DYSLEXIA VETO-(DYSLEXIA FRIENDLY QUALITY MARK FOR VOCATIONAL, EDUCATION AND TRAINING ORGANIZATIONS)

SUMMARY

The Dyslexia Veto project is co-financed by the European Commission within the Lifelong Learning Programme, “Leonardo da Vinci” action (reference no. UK/09/LLP-LdV/TOI-163_259). Research indicates that about 10% of the population experiences dyslexic difficulties to some degree, 4% to a severe level. (Pennington 1991). To be dyslexic means not be able to cope with standard, common ways of learning. Dyslexics develop excellent use of visual thinking skills at an early age, they recognize real life objects, but cannot deal with printed symbols such as alphabet letters and words. Dyslexics are not masters in words, numbers but intelligent in visual thinking. Training opportunities within vocational educational and training organisations (VET), at 16+ years, use practical skills that often suit the learning styles of dyslexic individuals (Mortimore, 2008). There is a need for these establishments to cater appropriately for the needs of these students, in line with European disabilities legislation (e.g. UK Disability Discrimination Act, 2005).

Objectives:
– Improve the efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness in a multicultural society of the BDA Quality Mark for Dyslexia Friendly best practice by testing the model in EU partner countries with a view to improving its impact and performance in a vocational context.

-Make the BDA Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark (DFQM) applicable for use in Europe to help equip dyslexia organisations to improve Dyslexia Friendly best practice in partner countries.

– Produce a model of transfer / document / guidelines designed for sustainability and easy transfer to other countries, sectors and environments reflecting the overall aims of the Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP). The target group of the project is represented by VET organizations that want to improve their dyslexia approach by implementing the Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark in their countries. The Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark is provided by the British Dyslexia Association to the organizations that fullfil the criteria settled by BDA. These standards cover five areas regarding the Effectiveness of Management Structure, the Identification of Dyslexia/SpLD, the Effectiveness of Resources (Physical Environment, Teaching and Learning), Continuing Professional Development, Partnership with Learners, Parents/Carers and External Agencies. The standards are to be met following certain steps that require trainings at an organizational level, meant to offer the necessary support for the dyslexic and to create an action plan for the further development of good practices regarding dyslexia.

Outcomes:
– Further developed Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark Criteria and Guidance documents for VET organizations;
– Use as appropriate of computer based ‘Profiler’ for the identification of possible SpLD/dyslexic feature and advice for appropriate strategies;
– Participation in the Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark by 10-15 VET organisations, across 5 different countries;
– Successful dissemination and valorisation of project results;
– Improvements in the Dyslexia Friendly nature of management and systems of participating VET organizations;
– Successful achievement of the adapted DFQM Award by 50% of participating VET organizations.

– Within this project, the schools/high-schools can be awarded with the Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark at an European level.

Website of the project: www.dyslexia-veto.eu

PARTNERSHIP

British Dyslexia Association, (UK) – coordinator

The partnership of the project comprises 5 organisations from 5 European countries: UK, Bulgaria, Italy, Hungary and Romania (Romanian Society for Lifelong Learning).