We are delighted to let you know that the Hagley Adult Literacy Centre (HALC) has achieved the New Zealand Dyslexia-Friendly Quality Mark (DFQM).

Our warm congratulations on this wonderful achievement! Joanna Fox and the team at HALC have spent over eight months gathering evidence that demonstrates how HALC caters for the needs of those with dyslexia and other neurodiverse conditions. HALC is one of the first organisations to be awarded this Quality Mark.

Included in this has been the creation of a policy and a charter outlining the importance of having a learning environment which actively caters for the needs of these learners and provides a safe place to learn. There are displays throughout the centre that acknowledge that, although there are many challenges learners face, dyslexia is a strengths-based condition.

When you enter the reception area you will see four case studies of neurodiverse learners who have attended HALC and improved their skills in specific areas. These learners have been encouraged and empowered to take charge of their own learning.

The teaching staff at HALC have attended ongoing professional development and continue to increase their knowledge and understanding of teaching methods and strategies which are helpful for learners with dyslexia. These include breaking complex information into smaller manageable chunks with bullet points, flow diagrams, tables and charts; making learning more visible by putting group work up on the wall; providing discussion sessions and group work to encourage deeper learning; making notes available ahead of time; and encouraging the use of technology in class to assist learning.

Ako Aotearoa, who facilitate the DFQM process, will be hosting an online celebration at the end of July to acknowledge this achievement.

If you would like to visit the centre, or find out more, please see our website (www.hagleyadultliteracy.org) or facebook, or call Jo, Robyn or Mariko on 03 364 5212.