Organisation Spotlight: DyslexiaPLUS is Empowering Children to Achieve Their Full Potential

Empowering Children to Achieve Their Full Potential
Story by Janine Duncan

Dyslexia PLUS Whangarei is a very special organisation that recognises and understands parents’ intuitive concerns, believes in them, and is somewhere they can turn to for support.

Characterised as an SLD (Specific Learning Disability), dyslexia is a “challenge with print, whether it’s to read, write or both,” says a specialist learning teacher. Difficulties may include word recognition, reading comprehension, recall, and spelling. Although dyslexia is the most commonly known SLD, others include difficulties with numeracy/mathematics and handwriting. Despite these challenges, dyslexics are unique individuals, may have strong abilities, and are frequently entrepreneurial, creative, and adept at problem solving.

Aiming to empower children’s learning and educational achievement, Dyslexia PLUS has operated in name only since 2012. Previously under SPELD NZ, they are now affiliated with LDANZ (Learning Disabilities Association of New Zealand.) Run by a voluntary committee, the organisation predominantly caters for children up to approximately year 12, however some teachers have worked with adults. To achieve their objectives, Dyslexia PLUS provides multiple services including support and advocacy, assessment of Dyslexia/SLD, individualised lessons, and teacher professional development opportunities.

Generally, referral is by word of mouth, and Dyslexia PLUS receives many enquiries from concerned parents, teachers or community organisations within the Whangārei area, and throughout Northland. Should parents wish to proceed with the organisation’s services, a client assessment is undertaken, and a one-to-one programme implemented, (subject to a paid membership), with a
qualified specialist teacher.

Weekly lessons take place at a time and venue convenient for all parties, and incorporate lots of learning games and strategies tailored to meet the child’s needs. While on the programme, member families also receive newsletters and can attend parent support workshops; fun children’s events, and have access to their resource library.

Alongside educational achievement, teachers hope to build a client’s self-belief, confidence and resilience. Sheryn Comrie from Dyslexia PLUS, recalls examples of clients who have achieved wonders; including one student who attained top marks in a year 12 history class, and another completing a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.

Currently, the organisation has five teachers in Whangarei, and one based in Kerikeri. In order to cater for more clients and extend services further afield, they require additional support. Tutors are mostly qualified classroom teachers, who have undertaken specialist training approved by LDANZ. As the role commences, mentoring is provided. Although teaching involves voluntary hours, lessons are paid; albeit remuneration is less than the Ministry of Education rate. However, there is considerable flexibility regarding workload, and days, times and age range taught.

Having taught as a specialist learning teacher since the late 1980s, Sheryn says “it has become a passion, and a special privilege.” She mentions the rewards of building rapport with a child, witnessing their success and growing self-belief, and the challenges of finding strategies that enhance learning in ways each student understands.

Dyslexia PLUS receives no government support, and would be unable to operate without volunteers. Volunteers serve on the committee and as supporters; and parents often assist at events, workshops, and fundraising initiatives. However, the organisation would welcome enquiries from anyone in the community who would like to offer their time and skills in some capacity. For those considering teaching or volunteering, Sheryn’s advice is to “talk to those for whom Dyslexia PLUS has made a difference, whether they be a teacher or an ex-student, and to look at people in society who have struggled at school, but are now successful, and take inspiration from them.”

If you are interested in volunteering, training to be a specialist learning teacher, or would like to know more about the organisation, you can contact Dyslexia PLUS at admin@dyslexiaplus.org.nz, 09 430 0693, or visit their website at www.dyslexiaplus.org.nz.