The European Dyslexia Charter was launched at the European Parliament in Brussels by MEP Francis Zammit Dimech to give dyslexic people more opportunities to fulfill their aspirations in life.
Leading up to this, proposals discussed during meetings with the Malta Dyslexia Association included aspects related to education and support for teachers and assistance to parents to conduct tests, which proposals were included in the charter.
Zammit Dimech said that the clear targets can help to change perceptions and behaviour towards dyslexia.
Roger Broadbent, Director of the Dyslexia Institute UK said that the Dyslexia Charter was needed to support teachers working with dyslexics, to help dyslexics reach their potential when they find a job so as to get the maximum benefit and to stop failing children from having misguided lives.
The European-Dyslexia-Charter touches with various key aspects including assessment for dyslexia as less than 1% of dyslexics are diagnosed, training and support for teachers along with digital tools for students, creating pathways for employment and support to workers as several dyslexics are unemployed, making technology more accessible to dyslexics and screening of all offenders to provide education/counselling services, and guidance to a life away from crime.
Dyslexia affects between 10 to 20% of the global population and leads to poor organisation and concentration, low self-esteem and self-confidence. It is considered to be not yet properly addressed due to lack of awareness.
On Monday (which commemorates International Disability Day) an e-petition will be launched asking MEPs to sign and support the charter. A large number of MEPs from various political groups have already pledged their support to the Charter.