In 1991 a group of parents were told by teachers that they had noticed their children had some learning difficulties. With the help of an Educational Psychologist they discovered that the children had Dyslexia.

Obviously this came as a surprise to most parents as most of them had never heard of this learning difficulty. Parents began to seek more information on Dyslexia in the UK. Many found useful information on Dyslexia and how to overcome it.

The Gibraltar Department of Education was a little bit behind in recognising, diagnosing and dealing with Dyslexia and some parents felt very alone in their struggle to help their children succeed in their education.

The more parents found out about Dyslexia, the more they realised that other children were struggling with the problem. It was distressing to think that children were going through school without ever being recognised as Dyslexic. This could have very negative consequences on their lives in general and their education in particular. But it was also good to find out that the children and their parents were no longer alone.

It was time to get together and start making a difference in schools; to help children be recognised as suffering with Dyslexia and then helped. The Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group was formed.

The Support Group arranged for private assessments of children by a specialist Educational Psychologist. This was a great support for both parents and children. Just being able to chat about the problem was very helpful.

For many years the Gibraltar Dyslexia Support Group was an important and essential part of life in Gibraltar. It brought hope of success to parents and children alike.

Over the years these children grew up and left school; parents stepped down from the committee and the Support Group slowly became inactive. In 2005 a young Dyslexic, the child of one of the founders of the Group, decided to get involved with the good work his parents had done. When he inquired about the Group he found that it was no longer active.

He felt there was still work to be done in the schools and that other families now needed support. They needed someone they could contact if their child was dyslexic.

With help from parents and teachers he began to build on the work that had been done in the past. A new committee, including Dyslexics (who really understand the problem), was formed, and began work on new ideas.

In May 2008 a new committee was voted in by a record attendance to the AGM held at the Lecture Room at the John Mackintosh Hall complex.

Chair person : Jackie Lane Olesen

Vice chairperson : Stuart Byrne

Hon. Treasurer : Michelle Tavares

Secretary : Claus Olesen

Members : Jean Penney

: Vivien Dawson

: Ana Maria Anes

: Stuart Menez

: Susan Menez

: Karenza Morillo