<p>
	The nightmare in the classroom faced by many children with dyslexia is underscored by an abysmally low level of pre-service training among teachers to provide the right supports.</p>
<p>
	A new survey by the Dyslexia Association Ireland (DAI) found a paltry 30% of teachers reported receiving any pre-service training on dyslexia or special learning difficulties.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Unsurprisingly almost all teachers surveyed &mdash; 97% &mdash; agreed that they need and would benefit from training on dyslexia.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The findings, released to coincide with Dyslexia Awareness Week, show the struggle faced by parents with more than three quarters (76%) believing that early identification of dyslexia would help their child.</p>
<p>
	Rosie Bissett, CEO of DAI, said families are forced to seek private assessment and supports as the education system is simply not meeting their needs.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&ldquo;Our survey also shows that even after dyslexia is identified, 55% of parents report ongoing difficulty in gaining help for their child,&rdquo; Ms Bissett said.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	She said research has long shown the benefits of early identification and targeted intervention.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Ms Bissett said with two thirds of parents dissatisfied with the level of Government support provided to assist families dealing with dyslexia, and a further 22% unsure of what the Government actually provides, &ldquo;there is a lot of work to be done by the Government in assisting families&rdquo;.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	More information on the survey and detail of fundraising activities can be found on dyslexia.ie.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty affecting the acquisition of fluent and accurate reading and spelling skills. It affects approximately 10% of the population.</p>
<p>
	<a href="http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/dyslexia-support-needs-to-improve-in-classrooms-357472.html">http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/dyslexia-support-needs-to-improve-in-classrooms-357472.html</a></p>
