The five year project is a partnership initiative by the following organisations: DADs (Dyslexia and Dyspraxia support); Northern Regional College; Magherafelt Learning Partnership; Mid Ulster District Council; Cookstown and Western Shores Area Network; Autism NI; Stars Autism Project: Magherafelt and Cookstown Volunteer Centre; Education Authority – North Eastern region and the Public Health Agency.
There has been a 67% increase in the number of school age children in Northern Ireland diagnosed as having autism across all trust areas, according to the Department of Health’s Prevalence of Autism in School Age Children in Northern Ireland 2014. The figures include children with Asperger syndrome.
Gerry Lynch the Chairperson of DADS said “This is a real boost for local families whose children suffer from special educational needs. As a partner in the Living & Learning Together Project we recognise the positive effects Big Lottery funding can have on the community. There are many desperate parents out there searching for help for their children. This award will go a long way to offering them the support they need”.
Joanne McDowell, Big Lottery Fund NI Director, said: “We are delighted to be funding this project through our Supporting Families programme. It will strengthen families’ ability to cope with the challenges they face. We hope it will have a really positive impact on the lives of people who need our help the most.”
For additional Information please contact;
DADS – Dyslexia and Dyspraxia support
Unit 2, 80-82 Rainey Street
Email: dyslexia.dyspraxia@yahoo.com
