Recognition of dyslexia in Australia

The Specific Learning Disabilities Association Qld (SPELD QLD Inc) currently holds the following position on disability funding and recognition in Queensland:

"Whilst the Federal Coalition proposal to fund more severely disabled students in schools is commendable, it fails to recognise those with Specific Learning Disabilities such as dyslexia, also need improved funding. These students have enormous potential for learning if their difficulties are diagnosed and appropriate intervention provided and maintained. Speld Qld Inc (The association for students with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities) is committed to improving human and material resources in schools, as well as improving the professional development of teachers in the area of LD."

In the Volume 44 of the Dyslexia SPELD Foundation (DSF) magazine, Liz Dunoon, founder of the Australian Dyslexia Trust, a lobby group to increase the recongintion of dyselxia in Australia, states that  in Australia  there are Federal provisions for students with a diagnosed learning disability, including dyslexia.  These provisions become available based on the Educational Standards listed within the Federal Governments Anti Discrimination Act.  If there is a diagnostic report stating that a student has a learning disability/dyslexia then the student can not be discriminated against during their education. Liz Dunoon goes on to state that in Australia acquiring a diagnostic report of dyslexia from a trained professional can be expensive and is lobbying the government for educational reform to allow greater support for dyslexic students. To find out more about diagnosing dyslexia look at the question: How do you treat dyslexia?