Newcastle conference to highlight issue of dyslexia

Parents, teachers and health experts are invited to attend “Dyslexia Matters” at the Centre for Life, in Newcastle, on Saturday.

Liz Ferguson, from organisers Dyslexia North East, said: “This is a golden opportunity to show people that dyslexia should not be an obstacle in making your way in life.

“Unfortunately there is still a huge lack of understanding about dyslexia and related problems, but this conference will help to address the many challenging issues, raise awareness and show what help and support is available.

“It will also reassure people affected by dyslexia and other associated conditions that they are not alone.”

Speakers at the event include Sarah Tall (Your Amazing Brain), a dyslexic who was expelled from playschool and struggled to read but went on to get a First Class Honours degree and teach history in China, Oxford, London and Dundee.

Sarah has a particular interest in what is special about the brains of people with dyslexia and says it is no coincidence that so many have achieved so much.

Another speaker is Andrew Dalziell, director of the Movement and Leaning Centre in Scotland, who has spent the last 10 years helping children and adults with specific learning difficulties and supported international athletes to achieve their optimal sporting performance.

The final speaker is Lee Pascal, a teacher specializing in dyslexia and co-author of the BBC Adult Literacy Handbook and a contributor to the Dyslexia Handbook.

Anyone wanting to attend or find out more information should contact Liz Ferguson by calling 0786 826 3696 or go to www.dyslexianortheast.org