Free Dyslexic Resources Available For Community

The Learning Differences Aotearoa Trust is winding up after seven years, but is gifting some of its resources to the Southland community.

A limited number of printed ‘Growing Stars’ books are available for collection at Young Reflections - but there are also e-books and videos that parents, educators and adult dyslexics can access.

Learning Differences advisor Chris Cole said it was a tough decision for the trust to wind up, as it became increasingly difficult to get funding and retain staff.

The trust evolved from the Dyslexia Support South parent group, which formed in 2010, and then became a formal entity (Learning Differences Aotearoa Trust) in 2017.

Its focus was dyslexia support for parents and whānau and educators, and then expanded into adult dyslexia support and support agencies. 

Chris said the trust was most proud of developing and running the Growing Stars programme for children and parents - an activity-based workshop to understand the emotional impact of living with Dyslexia.

“This workshop was unique in New Zealand.”

She said it was rewarding to know that they were helping parent and dyslexic children have a better path through their learning. 

Chris was heartened by feedback from parents, who were relieved somebody understood what they were going.

They could also see increased confidence in children through the workshops, “giving whānau hope that their children will be okay, and for me on a personal note - driven by my own family experiences,  it's always been about letting every child know they are okay just the way they are."

The community can continue to find information on dyslexiasupportsouth.org.nz or get your copy from of the ‘Growing Stars’ book free from Young Reflections, 13 Tay Street. (opposite Invercargill Central.