Our Story
Providing information and support for people of all ages affected by dyslexia.
About NBDA
Our Vision A dyslexia friendly society enabling all dyslexics to reach their potential.
Our Aim To support the needs of all dyslexics
The Northamptonshire & Buckinghamshire Dyslexia Association (NBDA) is a charity, and membership organisation affiliated to the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) which has been providing services for those with dyslexia for over 34 years. Although Northants based, with little or no provision in other areas, we also extend our services to cover Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire.
We receive no funding, so rely the work of our volunteer Trustees and committee to maintain the services. We need membership subscriptions to support the cost of the line rental for the helpline, and the upkeep and maintenance of our website. Occasional grants have enabled us to run specific projects – such as the dyslexia conferences for parents and teachers, the DACT project for unemployed dyslexics, and the Parent Training Initiative (DyPSI)
Why the community needs our charity
Dyslexia and the Neurodiverse Co-Occurring Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) affect 15% of the population. 4% severely
We support the needs of anyone with dyslexia and those connected with them; families, adults, educationalists, employers and organisations and Local Authorities. We aim to raise awareness of the issues and needs of those with SpLD, to enable all to participate fully in learning and work.
We can provide local directories of fully qualified Dyslexia Specialist SpLD professionals for the provision of diagnostic assessments and/or private tuitions for: adults, children, D.S.A. applications, evidence for concessions (e.g. Extra time) in examinations and professional qualifications.
We offer free information advice and guidance to: employers and Local Authorities, parents of children and young people, adults and partners and friends of dyslexics, with our team of professional helpline volunteers – all experts in their field.
Our range of services include:
- Confidential Information Advice through our Helpline and Befriender service.
- Referrals to fully qualified Assessors and SpLD Tutors for diagnostic assessments.
- Information sheets on a wide range of topics to do with dyslexia and co-occurring SpLD.
- Local Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) Tutors/Assessor Directory.
- Dyslexia Awareness training workshops for: Employers. Schools, Teachers/TAs and Governors, and Parents.
- Parent support groups (Members only)
- Our members have the benefit of Joint membership with the British Dyslexia Association with a saving of £23
- Employers – Workplace Needs Assessments (Via fully qualified Dyslexia specialist assessors) for identification of Reasonable Adjustments for dyslexic employees.
Enquiries can be made through our Helpline 01604 328 075 or email info@nbda.org.uk
What we do
General Support & Helpline
We operate a helpline service run by volunteers. Please be considerate when calling, some helpliners are very busy and some have full time jobs but give what time they can to help take phone calls.
Helpline: 01604 328 075
Office & Admin: 01327 703 626
Getting Help - Parents & Education
If you are concerned about your child’s progress with their education at school, you should contact their teacher or the school’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) to discuss your concerns and the appropriate support to put in place. (it may be worth having their vision and hearing checked to see if there are any underlying problems)
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support is the support that a school or college should put in place for a child/ young person with SEN. A pupil does not need to have an official diagnosis of a learning difficulty in order for support to be given. However, a Diagnostic Assessment can ensure that any additional support is targeted to the pupil’s specific areas of weakness and strength.
Getting Help - Adults
Adults with dyslexia are all different. Some dyslexic adults feel unable to cope with their difficulties, whilst others have found ways to get round their problems but changing demands at work or a new venture in life can present tough challenges.
There is no cure for dyslexia but with the right help and support dyslexics can overcome their difficulties and achieve great things. Many dyslexic people learn to cope with their difficulties, to make good use of their areas of strength and to become successful and fulfilled individuals.