Square Pegs is a registered charity that has achieved a lot in its first few years of operation.
Started by Amelia Jones and Georgina Porter in response to the huge gap in local information, support and services, the team has quickly grown to include a dedicated group of parents, educators, academics, medical and allied health professionals (including a number of adults with dyslexia themselves).
With a strong base of financial members and hundreds of interested friends we are growing a strong community of interest around the State, with the common goal of ensuring children with dyslexia no longer fall through the gaps.
Our Board
Amelia Jones, Chairperson
Kathryn Van Dal, Secretary and Deputy Chairperson
Harriet Fitzgerald, Parent and Accredited MSL Therapist
“I am a mother to 3 boys, the youngest of which is dyslexic. I’m an MSL educator, accredited ADA Associate Member (AMADA), Orton Gillingham trained, and a small business owner.
Since my son was identified as dyslexic in early 2016, I have learnt as much as I can about dyslexia..." READ MORE
Dr Judith Hudson, Ambassador
"Dyslexia should not be an impediment, or something to hide, because once children fall behind many don’t ever catch up - in school, or in life. Square Pegs aims to not only raise awareness and profile, but to also support families and advocate for changes in education and teaching, and to ensure that every child with dyslexia reaches their full potential.
I am so proud to be an appointed Ambassador of Square Pegs. Dyslexia must be celebrated and the many strengths that it can bring need to be recognised and appreciated." READ MORE
Amanda Norgaard, Parent and Accredited MSL Therapist
“My decision to gain qualifications in literacy intervention was initially to help my own children. However, my resolve to build greater community understanding with regards to dyslexic learners, including their often-overlooked strengths, has carried me to a place where I now help other dyslexic learners on their journeys…” READ MORE
Our Network Group Coordinators
Amanda Norgaard, Hobart Network Coordinator
Clare Weare, Launceston Network Coordinator
clare@startsmarttasmania.com.au
Our Goals for Change
Research shows that the techniques best suited to embracing dyslexic children’s learning differences, benefit all children in the classroom!
More importantly, embracing learning differences will help reduce the stress and barriers faced by our children which, if not addressed, could result in significant social costs and an opportunity cost to our community.
Square Pegs is asking the Government to make dyslexia a high priority on the national agenda through the following:
1. Greater recognition and awareness of dyslexia in the education system.
2. Appropriate pre-service training and professional development for teachers in dyslexia, evidence based teaching of reading, teaching for differentiation and multisensory instruction.
3. Early identification and effective early intervention for children identified ‘at risk’ of reading difficulties through introduction of the phonics screener.
4. Ensuring that students with dyslexia receive sufficient funding to provide appropriate learning support and reasonable adjustments.
5. A consistent, effective approach to assessment and provision of support to children with dyslexia in all schools.
Our Values
Respect | Integrity | Inclusion | Courage | Action
