Ten percent (10%) of the population are dyslexic 4% severely so. Dyslexia is identified as a disability as defined in the Equality Act 2010. Many of the dyslexic people across the UK, whether adults or children, are unable to fulfil their potential as a large percentage of the population still do not understand what dyslexia is, the difficulties which the condition presents and do not know how best to support them. Dyslexia is not an obvious difficulty it is hidden. As a result, dyslexic people have to overcome numerous barriers to make a full contribution to society.

The BDA is the voice of dyslexic people. We aim to influence government and other institutions to promote a dyslexia friendly society, that enables dyslexic people of all ages to reach their full potential.

The BDA promotes early identification of specific learning difficulties (SpLD) and support in schools to ensure opportunity to learn for dyslexic learners. In November 2007 at the BDA AGM Members agreed the policy on Early Identification of Specific Learning Difficulties. This forms the basis of BDA lobbying in this regard.