SPELD NZ response to findings of parliamentary inquiry into dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism spectrum disorders
SPELD NZ MEDIA RELEASE 23 November 2016
SPELD NZ welcomes the findings of the parliamentary inquiry into how to better support the needs of school students with
dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism spectrum disorders. The Education and Science Committee’s report lists 46 key
recommendations. SPELD NZ has lobbied for many of these recommendations over the last 40 years.
SPELD NZ Chairperson Peter Scanlan says it is exciting that the inquiry is drawing attention to such a vital area of
education but the challenge now is for the Minister of Education to follow through.
“The inquiry has been a massive undertaking. Let’s hope these recommendations pave the way for long overdue policy
changes that can make a real difference to the lives of children who struggle to get the essential learning support they
need. The parliamentary inquiry heard some heart breaking stories, and we too at SPELD NZ are inundated with calls from
distressed parents, aware that their children have serious problems which are not being addressed. We constantly
fundraise to help those who cannot afford our services, but we know there are many other children whose learning
disabilities are never detected or addressed. As a society we cannot afford to let these children drift. It’s imperative
that they receive the support they need to learn differently so they don’t become disillusioned by their failure in the
classroom, disengage from learning and fall between the cracks.
“SPELD NZ will gladly lend its 40 years of experience and expertise to help implement the inquiry’s recommendations.
Research clearly shows that early identification and specialist intervention plays such a critical role in the outcomes
for those with learning needs, as does boosting the specialist knowledge of those working alongside these children in
the classroom.”
Background:
SPELD NZ is a not-for-profit organisation. Since the 1970s it has provided nationwide help to many thousands of
vulnerable children and adults with specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia through diagnostic assessment,
specialised one-on-one tuition, training for teachers, teacher aides, assessors and families plus support, information
and advice for families and whanau.