DEKS

I am currently the Chairperson for DEKS – Dyslexia East Kent Support – a local charity support group which has now been running for about seven years. The aim of the group is to provide information, support and signposting of appropriate agencies to dyslexic individuals, their families, educational providers, to name but a few. We do this through a monthly drop-in-centre at Canterbury Dyslexia Centre in Blean. These sessions are held on the first Saturday of each month, during term time, from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm. Here we are able to loan a range of resources for a membership fee of just £15.00 a year. We also provide a telephone helpline two times weekly and deliver approximately four to five talks, presentations or workshops each year, to a range of audiences.

The Bedgebury Foundation

Whilst the Dyslexia Advisory and Support Service is an Independent Service The Bedgebury Foundation, www.thebedgeburyfoundation.org may be a possible source of funding for those most in need. Individuals that may wish to apply for a grant include: school children aged 5 to 18 years, postgraduates, graduates, clergy, teaching staff, teaching assistants, young people who are unemployed and prisoners. Those over the age of 25 years should only apply if their application is related to the teaching of those under 25 years old. Requests may include funding for:

• The provision of additional study or learning opportunities on a one to one basis or in small classes for those with special needs such as dyslexia or speech impediments.
• The provision of support for applicants to receive basic literacy training to improve their opportunities to gain employment.
• The provision of support for teachers or classroom assistants to study and gain qualifications in Learning Support or teaching those with special gifts.
• The provision of learning support equipment and materials to schools and training establishments.
• The funding of special educational needs (SEN) assessments.
• Preference will be given to projects where the applicant can demonstrate that a measurable difference will result and where the applicant is willing to pass that benefit on to others either directly or through a Foundation alumni programme.
• A fund in memory of Emma Anne-Marie Anderson will award a small grant each year specifically for those struggling with dyslexia for support that is unavailable within the National Curriculum. This will be assessed within the Additional Needs programme.

A list of further Educational trusts can be found in; “The Directory of Grant Making Trusts” (Charities Aid Foundation), “The Educational Grant Directory” by Fitzherbert and Eastwood, and “A Guide to Grants for Individuals” available from: The Directory of Social Change, Radius Works, Back Lane, London NW3 1 HL.

“The Parents Guide Book For Claiming Allowances For Their Children With Developmental Disorders”, by Dr James Duncan, 2009.

Workshops

The Dyslexia Advisory and Support Service endeavours to provide regular presentations and workshops for parents. Please click here for current training sessions and venues.