Did you know that dyslexia is legally recognised as a disability in Ireland?
A dyslexia diagnosis means more for a child than simply a “difficulty with words,” and it’s not something that goes away on its own if left unsupported. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that can cause difficulty with reading, spelling and sometimes numbers. Children with dyslexia can also find it harder to tell right from left, to sequence information, to remember instructions, or to follow multi-step directions.
The good news is that dyslexia’s legal status as a recognised disability in Ireland matters — it establishes a right to accommodations for children in education, and later in the workplace. This is where the Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) plays such an important role.
You may also enjoy: Do You Know How to Recognise the Early Signs of Dyslexia?
What Is the Dyslexia Association of Ireland?
Founded in 1972, the Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) is a charity that works with and for people affected by dyslexia. It does this by providing information, offering appropriate support services, engaging in advocacy, and raising awareness of dyslexia across Irish society.
DAI’s vision is a dyslexia-friendly Ireland, where every child and adult with dyslexia has access to appropriate identification and support to help them reach their full potential — in education, training, employment, and everyday life.
How DAI Supports Dyslexic Children and Their Parents
DAI offers a range of services designed specifically to support children with dyslexia-related learning difficulties, including:
- Information and awareness-raising resources
- Educational psychology assessments
- Courses on dyslexia for parents and teachers
- Tuition for children with dyslexia
- Advocacy and campaigning on behalf of people with dyslexia
Alongside these services, DAI also has a great selection of online resources on its website, dyslexia.ie, including a helpful page of recommended books for young people, offering information and guidance on dyslexia in a way children can relate to.
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How DAI Raises Funds to Support Families
DAI relies heavily on public donations to continue supporting people with dyslexia across Ireland. If you’d like to donate, you can do so by following this link.
You can also support DAI’s work by becoming a member. Membership keeps you up to date with DAI news, events and campaigns by email, and members can avail of support services, including reduced rates on some training events and access to exclusive member benefits. Visit the DAI website for current membership options and pricing.
Get Help From the Dyslexia Association of Ireland
If you have a child who has already been diagnosed with dyslexia, or you think might benefit from an assessment, you can find out more on the DAI website, by calling 01 877 6001, or by emailing [info@dyslexia.ie](mailto:info@dyslexia.ie).
You may also enjoy: How Speech and Language Therapy Restored a Little Boy’s Confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dyslexia recognised as a disability in Ireland?
Yes. Dyslexia is legally recognised as a disability in Ireland, which means children and adults with dyslexia are entitled to appropriate accommodations in education and in the workplace.
What kind of support does the Dyslexia Association of Ireland offer?
DAI offers educational psychology assessments, courses for parents and teachers, tuition for children with dyslexia, information resources, and ongoing advocacy work on behalf of the dyslexia community.
How do I get my child assessed for dyslexia through DAI?
You can contact DAI directly through their website, by phone, or by email to ask about their educational psychology assessment service and find out what’s involved.
How can our family support the work of DAI?
You can support DAI by making a donation or by becoming a member, which also gives you access to updates, events and member benefits.
Related Articles
- Do You Know How to Recognise the Early Signs of Dyslexia?
- How Speech and Language Therapy Restored a Little Boy’s Confidence
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