“Dyslexia is the most common cause of childhood loss of self-confidence…” —Dyslexia Research Trust

This week (4th November - 9th November) the team here at Scanning Pens will be showing our support for Dyslexia Awareness Week in Scotland.

According to the Dyslexia Research Trust, 10% of children across the UK and US have dyslexia.

That’s over 4 million children with dyslexia. There are currently 40 million adults with dyslexia in just the UK and USA. Making dyslexia the most prevalent learning disability in these countries, and likely the world. Yet dyslexia, and the problems people with it face, is grossly underrepresented.

Frustration with individual achievement can lead to all sorts of negative acting out that can have serious effects on a student’s future. It’s estimated that over half of all convicted criminals have a reading difficulty.

But with the right assistance, and early intervention, we can ensure students avoid self-defeating actions. We can give students the tools to support themselves.

But, we need everyone’s help.

You may have noticed that we went red throughout World Dyslexia Awareness Month in October - but, the difficulties of dyslexia aren’t exclusive to just one month.

We’re taking steps to break down barriers around dyslexia year-round. Part of our pledge to support dyslexia is taking part in other national dyslexia campaigns.

That’s where Dyslexia Awareness Week in Scotland comes in. Any event or chance to bring attention to the needs of dyslexic students is vital, so we’re inviting you to learn more about Dyslexia Awareness Week in Scotland.

“The theme of the week is Building Independence for Life. We want to raise awareness and show how, with the right support, children and adults with dyslexia can achieve their full potential.” - Dyslexia Scotland

“Here are some of the ways that you can take part:

Go to one of the events taking part across Scotland.
Are you planning to hold an event or awareness raiser during Dyslexia Awareness Week? Tell us about it here.
Show your support by using our supporter logo in your emails and social media.
Show our presentation in your school or look at a more general awareness raising presentation.
For schools, our West Lothian branch wants to celebrate the successes and achievements of your dyslexic young people. Download this document for pupils to complete telling us their dyslexic superpower - this does not have to relate to dyslexia but should be something that makes them proud of themselves. (This can be anything from getting all their spelling words correct, telling funny jokes, scoring goals, being a great friend, helping make dinner - anything that makes them feel pleased with themselves.) They can draw themselves being awesome or just write in their achievement. Please share on social media!
Check out our website for children and young people aged 8 - 18 and download a poster here.
Share our Twitter and Facebook posts and post using #DAWScot
Get some ideas for things you can do in schools or in the workplace.
If you’re a teacher, sign up to the 3 free online Modules on the Online Addressing Dyslexia Toolkit. Or, if you work in Community Learning and Development, see this online module which will give you a greater understanding of dyslexia.
Check out our leaflets for children, parents, adults and employers.
Join Dyslexia Scotland and be part of a growing membership across Scotland – you can join or renew online and we have individual and family memberships.
Got a question about dyslexia? C ontact our Helpline today. See our leaflets here.”

Learn more: www.dyslexiascotland.org.uk/dyslexia-awareness-week

It’s our hope that each event supporting dyslexia, and other reading difficulties, will inspire educators and learners to ensure they have the support they need.

Thanks for reading!

Don’t forget to follow Dyslexia Scotland and Dyslexia Unwrapped to stay in the loop.