This time last year a group of nervous parents from County Offaly embarked upon a journey of discovery. Each having a child recently diagnosed with dyslexia (a specific learning disability affecting literacy skills), parents set about providing a support service for families in and around the Tullamore area.
Following consultation with the Dyslexia Association of Ireland and several months of preparation, The Offaly Dyslexia Group were able to appoint three tutors and open a series of workshops. The workshops, ran for a trial period seven weeks provided tuition for seven local children proving to be a great success. Parents and tutors alike reported a dramatic improvement in several areas, most noticeably in terms of application and interest in school work and self esteem.
Since then the group has grown and changed its name. When it affiliated with the Dyslexia Association of Ireland it became the Offaly Branch of the DAI. Regardless, the group has continued providing workshops and support for parents whose children have been diagnosed with dyslexia.
Since September 2009 the group, presently located in Geashill National School, has provided twenty-five weeks of tuition for up to twenty-nine children from counties Offaly, Laois and Westmeath. Now employing eight tutors the group looks forward to September 2010 at a new location, a secondary school programme and further successes…
After an exhilarating first year the Offaly Branch DAI (aka the Offaly Dyslexia Group) celebrates its first birthday Thursday 22nd April at the Tullamore Court Hotel at 8pm. If you would like to know more about this please contact the Offaly Branch DAI on 086 2309009 or visit their website www.offalydyslexiagroup.org