Angela Fawcett is a leading international researcher into dyslexia and other learning differences, with a range of theoretical and applied contributions. She is one of the co-authors of the Dyslexia Screening Test (DST) and her recent visit to India in July 2012 to lecture at the World Education Summit generated 45 articles in the press on the launch of the DST-J India.

Such a prolific figure in the field of dyslexia and specific learning differences, Angela actually got involved in the field because of her son who was diagnosed with dyslexia when he was 5.5 years old and confirmed to have dyslexia at age 8. Currently, Angela is the Registrar of the Register of Educational Therapists, Asia (RETA) and contributes both in time and advise on the creation and implementation of standards and guidelines for fellow educational therapists and professionals as they support learners with dyslexia and other learning differences in the region. She was motivated to be part of RETA by her passion for excellent support for dyslexia, and how it has enriched her life through the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) case studies and the people she has encountered through RETA.

After decades of work in this field, what puts a smile on her face? Angela shares that her contacts and communications with researchers, educational therapists, advocates, parents and children worldwide envigorate her and keep her committed to the cause. Angela believes that one must have a passionate belief that there are strengths as well as weaknesses and it’s pivotal that those working in the SpLD field actively identify these in order to overcome the individual weaknesses of those they intend to help. To add on, she shares that to improve special education, it is important to make the assessment and support services readily available without cost for all ages so that everyone that needs help can benefit.

‘Never give up in working towards the best outcomes for all!’  Important words of advice from a leading figure in the field to all those who have special educational needs or lives/works with people with special educational needs.