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Welcome to the DAI Web Site


The Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) was founded in 1972. It is a company, limited by guarantee, a voluntary organisation with charitable status (Charity No. 10044). It aims to promote awareness of Specific Learning Disability (SLD/Dyslexia) and to serve the needs of people with this difficulty.

The DAI lobbies for the provision of appropriate services by the state to all people with dyslexia. It provides a free information service to the public. Services offered include: psycho-educational assessment of children and adults, group and individual specialised tuition, teachers' courses, summer schools, speakers for schools and parents groups.

The DAI has thirty three branches currently. Branches act as parent support groups in local areas, provide information and run out-of-school facilities (Workshops) for children. Membership of the Association is open to anyone concerned with promoting the treatment and prevention of the problems of Specific Learning Disability/Dyslexia.

The Dyslexia Association of Ireland is a founder member of the European Dyslexia Association which now has over twenty-five member countries. It is a founder member of Spectrum, an umbrella group for people with hidden learning disabilities. It is a corporate member of the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), a member of the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) and the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA).

The Association represents over 2,500 families all over Ireland. Its membership also includes teachers, psychologists and medical practitioners. The Dyslexia Association of Ireland currently has thirty five branches and offers thirty four "out-of-school" facilities (Workshops) for children with SLD.

The association also provides services for adults with SLD/Dyslexia.

Address:  . . .  DAI
Suffolk Chambers
1 Suffolk Street
Dublin 2
Ireland
Opening Hours: . . .  9.30 am - 1.00 pm, and 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday
Tel.: . . .  01 6790276
Fax.: . . .  01 6790273
Email: . . .  info@dyslexia.ie

What does the Association do?

Top of Page

The Association lobbies for the provision of appropriate services by the state to all dyslexic people. It also provides:

  • An information service to the public.
  • Psycho-educational assessment of children and adults.
    The Association accepts referrals from parents, teachers, doctors and psychologists, and will arrange testing for anyone with a Specific Learning Disability.
  • Group and individual tuition to children and adults.
    • Specialised help is offered to pupils aged 7-18 in various centres around the country.
    • The Association maintains a countrywide list of specialist teachers/tutors who are willing to give private one-to-one tuition.
  • Summer Schools.
    Non-residential summer schools are held each July offering literacy, language and mathematical development within a summer camp setting.
  • The association also sponsors a full-time course for unemployed adults with dyslexia. This course is administered by FÁS.
  • In-service courses for teachers.
    DAI offers in-service courses on dyslexia for qualified teachers.
  • Speakers to school and parent groups.
    The Association also offers courses and talks for parents on how to help and support their dyslexic children. These are generally run in conjunction with local branches.
  • Seminars and conferences on relevant topics.

The Association, through it's Educational Committee, evaluates new information and teaching methods for the remediation of Specific Learning Difficulty. It keeps in touch with government departments, politicians and relevant professional bodies and educational organisations.

The Association is a national source of information on Specific Learning Disabilities. Parents and professionals are available to speak to any group about all aspects of Specific Learning Disability. Information and literature is available from the national office.


New DAI Logo Launched

People will be surprised to learn that the Dyslexia Association of Ireland has never actually had its own logo. The logo we have used for many years was actually borrowed, with consent, from an American association. In recent years, we have become increasingly aware that this logo was very dated, and also very child focussed and as a result alienating to our many adult members. Therefore, DAI’s National Executive Committee decided to embark on an exciting journey to develop a new modern logo which would become a unique, strong and inclusive visual identity for our Association.

The new logo was designed by Cronin Designs (www.cronindesigns.ie). As you can see above, it is a very positive dynamic mark which is instantly recognisable. We've chosen a bright inclusive colour palette to symbolise the diverse spectrum which dyslexia covers. The symbol itself represents direction and processing, both areas often affected by dyslexia. The arrow shape is open symbolising the openness of the Association. Moving in an upward direction always open for dialogue with our members, stakeholders and wider audience. Designed to reproduce at small and large sizes, it is a badge to be worn with pride, on t-shirts or on banners.

For a while, both the old and the new logo will be in circulation while all existing stocks are used. We will gradually roll out the new logo in an economical manner when we need to print new stationery, books, etc.

New DAI Website Under Construction

Work is actively underway on re-designing our website to make it more accessible and useful for those seeking information on dyslexia and the Dyslexia Association. The re-design of the website will make it easier for people to find the information they need online. This will not only make it easier for people to find an answer to their information queries at any time and from any location, but it may hopefully reduce some of the pressure on our exceptionally busy telephone helpline. The new website will be launched in the coming months.


Breaking News!

Spectrum Alliance Conference 2010

"Commom Themes: Strategies for Managing Co-occuring Conditions"

Venue: Red Cow Hotel, Naas Road, Dublin 22.
Dates: Saturday 16th October 2010.
Times: 9.30 am to 5.00 pm.

The Spectrum Alliance is an umbrella organisation which seeks to raise awareness of hidden disabilities. The four member organisations which make up the Spectrum Alliance are:

  • Aspire - Asperger Syndrome Association of Ireland.
  • Dyslexia Association of Ireland.
  • Dyspraxia Association of Ireland.
  • HADD Family Support Group.

The Spectrum Alliance conference will provide information on all four areas and in particular addressing the common co-occurrence of these disabilities.

The conference programme and booking form are currently being finalised and will be available online in the coming weeks.