF’s website
12 December 2009
Dyslexia Awards Dinner raises over £100,000
Dyslexia Action’s seventh Annual Awards Dinner, held at the Dorchester Hotel in Central London on Tuesday 4 November and attended by the charity’s Patron HRH The Countess of Wessex, raised over £100,000 to support the charity’s work.
Shirley Cramer, Dyslexia Action’s Chief Executive Officer, said: ‘Given the current economic climate we are thrilled with the outcome from last night’s event. The purpose of the dinner is to celebrate the achievements of individuals with dyslexia, increase awareness of the cause and to raise much needed funds to support specialist teaching for disadvantaged children and adults.'
Interior designer Kelly Hoppen, entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis, and CEO and co-founder of The Carphone Warehouse, Charles Dunstone, were all honoured for their outstanding contributions to design and business.
A special tribute was also paid to best-selling author, Ken Follett for his extraordinary services to dyslexia and ten years as President of Dyslexia Action.
Other guests included Charley Boorman, Alan Rickman and Sebastian Faulks.
Monies were raised on the night from a live auction led by Sotheby’s auctioneer Ed Rising, and from forty-six silent auction lots. Winning bids included £6,000 for a sleep-over for ten children at Hamley’s; £8,000 for a week on a high-performance yacht for twelve people during Skandia Cowes Week 2009; £5,500 for a luxury Barbados holiday; and lunch with Bill Wyman went for £7,500.
An impromptu lot instigated on the night by top hair stylist Nicky Clarke, who offered a photo shoot styled by himself, in a dress designed by fashion designer Lindka Cierach all set in Kelly Hoppen’s home bedecked by Rob Van Helden and photographed by renowned photographer Richard Young, went for the highest amount at £20,000 .
Entertainment on the night was provided by Four Poofs and a Piano and Bill Wyman and The Rhythm Kings.
Dyslexia Action is extremely grateful to all those who have given so generously of their time and energy to make its Awards Dinner such a successful and special night.
Those to whom we extend particular thanks include: Dinner Committee Members
We are especially grateful to the Co-Chairs: Judy Bloomer, Tim Norkett, Michael Blakey and the Vice-Chair: Patsy Blunt.
Other Committee Members: Tanya Demaine, Frederic Dormeuil, Suzanne Wyman, Jasper Tay, Don Alvin, Elena Lavagni, Alanna Fisher, Sara Fisher and Allyson Revan.
Compères
Izzy Bloomer, Libby Russell-Watts and Kate Willcox from Combe Bank School, who performed most impressively throughout the evening. All those rehearsals certainly paid off!
Blythe Weigh Communications (www.blytheweigh.com)
Tim Blythe, Elaine O’Shaughnessy and David Murphy for their support with PR.
6 November 2008
70 per cent of Brits would wrongly seek medical help for dyslexia
Data released today (4 November) by Dyslexia Action reveals that just under 70 per cent of the UK population would seek advice from their GP, rather than a teacher or a psychologist – even though dyslexia is not classified as a medical condition and is not something that medical professionals have the expertise to identify.
There are over 1.2 million dyslexic children within the UK’s education system, but today’s research showed that only half the UK population said that they would consult their child’s school if they suspected dyslexia. The correct referral, if dyslexia is suspected, is to a specially qualified teacher or educational psychologist, but only six per cent would consult a psychologist.
Dyslexia Action believes this research demonstrates a lack of awareness about the specific learning difficulty that affects up to ten per cent of the population.
Dyslexia Action Chief Executive, Shirley Cramer, said, “This research shows we still need to do much more to increase awareness and understanding of dyslexia and what steps should be taken if an individual is dyslexic.
“We estimate that unrecognised dyslexia costs the nation in excess of £1 billion per year. Identification is therefore paramount and is the first important step in avoiding long term underachievement, which also comes at a huge cost to the individual, as well as being a tremendous waste of potential. We therefore need to ensure that parents and those concerned about dyslexia know where they can go for information, advice and support.”Tonight, Dyslexia Action will hold its annual Awards Dinner at the Dorchester Hotel in Central London, which will be attended by the charity’s patron, HRH The Countess of Wessex, Charley Boorman, Alan Rickman, Sebastian Faulks and David Blunkett, MP. Entertainment will be provided by Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings and Four Poofs and a Piano.
Awards will be presented to best-selling author, Ken Follett, who has served for ten years as President of Dyslexia Action, designer Kelly Hoppen, entrepreneur from BBC’s Dragons’ Den Theo Paphitis, and Carphone Warehouse CEO and co-founder Charles Dunstone.
Shirley Cramerconcludes: “Dyslexia does not affect intelligence and should not be a barrier to achievement. Our Awards Dinner is a celebration of success and we pay tribute to some brilliant individuals who are leaders within their professions. Those who are dyslexic can excel across any career but to ensure that every dyslexic individual has the opportunity to reach their true potential, appropriate identification and intervention is the key to their future.”
Notes
The research was carried out for Dyslexia Action by YouGov.
For further information and access for photographers contact: Blythe Weigh Communications - Elaine O’Shaughnessy/Tim Blythe020 7138 3207/020 7138 3205
For more information about Dyslexia Action or dyslexia:Kerry Bennett01784 222312 / 07841 672040
Dyslexia Action’s Awards Dinner became a fixed calendar event following the success of its 30th anniversary celebrations in 2002. The purpose of the dinner is to celebrate the achievements of individuals with dyslexia, raise awareness of the cause and to raise much needed funds to support specialist teaching for disadvantaged children and adults.
Last year the Awards Dinner raised £150K.
Those honoured in previous years include Zoë Wanamaker, Ronnie Corbett, Eddie Izzard, Alan Rickman, David Puttnam, Sir Jackie Stewart, Guy Hands, Lynda La Plante, Jerry Hall, Ruby Wax4 November 2008
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For more information Click here to visit the BBC.
1 October 2008
Dyslexia Action is delighted to be Mark Wilkinson Furniture’s chosen charity
Over the year ahead Dyslexia Action will work with the leading kitchen and furniture design company on a very wide range of activities that will not only help raise vital funds but also awareness of the support and services that the charity provides.
Mark Wilkinson Furniture is also looking to help their own employees who are dyslexic and have literacy difficulties, by working with Dyslexia Action to ensure they receive specialist tuition and support. This is a great initiative and one that will help increase understanding and awareness of the cause throughout the employee base and consolidate what will be a truly mutually beneficial relationship.For more information please click here.26 September 2006
Potter Prequel sells out in one dayThe sales of the limited edition 'What's Your Story?' postcard book which features an untitled Harry Potter prequel, and which was released on Thursday, has broken all records, selling out in one day. The book was published following the Waterstone's charity auction on 10 June (see story below) to raise funds for Dyslexia Action and English Pen. For full details please click here.
8 August 2008
Dyslexia Action is proud to announce that it will be holding its first graduation ceremony for those teachers who have successfully completed its Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma by Blended E-Learning course, at Royal Holloway University of London on Friday 1 August.
This particular course, validated by the University of York, is of significant importance because it contributes to over a third of all university graduates who qualify as specialist Dyslexia and Literacy teachers or practitioners. Dyslexia Action trains on average 150 teachers each year.
Anne Sheddick, Dyslexia Action’s Head of Training, comments: “We are extremely proud of all of those who have gained this level of qualification. The Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma by Blended E-Learning qualifies teachers to become a specialist teacher in dyslexia and literacy. Such teachers are particularly important given that approximately 10% of the UK population, some 2 - 3 children in every classroom, are dyslexic and because the bottom 20% of children are still not achieving expected levels in literacy.”Dyslexia Action recognises that one of the single most important barriers to achievement for children with dyslexia is the lack of expertise on the issue in the education system.
Anne Sheddickadds: “Currently Initial Teacher Training does not cover the issue of special needs in sufficient breadth or depth and new teachers are mostly unaware of evidence-based practices to support dyslexic learners. At the present time there is a shortage of qualified staff to support dyslexic learners. We are working to help improve this through our partnerships with government and the Training and Development Agency for schools and by supporting Sir Jim Rose with his review of the primary curriculum and the teaching of reading”
Dyslexia is a complex issue and the teaching strategies that Dyslexia Action uses incorporate a phonic (letter-sound recognition) multi-sensory approach,which is designed to support individual needs. Such methods are recognised as the most effective way to help those with a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia to overcome their learning problems. These methods have been developed over many years using evidence-based practices that are recognised internationally.
Anne Sheddickcontinues: “If teachers are unable to recognise those at risk of a specific learning difficulty, or indeed how to better enable these children to read, write and spell to access the curriculum, then it will not be possible to improve standards and reduce the number of children failing. Indeed, we do not expect every teacher to be trained to the level of our postgraduates but every school should have access to such a teacher who can better support the school’s SEN provision and improve the standards for all children.”
Friday’s graduation ceremony will see twenty of the teachers who have completed the Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma by Blended E Learning course, receive their certificate and diploma. In addition two very special awards: The Bevé Hornsby* Awards for ‘Excellent Student of the Year’ and ‘Excellent Tutor of the Year’ will be presented to the most deserving student and tutor respectively.
Sarah Whitewho will receive the tutor of the year award comments: “I am naturally thrilled to receive this prestigious award following a very busy and inspiring year with Dyslexia Action. The specialist teacher role, in any environment, is highly personalised, which is why the role of Dyslexia Action, in setting consistent standards, is vital.”
For more information about Dyslexia Action's training courses please contact the Training Department on 01784 222300.
For further press and media information please contact Kerry Bennett on 01784 222312 / 07841 672040. The graduation ceremony will start at 11 am. Those wishing to send a reporter or photographer should contact Dyslexia Action’s Training Office on 01784 222347.
*Bevé Hornsby founded the Hornsby International Dyslexia Centre. Dyslexia Action was created following the merger of the Dyslexia Institute with the Hornsby International Dyslexia Centre, forming the largest supplier of specialist training in this field.
31 July 2008
Click here for full details16 July 2008
Futurebuilders England makes its first Tender Fundinvestment to Dyslexia Action
The £1m fund, which was launched on June 30,offers three year interest-free loans of between £3,000 and £50,000 to third sector organisations struggling to meet the costs of tendering for public sector contracts.For further information on Futurebuilders and its loan to Dyslexia Action please click here.15 July 2008
Waterstone’s storycard auction raises £47,150 withJK Rowling’s prequel to Harry Potter fetching £25,000
At Waterstone’s ‘What’s your story?’ auction held last night, Tuesday 10 June, at the bookseller’s flagship store on Piccadilly in London, an amazing £47,150 was raised in aid of Dyslexia Action and the literacy charity English Pen.
JK Rowling handwrote and signed a unique storycard for the auction revealing a never before seen prequel to the Harry Potter series. Set three years before Harry is born and featuring the characters Sirius Black and James Potter (Harry’s father), the 800-word prequel sold for £25,000.
JK Rowling commented: ‘I had great fun writing the card and I’m absolutely delighted that it has raised £25,000 for two such worthy causes.’
With additional original highly-collectable storycards from twelve other internationally renowned authors: Lisa Appignanesi, Margaret Atwood, Lauren Child, Sebastian Faulks, Richard Ford, Neil Gaiman, Nick Hornby, Doris Lessing, Michael Rosen, Axel Scheffler, Tom Stoppard and Irvine Welsh, total monies raised came to £47,150
Shirley Cramer, Chief Executive Officer of Dyslexia Action, comments: ‘On behalf of Dyslexia Action and all those that benefit from our work we are truly grateful and would like to thank Waterstone’s and all the authors that have helped to raise this fantastic amount of money for us.
Dyslexia affects 10% of the UK population, which includes some 1.2 million school children. Dyslexia Action is heavily reliant on voluntary income in order to provide vital specialist support to children, young people and adults from hard-to-reach groups,particularlythose from lower income backgrounds. Our work has the potential to transform lives, and with the funds raised from the ‘What’s your story?’ auction we will be able to reach many more people whom we otherwise would not have been able to help.’
Additional bids included £4,000 for the storycard by Tom Stoppard, £2,500 for Sebastian Faulks’s and £3,000 for Doris Lessing’sstorycards.
To meet the massive demand from fans to read these stories, Waterstone’s is already taking pre-orders for an exclusive limited edition ‘What’s Your Story?’ postcard book, which will be published in early August, with all profits going to Dyslexia Action and English Pen. All the stories are now available to read at Waterstones.com and in Waterstone’s store windows. For more information please click here to visit the Waterstone's website.
For further media information about Dyslexia Action and the work it does contact Kerry Bennett on 01784 222312 / 07841 672040 or at kbennett@dyslexiaaction.org.uk
For further information about the Waterstone’s ‘What’s your story’ auction please contact Jane Opoku, Elise Oliver or Ruth Cairns at Colman Getty on 020 7631 2666.
Dyslexia Action is Waterstone’s chosen charity and together we are working to make reading more enjoyable for all.
To donate to Dyslexia Action please click here.11 June 2008
EastEnders looks to the experts for dyslexia story line
Dyslexia Action has been working with EastEnderson a dyslexia story line. Current episodes of EastEndersshow that Bianca and Ricky’s 9 year old son, Liam, is having difficulties at school and is apparently struggling in most subjects. It will shortly come to light that this is because he is dyslexic.
Shirley Cramer, Chief Executive Officer of Dyslexia Action, comments:
‘While EastEndersis a drama, dyslexia is very real. It does predominately affect reading and writing but the difficulties caused extend beyond this, having a huge effect on self-esteem and confidence. However, it is important to notethat dyslexia is not related to intelligence.
It follows that if you cannot learn to read, you cannot read to learn, and what is happening with the character Liam, where he grows increasingly frustrated and hates going to school, is something that will ring true for many parents in a similar situation.
It is well documented that currently one in five 11-year olds is not meeting the expected levels in literacy and numeracy. Dyslexia Action is lobbying to improve the identification and prevention of reading failure and is calling for better in-school awareness and improved teacher training in the identification and support of children with Special Educational Needs. Fortunately for the character Liam his school will suggest that he is screened for dyslexia and plans to support his difficulties will begin to be put in place.
Shirley Crameradds: ‘We are working with Government, Local Authorities and in schools to improve standards for the 1.2 million school children whom dyslexia affects. Dyslexia is a complex issue and the difficulties it can cause can affect different individuals differently and to differing levels of severity.’
At this stage it is not known where the Liam dyslexia storyline will go but Dyslexia Action would like to thank EastEndersfor bringing attention to this important issue. We will watch with interest to see how this dyslexia story develops! 4 June 2008
Harry Potter Prequel to be sold at Waterstone’s charity auction
On Tuesday 10 June 2008 a unique storycard hand-written and signed by JK Rowling will be sold in a charity auction, revealing a never-before-seen prequel to the Harry Potter series.
JK Rowling is just one of thirteen internationally renowned authors who have donated an original, highly-collectable storycard to the What’s Your Story? auction which will be held at Waterstone’s flagship store on Piccadilly in London, with the assistance of Sotheby’s. All proceeds will be donated to English PEN and Dyslexia Action.
All thirteen cards will be sold without a reserve price. Sotheby’s expect JK Rowling’s signed card to realise a price in excess of £10, 000. JK Rowling’s story is around 800 words long and finishes with the words - “From the prequel I am not working on – but that was fun! JK Rowling 2008.”
The full list of authors writing for What’s Your Story? includes:Lisa Appignanesi, Margaret Atwood, Lauren Child, Sebastian Faulks, Richard Ford, Neil Gaiman, Nick Hornby, Doris Lessing, Michael Rosen, JK Rowling, Axel Scheffler, Tom Stoppard and Irvine Welsh.
Gerry Johnson, Managing Director, Waterstone’s comments:
"What’s Your Story? just gets more and more exciting – all these brilliant works by amazing writers and illustrators, every one a small masterpiece, and now this – the prequel to Harry Potter. We never dreamed that JK Rowling would donate something so precious, and we’re incredibly grateful. I can’t begin to guess how much it will raise at auction – suffice to say I think we will see some impressive sums being bid, and a lot of money raised for English PEN and Dyslexia Action.”
Shortly after the auction, facsimiles of all the cards will be displayed in branches of Waterstone’s nationwide and online at Waterstones.com. In August a printed postcard book featuring all thirteen storycards will be available to buy in Waterstone’s stores and online. The public can pre-order the book from Thursday 29 May 2008 at Waterstones.com. All profits from the sale of the book will go to the English PEN and Dyslexia Action. Waterstone’s National Press Officer Jon Howells said “We expect this book to sell out within a matter of days – it will be the fastest selling book of the year.”
Blank storycards are also available in-store and online at Waterstones.com, and customers and the public are invited to join in and write their own stories – over 1,000 have done so online already. These customer cards will also make their way into the window displays, and will be featured in the online gallery at Waterstones.com.Highlights of the storycards include:
For further information please contact: Jane Opoku, Elise Oliver or Ruth Cairns at Colman GettyTel: 020 7631 2666 Fax: 020 7631 2699.Email: janeopoku@colmangetty.co.uk, elise@colmangetty.co.uk or ruth@colmangetty.co.uk.
Shirley Cramer, Dyslexia Action Chief Executive comments: "Campaigns like What's Your Story? are vital in raising awareness of dyslexia. Books and stories are often closed to the 10% of the population affected by dyslexia. The money and attention raised will help these adults and children find a new and lasting interest in reading and writing. Please tell us your story.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Click here to visit the Waterstone's website.
29 May 2008
Towards Equal Access for All: Resolution of the IPA Copyright Committee
'We welcome the International Publisher Association's Copyright Committee's resolution: Towards Equal Access for All. In accordance with our support of the Right to Read Alliance, we welcome this important announcement for all print disabled individuals, which includes those with visual impairments but also those with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. We recognise that there are many dyslexic individuals who are unable to access printed materials and this is a barrier, particularly for children who are unable to access the full curriculum. Dyslexia Action also awaits the day where all readers can have the same access suitable to their needs, at the same time, to all books and calls for all stakeholders to collaborate in practical ways to achieve this important goal.'
For more information on the Right to Read Alliance, please click here.
