If the increasing negative publicity is accurate, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is in crisis.
More and more families are coming forward, sharing their struggles as their children fail to receive the support they desperately need. This lack of assistance is causing immense frustration, leaving families feeling helpless. While we do our best to offer support, the sheer demand is overwhelming.
Why are SEND students always at the bottom of the priority list? Why are they the last to receive funding?
Perhaps one day, the government will realise that investing in proper support at the start of a child’s education will reduce the need for greater financial intervention later. Yet, year after year, the same ineffective approach persists.
I remain hopeful for positive change in how SEND is funded and prioritised.
Kind regards
Maria Chivers
Maria Chivers has spent more than 35 years raising awareness and deepening the understanding of neurodiversity, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and dyspraxia.
This site provides comprehensive information, support, and resources for a wide range of Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs). You’ll also find insights into eye problems and how it can contribute to learning challenges.
SpLDs often cause significant concern, particularly for parents seeking the right support for their children in school. Here, you’ll find reliable guidance on accessing help, as well as tried-and-tested resources for dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and dyspraxia.
Run by Maria Chivers, an internationally recognized author on learning difficulties, this site reflects her expertise and dedication. Her published works include seven books, with her latest being her first children’s book.
Maria Chivers announces her retirement plans.
To all my Wonderful Colleagues
After 35 years of dedication to the education field, supporting thousands of individuals with dyslexia and other neurodiverse challenges, I have made the difficult decision to retire. As I approach 70 years of age, and with a major operation scheduled next week followed by another in six months, I feel it is the right time to step back and embrace a slower pace of life.
My time at the Swindon Dyslexia Centre and, more recently, Dyslexia A2Z, has been incredibly fulfilling. It has been an honour to publish several books on dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and other related topics. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities to grow both personally and professionally, and for the privilege of contributing to such meaningful work. This decision has not been easy, as I have always loved what I do, but I now find that I can no longer commit the time and energy required to maintain the level of success I hold myself to.
I sincerely thank my colleagues and friends for their unwavering support, encouragement, and advice over the years. Our work together has been immensely rewarding, and I will forever cherish the memories of our shared experiences.
As I prepare to leave, I am confident that our capable younger colleagues will continue the important work we’ve started. I wish them all the best and ongoing success in the years ahead.
Warmest regards,
Maria Chivers
www.dyslexiaa2z.com
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