The Island held its first-ever dyslexia and dyscalculia conference last week, hosted by Islander and dyslexic expert Jo Rees in collaboration with Hampshire Dyslexia Association.
Dyslexia affects approximately 20% of the population and is the most common learning difference.
With 90% of island primary schools in attendance, the sell-out event saw people travel far and wide to hear expert key note speakers share their advice, strategies and resources to help aid students and people living with the learning differences. Parents, sencos, council teams, teachers and teaching assistants all came along to increase their knowledge and gain expertise in the area.
Dyslexia Expert Dr Helen Ross, Founder of Morph Mastery Louise Selby, Co-founder of the Dyscalculia Network Rob Jennings and Jamie Wace, CEO at Talamo screening all held masterclasses at the conference, all of which were incredibly well received by the engrossed audience.
Exhibitors at the conference included IDL, Lili Lamp – the lamp for dyslexic people and Send Books which is owned by organiser of the Neurodiversity Show Arran Smith, who was also in attendance and contributed to the Expert Panel.
Feedback from the event was incredibly positive with island educators sharing their thanks and already expressing an interest for future events.
Social Media influencer and dyslexia assessor Jo explains why the event was so important for the Isle of Wight:
“I have provided independent dyslexia support to the Island and beyond for 10 years. I know SENCOs and educators are keen to do the best they can for learners with dyslexia but falling budgets, cuts in services and increased pressure on school means that training and support isn’t always easily available to them.
Article continues below this advertisement “So many people with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia don’t get identified or receive the correct support to enable them to fulfil their potential. I wanted to use the connections within my Dyslexia and Dyscalculia community to create an event here that would inspire educators to help shift the narrative away from just a lucky few that are identified to many being identified by understanding what kind of support and provision is needed in school.
“The speakers were all leaders in their fields and talk at many events in the UK. They and I were blown away by the sold-out event and it surpassed all our expectations. The enthusiasm and willingness of the delegates was incredible and we hope to continue to provide ongoing support in some shape or form to all the people that attended in the coming months.”
To find out more about Jo and her work with dyslexia visit www.dyslexiclifewithjorees.com
