Changemakers spring into action

Our Spring 2025 edition of Dyslexia Voice showcased the amazing efforts of Changemakers across Scotland.

Phenomenal in Falkirk

Teacher Lisa Buick from Bainsford Primary School in Falkirk Council said, “During Dyslexia Awareness Week in Scotland, the Dyslexia Ambassadors in our school showcased their wonderful presentation to the other pupils. They spent many weeks preparing for this and very bravely decided that they would also like to share their own story about their experiences of having dyslexia. They have spent lots of time creating a wall display outside the classroom, sharing what our plans are for the ambassadors this term and displaying the work we have done so far.

Their efforts not only raised awareness but also inspired their peers and teachers to engage in meaningful conversations about inclusivity and support for pupils with learning differences such as dyslexia. These young changemakers are leading the way for good practice within our school, proving that with passion and determination, they can create a more understanding and supportive environment for everyone. Their commitment to fostering awareness and acceptance is a testament to their character and the positive impact they can have on our school community.”

Champion changemaking in Dunblane

Eden, a P7 pupil at Dunblane Primary School, has helped to improve ICT support for children with dyslexia and other literacy difficulties.
She has been an accessibility champion since P4 when she was asked by the support for learning teacher to show other pupils how to work accessibility features on their Chromebooks.
Since then, Eden has volunteered to continue her work as an Accessibility Champion and we now have a group of children from P4-7 who peer tutor others.
Eden has helped improve access to learning for dyslexic learners. Children are more confident using accessibility features such as speech-to-text and text-to-speech. They can change the background colour of documents to help them read off the screen more easily. Eden has also supported teachers and support staff at Dunblane Primary to understand how to use the accessibility features.

Amazing in Aberdeenshire

Laura Leslie told us, “My son Callen is 8 and was recently identified as dyslexic. He has really struggled with literacy tasks in school and just knowing there’s a reason why has really helped his motivation and self-confidence. During the October holidays he decided that he wanted to start making things to sell to help raise money for Dyslexia Scotland. He set up his own stall at a fayre to sell his products and sold Magical Reindeer food to his friends. He managed to raise £57. I am so incredibly proud of him and he’s proved to himself that nothing will hold him back from achieving his dreams. “

North Lanarkshire news

Marnie Hamilton from North Lanarkshire Council told us, “The senior leadership team at Kirk o’Shotts Primary School are ensuring that children with dyslexia are supported in a number of ways.

We have brought in colleagues to support two of our dyslexic pupils to feel more confident in their use of technology.
We’ve timetabled twice weekly support with our cluster resource teacher to support three pupils increase their confidence and ability at using Clicker and speech-to-text.
We work with the educational psychologist to increase our understanding of dyslexia and actively seek to closely monitor pupils we or parents have concerns about to ensure early intervention.
We have worked with a learning support teacher from another school who share good practice that we now use.
We use reading buddies, decodable texts and Nessy.
We hold assemblies about neurodivergence.

This is helping to increase confidence, improve motivation, increase teachers’ understanding and normalise dyslexia.”

Western Isles work

Hannah Gillies from Western Isles Council (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar) reports, “I am helping a person who has dyslexia work on numeracy and communication. I gave them an overlay to help with their reading. I am also taking part in online training. The overlay helps a young learner I work with to read. By doing the training I will have a better knowledge of how to support people with dyslexia.”

We love receiving your updates about ways you are helping to make Scotland dyslexia friendly.
Share your news through the changemaker channel form.