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The Dyslexia Foundation provides an important voice for the hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders affected by dyslexia. On this page on our facebook page, we provide a forum for some of those voices, as well as other material from around the world.


Dyslexia can create learning differences, but it also has the potential to provide great creative gifts. If you’ve done something creative, let us know about it. It’s only by uniting and making ourselves heard that we can foster understanding and create action that delivers meaningful change.

 


 Stories

If you’ve written a story, we’d love to read it. Send us an email and we might even even be able to publish it here on the DFNZ site

 


- Trent's poem: Click here

- Back to Basics, a story by DFNZ member: Click here

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Reach for the stars, some thoughts from a dyslexic author: -
  Click here


- Daniel Baunton dyslexia speech, aged 10: Click here



 Videos


 

“The Closer You Get, The Bigger I Look” - In 2009, top New Zealand musicians came together to write and produce an inspiring new song for DFNZ. A music video and behind the scenes video were also made click here

- Dyslexia an unwrapped gift - The film asks the question, is dyslexia a disability or an ability and goes onto to highlight research that suggests dyslexics will be the intellectual elite in the digital and visual picture packed world of tomorrow. "An Unwrapped Gift" features Tom West, author of In the Minds Eye....

- Dyslexia: a music slide show by Ridem25


- Misunderstood: a documentary about dyslexia by Sofia, Sonia, and Nadia


- Dyslexia: a video clip by Abuhmeid


- Dyslexia Ad: a motion graphics advertisement for people with dyslexia by Stevenhope

- "Light Surrounding You" by New Zealand band Evermore. In 2007, the band generously gave permission for DFNZ to use this song on our website. You might also recognise the song from this year’s Olympics television coverage from the time.

- A tribute to Mackenzie Thorpe - inspiration from the internationally-renowned artist, a valued partner of DFNZ and one of the key contributors to the stunning Dyslexia Discovery Exhibit in Christchurch


 Comments from members

What do you have to say about dyslexia? What are your experiences? What would you like to say to the government about their continued refusal to fund dyslexic-specific initiatives in schools?

Click here to share your thoughts – people will be interested and inspired by what you have to say! Be sure to put "share your thoughts" in the subject line so we know we can publish.

I am 17 years old and recently moved to Singapore. I left half way through year 12 and most importantly NCEA. I was enrolled into the Australian International School Singapore. After only 3 weeks of attending this school they showed concern to my behavior in class, my extremely low grades and in particular sleeping in every lesson. I was sent to the lady at my school in charge of learning difficulty and turns out I have dyslexia.They were surprised on how i managed to get through school. Soon after this discovery board of studies New South Wales allowed me to have a reader, writer and extra time for my exams. The change in school systems put extra pressure on both me and my parents. I was abused by my friends on how I was so lazy, always slept and never studded or did my work. My younger sister (who also has dyslexia) had a teacher from our new school say to her in front of the class said that she was stupid just like me. The past year has been the toughest year for both me and my parents. The pressure of a higher academic school system along with change of the subjects really effected my behavior at home. My mum spent numerous nights crying as she didn't know what to do. She organised a meeting with the head of the senior school and told me I had the choice to leave, Drop out of the higher school certificate or continue with less pressure from teachers and grades. I decided to choose the last option only to prove the teachers wrong. In NCEA I did all internal assessments so I never sat an exam or knew how to write a proper essay. In a year and a half my current school I have sat 4 sets of exams (3 with a reader and writer). After the first set of exams with a reader and writer and the help of my mum reading me my notes I ended up getting the same grades as the rest of my class in English. That was a moment where I have never been so proud of myself. The second set of exams I got top marks in my grade for a section in the PE exams. I have now graduated from school after the hardest year and a half of my life. To me my grades are not important, instead the feeling of walking on stage to receive my certificate saying I had completed school is going to be one of my biggest achievements. I know for me that my grades aren't going to matter in a few years time and i can be as successful as I want to be if i put my mind to it and do something I am passionate about. If I could have one wish it would be for people to be more aware of the issue of dyslexia allowing for people like me who has dreaded waking up each morning and going to school causing trouble and not being able to achieve their full potential to have the opportunity to learn in environments suitable to them. I want people to be happy with who they are and to excel on their strengths and improve on their weaknesses. Small steps can lead to drastic changes in both society and individuals. Every one has the potential to achieve great.

My son is 19. Despite 4 years at secondary school he left 2 years ago with the bare bones of NCEA Level 1, assisted by a SPELD tutor and myself. He is surrounded by achievers in the family, making this even more hearbreaking. He is intelligent, musically talented, responsible, loving and very good company. However, he has not got a job in two years of applications and is enrolled to do NCEA by correspondence, but struggles immensely with independent study. I am finding it hard to identify the correct help for him, given that he is not in a workplace and not at school. This site may prove to be a Godsend.


Dyslexia, the gift I am so fortunate to have and would not change for anything as it has and will continue to shape my meticulous and analytical mind.
 
Through using dyslexia as a tool I have had the opportunity to excel and turn my dreams into a reality. This has led me to gain entrance into medical school, maintain close to a high distinction average at university and become an elite athlete. 
 
I post these achievements because I believe they bread hope. I, like so many, suffered terribly at school. I was originally diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of four when my mother noticed I was very special. My dyslexia manifested mainly in spelling and reading comprehension. I repeated my first year of schooling and finished in the bottom 13% of NSW in year 12 when I was required to sit an alternative admissions test which consisted of me having to write an essay, just incase my year 12 HSC marks were not good enough for university admission.
 
Through shear perseverance, determination and a passion to reach my limitless potential, at age 22, I decided I was going to follow a new dream, to become a doctor and to do everything in my power to achieve this. I sat the Graduate Medical Admissions Test and finished in the top 4% of potential medical students in Australasia for the essay section.
 
Through this email I hope each and every individual who reads this may refine their perspective on what it means to be dyslexic and how we can truly touch other people’s lives through our extraordinary gift.
 

The power of dyslexia

I am a parent with 3 dyslexic children who are now adults. I understand it. I have seen my kids suffer their school years .I am not sure what I can do but wish to let you know I support you in the need to get the education system to include these kids needs.


Finally a site where we can all come together.

Thank you! Excellent site that calls us all to a new level of commitment.

I work, as a Teacher Aide, with many children who have difficulty learning to read and write independently. Schools need as much information as possible as to ideas and ways to help these children succeed.

My daughter has been diagnosed with dyslexia, and I'd love to share info and support with other parents.

Brilliant. Get the Ministry of Education involved as soon as possible. It is long overdue that they take on some responsibility to help those children who suffer from dyslexia.

As a school we are well aware of the problems that all forms of Dyslexia can create for children, and adults if not addressed early on in their lives. Education of the school and community is a vital key for alleviating this problem, so we do not have children with dyslexia being overlooked, and falling behind in their education.

I have come from the UK where in Warwickshire, the County I was in, has a Dyslexic strategy. Over a 4 year period each school would have a specific specialist teacher trained in dyslexia to offer advice and support to the school.

At long last! New Zealand needs to understand, support and encourage these very gifted & talented people and allow them reach their true potential. These children are our future, and have the right to learn in a system that works for them.

The future is made of your dreams and believing in yourself. Take little steps and you will discover places you never dream existed before. Everyone has dreams, dyslexia doesn't stop them happening. I should know, I own a magazine and I have dyslexia!

I have a number of dyslexic students applying for our Bachelor in Visual Arts programme. I would like to get informed so I am able to support these students in the best possible way. I would be grateful for any assistance.

As a school we are well aware of the problems that all forms of Dyslexia can create for children, and adults if not addressed early on in their lives.  Education of the school and community is a vital key for alleviating this problem, so we do not have children with dyslexia being overlooked, and falling behind in their education.

Having a child who is dyslexic, I am only too familiar with the difficulties faced by both parents and children. It is devastating to a child's self esteem and mental health to be growing up in a system that doesn't acknowledge their value and uniqueness. Well done and accolades to the Dyslexia Foundation for recognising and standing up for the rights of all those who struggle with this gift.

I am a 64 year old grandmother that has learned I am dyslexic in the last 20 years. My son was also. Now his twelve year old son is having the same signs of this being the case with him. My son, died 7 years ago in USA. I really want to help or get help for my grandson.

Surely some recognition and support for this condition would go a long way to easing the burden on our health system, prisons and society in general.  I strongly believe that dyslexia (and other learning difficulties) is one of the root causes why many of our young men (in particular) go off the rails.  Who can blame them when they’re battling a system where their challenges are not recognised and they are continually hitting their heads against a brick wall.  No wonder their self esteem is so low they resort to other less desirable ways of seeking recognition and attention.

I am very grateful to the individuals and companies that have put their time and money towards supporting dyslexic adults and children in New Zealand. Thank you.

I have dyslexia, my Mum and Dad when told when I was about age 5 or 6 that I would never succeed in life. Because I could not understand school learning.

I am now 35 years old. I run my own business with my husband and 2 children 4 and 2. I am very passionate about other young people getting the right start in life. I do a lot of community talks to all sorts of groups about my story. I would love to help you in any way.

This is such a huge hole in NZ and the true cost is so big that has been easier to ignore than face...

God bless you for this ... speak out loud and clear...

I have a son who has Dyslexia. It is so important that teachers become more educated to help children like him. He is always being told he is lazy. He has had to get therapy for anxiety brought on by being constantly told he can do better. He is a very imaginative, bright boy who would love to be able to read and write like his class mates.

My daughter and son both have dyslexia - thank God that finally we may get some much needed help and support!!!

Unless you have the means to pay for educational support for a child with SLD, there are no provisions for children with dyslexia. This is a dreadful state of affairs. We moved from England three years ago.

After watching a program last night about Dyslexia, I at last know for sure, it was as if the program was all about me. I'm 47 years old and have tried to hide my learning difficulties all my life - it was coming to NZ and leaving the safety of my old job and life, has help made me face up to what the problem really is.

My son has dyslexia and I am very keen to see funding provided for it in our education system.


Hi, I just joined our school up as a member, and have - hopefully - attached the school's logo so you can put it onto the site.  Well done - I will be working with our staff to raise awareness, and to help ensure upskilling within our staff

I have two children who have dyslexia and a grandson. I have been fighting for recognition for children with dyslexia for 37yrs and still the battle is the same.

We are wanting to join up because our son is dyslexic and we support what Cookie Time are doing for dyslexia. We are very new to this and want as much information as possible and perhaps the opportunity to meet other people like us.

Since I realised my son has dyslexia, I see the symptoms everywhere and they go mostly unrecognised.


Most dyslexics that I know are talented individuals who are sensitive and remarkably creative.

 


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