DAI European Conference 2004

The Dyslexia Association of Ireland held it's 5th DAI European Conference on Saturday, 17th April, 2004, in the Helix, Dublin City University, Dublin 9.

To view the conference presentations (PDF format), click on the links (names) below.
These are large files so may take several minutes to download fully.

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Keynote speakers included:

• Don Mullan, author, filmmaker, and journalist, who spoke very movingly about his own experience of having dyslexia.
• Thomas G. West, Director of the Center for the Study of Dyslexia and Talent in Virginia, USA. Dr. West focused on the achievements and special skills of people with dyslexia. This approach makes a welcome change from highlighting the difficulties caused by dyslexia.
• Professor Margaret Snowling, from the Centre for Reading and Language at York University is someone every teacher wanted to hear. Professor Snowling is an expert on the teaching required for children with dyslexia.
• Professor Marta Bogdanowicz, from the University of Gdansk in Poland presented some fascinating comparisons of the facilities for children with dyslexia in 19 countries.
• Jo Todd, Key 4 Learning Ltd., UK, spoke on "Adults with Dyslexia" and "Dyslexia at Work"

There were also many other very relevant sessions for parents, teachers and adults.

• Therese McPhillips, Principal of St. Oliver Plunkett's reading school, dealt with "Dyslexia at Primary School".
• Neil MacKay, an Educational Consultant from the UK, spoke on "Dyslexia and Inclusion at Second Level".
• Alan Sayles, our own Educational Consultant, made a presentation on the range of interventions available for working with dyslexia and this was a most timely topic, as so many new therapies are now offered.
• There was also an open forum where questions of all kinds could be asked.
• Two sessions for adults - "Adults with Dyslexia" and "Dyslexia at Work" were of great interest, as adults tend to be overlooked very often, even though we are all aware that dyslexia is a life long condition and can cause difficulties at work, as well as school.