The Manx Dyslexia Association ’desperately needs more people involved’ so it can continue to promote understanding of the condition.

The announcement was made following the association’s annual general meeting.

Chrissie Watson, joint chairman with Sue Rutter, said: ’The MDA is keen to continue the work they do but desperately needs more people to get involved.

’They only meet about six times a year so it is not time consuming and anyone getting involved would gain valuable insight into dyslexia and the issues around it.’

She said anyone with technology skills, someone willing to act as secretary and any parent and professionals who would like to help should get in touch.

Within the past year the largest event organised by the association was a visit by internationally-renowned and published education psychologist Dr Gavin Reid.

He delivered training to about 150 teachers from primary and secondary schools as well as a separate session for parents.

Chrissie said: ’He has offered to return to the island in April and will be available to do full private assessments. These will need to be booked and will cost around £600.

’He may be bringing Dr Jennie Guise, an associate member of the British Dyslexia Association with him and if so there will be more training sessions.’

The MDA delivered a workshop at Ramsey town hall to answer the public’s questions and granted two requests for Barrington Stoke books, specially designed for dyslexic readers, from Andreas School and Scoill yn Jubilee.

Chrissie added: ’Ramsey Grammar School already has a full set but asked for some more new ones as they are so popular. Again the MDA were happy to provide the money for these.’

It received a donation of £105 from Kewaigue School, raised during Dyslexia Awareness Week in October, which will be used to provide more support in schools.

A £500 donation was given by AFD Software.

Contact the association through its website or Facebook page, or call 616309.