Tickets are available now for the SPELD NZ dyslexia and specific learning disability conference 2010 being held at the Langham Hotel, Auckland from 8 to 10 October. The theme of this year's conference is developing successful Strategies in Schools for students who learn differently and is geared towards giving educators and families the tools to help their children succeed at school.

See www.speld.org.nz or call 09 6240839 for more information on speakers and registrations.

More than 50% of the UK's prison population is dyslexic and there is a similar estimate for New Zealand. MRI imaging has shown that dyslexics have different brain wiring to the rest of the population, which if it isn't harnessed successfully at school age, can lead to a host of educational and social problems.

With the right support in schools, the 'different thinking' of dyslexics and others with alternative learning styles can be harnessed very successfully. The result is often innovative and original thinking leading to creative and business success. Famous New Zealand dyslexics include Sir Richard Taylor of Weta Workshop, Paul Henry, Sir Peter Leitch, and researcher Dr Ingrid Visser Orca. Further afield Richard Branson of Virgin Airlines and Tom Cruise are both dyslexics who with help have turned their unusual brain wiring to their advantage.

SPELD NZ is a voluntary organisation that support people who learn differently. SPELD helps educators and others improve learning outcomes for young people with specific learning differences including dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD.

SPELD national president Marion Fairbrass explains: "We do this by training teachers; supporting families in helping diagnose learning differences and providing tutoring to help when required; referring members to other agencies who can also help; and by highlighting the positive side of having a specific learning difference."

"One of the downsides of being a different kind of learner is highlighted when dyslexics learn to read and write - the mechanics of school are often difficult and unrewarding and school can feel like living in a foreign country and not knowing the language. If you travel, you know how that feels - bewildering and confusing, you can often feel ignorant and alone."

SPELD highlights diversity in education. We don't necessarily want to 'fix' dyslexics, we want to help equip them with the skills to understand 'the foreign language' whilst nurturing their special qualities. See www.speld.org.nz or call 09 6240839 for more information on speakers and registrations.