Dyslexia & Dyspraxia Awareness Week 2013

Monday, October 14 was the first day of National Dyslexia & Dyspraxia Awareness Week 2013, created to boost people’s knowledge of the conditions. According to the British Dyslexia Association, the aim of the week is to debunk the myth that dyslexia is just a difficulty with reading and spelling, and to highlight the other difficulties that dyslexic people face, such as poor short-term memory, maths difficulties and poor organisational skills, while also drawing attention to the strengths that it can bring.

Dyspraxia is a form of developmental coordination disorder (DCD), a common disorder affecting fine and/or gross motor coordination, in both children and adults.

In order to help raise understanding locally of both dyslexia and dyspraxia, Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, is backing the national awareness week campaign, which has the support of local campaigner Sheila Brooks.

Sheila is founder of Red Zebra, a Brighton & Hove group which aims to improve the experience of those with dyslexia and dyspraxia through direct involvement with children and young people and by spreading awareness and providing support and training for families and teachers. She has organised an information stand in Barclays Bank at the bottom of George Street in Hove.

For further information on the group, CLICK HERE:  www.redzebrahove.co.uk

Mike said:

“I am delighted to be able to support this year’s Dyslexia & Dyspraxia Awareness Week and wish Sheila all the best in running an information stand in central Hove. I hope that any residents who have questions about either dyslexia or dyspraxia will pop down to find out more.”