Educational systems need to be better adapted for dyslexic students who should be further supported through new technologies, as current systems are still based on print.

This is one of the recommendations proposed by the Malta Dyslexia Association and parents of dyslexic students and which MEP Francis Zammit Dimech raised during meetings held at the European Parliament in the light of a new initiative to set up a European Dyslexia Charter.

MEP Francis Zammit Dimech held a meeting with the Malta Dyslexia Association to obtain their feedback on the proposed European Dyslexia Charter. He presented these recommendations to representatives of the Dyslexia Institute UK spearheading the initiative and also met the working group to discuss these proposals further. Among other proposals raised, one finds the need of inclusivity in society. Parents have also called for financial support for adequate intervention programmes to assess their children. Since persons with dyslexia often have a ‘co-morbid’ profile, calls have been made for this to be reflected in the charter. Proposals have also been made to recall commitments of the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for dyslexic persons.

The Dyslexia Institute UK has already held meetings on the charter with European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, and various MEPs from many EU countries who are supporting the initiative. The aim of the Charter is to implement a framework, across all the countries of the EU, to better support and protect dyslexic individuals of all ages. Dyslexia affects between 10% and 20% of the population; therefore, as many as 100 million Europeans could be dyslexic. As dyslexia is one of the main causes of poverty, with children from poorer backgrounds being 4 times more likely to be dyslexic, the Charter is designed to help people move out of poverty. The Charter has 5 key objectives: health care, education, employment, the justice system, and technology. This Charter aims to start addressing many of the most significant obstacles for dyslexics in their personal and professional lives, not only empowering them but benefiting their families and the broade r community.