The Dyslexia Advocacy Group has welcomed Tynwald’s decision to support a package of reforms aimed at improving support for children with specific learning differences.
Tynwald backed recommendations covering identification, information sharing, teacher training, SENCO support, specialist provision, equality obligations and the monitoring of outcomes.
The outcome follows almost two years of advocacy, beginning with a Petition for Redress on Tynwald Day 2024. The petition led to the establishment of a Select Committee, which spent more than 18 months gathering evidence before publishing its report earlier this year.
Experiences
Julia Bell, founder of the Dyslexia Advocacy Group IOM, said: “Yesterday’s outcome sends an important message to the many families who shared their experiences throughout this process: your voices have been heard.
“The select committee undertook a thorough and evidence-based investigation and recognised concerns that support for learners with specific learning differences is not always consistent across the island.
“We are grateful to the committee members for the time and commitment they dedicated to this work. We would also like to thank everyone who contributed evidence, shared their experiences, contacted their elected representatives and supported the campaign over the past two years.”
Commitment
The group welcomed contributions made by Tynwald Members during the debate and the shared commitment expressed across the Court.
However, it emphasised that focus must now shift to implementation. Ms Bell added: “The real measure of success will be whether children, young people and families experience meaningful improvements as these recommendations are implemented.
“We look forward to working constructively with Government, schools and other stakeholders to help ensure that the commitments supported by Tynwald translate into positive change for learners across the Island.”
The Dyslexia Advocacy Group IOM says it will continue to monitor progress and engage with Government, schools, parents and other stakeholders as implementation moves forward.