‘Every politician loves to tell a story’
Stevenage MP, Barbara Follett MP, joined her husband, Ken Follett, who is Dyslexia Action’s president and a leading author; renowned children’s author, Sally Gardner, and youngsters with dyslexia to help create their longest story, entitled ‘Every politician loves to tell a story’ at Westminster today [6 July 2007].
Barbara Follett MP participated in this story to highlight the importance of reading and encouraging young children to engage in books and literacy.
Mrs Follett said: “Dyslexia and literacy difficulties affect hundreds of children in our area. Having the ability to read and write fluently and accurately affects everything that our children do at school and beyond. It is critical that all children at risk of reading failure are identified and adequately supported at the earliest stage in their education.”
Dyslexia Action Chief Executive, Shirley Cramer, adds: “It has been well documented that as many as 20% of our children are moving from primary to secondary education with below average literacy skills. Dyslexia Action is committed to raising awareness about dyslexia and literacy difficulties. Early intervention is the key to avoiding long-term problems not just to the individual but to our economy as a whole. Every young person should have the opportunity to reach their true potential.
“I would like to thank Barbara Follett for supporting our parliamentary event .”
The story was started by Ken Follett and Sally Gardner and was then continued by each politician that signed it. The story will be auctioned to raise money for dyslexic people later in the year at Dyslexia Action’s November annual awards dinner.
Notes
Dyslexia Action is a national charity and the UK’s leading provider of services and support for people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties. We specialises in assessments, teaching and training. We also develop and distribute teaching materials and undertake research.
Dyslexia Action is the working name of the Dyslexia Institute, created on our merger with the Hornsby International Dyslexia Centre and forming the largest supplier of specialist training in this field
Dyslexia Action is committed to improving public policy and practice. We partner with schools, LEAs, colleges, universities, employers, voluntary sector organisations and Government to improve the quality and quantity of help for people with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties.
Dyslexia Action services are available through our 26 centres and 160 teaching locations around the UK. Over half a million people benefit from our work each year.
Dyslexia is a hidden disability that predominately affects literacy development and it can occur at any level of intellectual development. It is biological in origin and is seen to run in families. It affects up to 10% of the UK population to varying degrees and can affect anyone of any age and background.
For more information about dyslexia or Dyslexia Action please visit its website at: www.dyslexiaaction.org.uk or call 01784 222300.
For further media information please contact Kerry Bennett, Public Relations Manager, on 01784 222312 / 07841 672040, or Ann Campbell, Head of Communications and Marketing, on 01784 222350 / 07970 218353.
Issued: 6.7.2007
Further information
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