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Bundesverband Legasthenie und Dyskalkulie
Christine Sczygiel, President
Postfach 1107
30011 Hannover
Germany
Website:  http://www.bvl-legasthenie.de/

History
In 1974, parents of dyslexic/dyscalculic children found themselves in a situation similar to that which led you to visit this website.

Support was hard to come by back then.

Dyslexia and dyscalculia were virtually unknown, let alone acknowledged.
With the formation of a support group, exchange of information finally became possible. Health professionals, scientists and researchers were brought in to help provide a sound basis for defining and analysing the problem of dyslexia and to come up with different approaches to treatment and support.

In subsequent years, the ever-growing number of affected parents formed a strong voice for dyslexic and dyscalculic children who – in spite of their intelligence and motivation to learn – were labeled as academic failures.

Systematically working towards the goal of improving the basic conditions for dyslexics and dyscalculics in education, training and professional life, the most important pillars of the Association's work were created:

Lobbying
As a strong group, those affected by dyslexia or dyscalculia demand recognition with their membership in the Bundesverband Legasthenie und Dyskalkulie e.V. (BVL) - the Federal Association of Dyslexia and Dyscalculia.

As a representative of interests, the BVL acquires political influence on government departments, schools and other educational establishments via the “Landesverbände” (National Associations), helps bring about new decrees, administrative regulations and monitors their implementation.

Therefore, the BVL also demands the provision of funds necessary for this. This is another goal.

With effective public relations, the BVL creates awareness of the problem and thus lays the foundations for the acceptance of dyslexics and dyscalculics in society.

Contact point for those affected by dyslexia or dyscalculia
Dyslexics and dyscalculics are able to obtain comprehensive advice and support via the website, the BVL magazine that regularly publishes information exclusive to members, brochures and the helplines and information centres provided by the national associations.

The BVL also offers a comprehensive database that contains detailed information and addresses regarding specific problem areas, complemented by reports on symposia and congresses.

Academic Forum
Within the first two years of founding the BVL, a close collaboration between the BVL, universities and colleges had been established.

Since then, the Federal and National Associations have been organizing congresses and symposia on a regular basis. A lively and competent exchange of knowledge about the concepts of dyslexia and dyscalculia is now even taking place on an international level.

As an organization, the BVL is unique in its field in that it has such a plethora of knowledge that it can competently stand up for the interests of those affected by dyslexia and dyscalculia.

The Scientific Advisory Board has been a solid entity in the BVL from the start and ensures the high quality of advice given.

Development of different approaches to diagnosis, treatment and support
The Scientific Advisory Board of the BVL ensures that its advisory service is up-to-date at all times as far as diagnosis, treatment and support are concerned.
It is crucial to analyze theories and concepts in order to be able to offer those concerned the most suitable support available.

We are here to help.

The BVL and its National Associations are constantly exchanging thoughts and knowledge with scientists, health professionals, educational psychologists and learning support coordinators and thus lay the foundations for further training for schools that are interested in the subject matter.

Disadvantage compensation
Deficits that students affected by dyslexia or dyscalculia bring to the classroom through no fault of their own should be compensated for. Through this measure, the BVL wants to ensure that these children are no longer labeled and discriminated against at school. Inclusion and acceptance can help facilitate a conventional education with appropriate qualifications and an integrated professional life.

Deficits in reading, spelling and calculating must no longer be the reason for students not to receive an education that helps them achieve their potential! Therefore, the BVL is strongly committed to innovative, suitable and future-orientated approaches to education that meet these demands.

Protective measures
For many dyslexics, the implementation of disadvantage compensation alone is not sufficient; thus, it needs to be complemented by further protective measures in order to make up for disadvantages, particularly with regards to marking and grades:

a.   The student’s reading and spelling ability must not have a negative influence on the grade in any subject.

b.   Stronger emphasis on and weighting of the student’s oral rather than their written performance when grading.

c.   Impairment of the student’s performance in reading and spelling must not impede or prevent their transfer to secondary school nor achievement of educational goals at school or in training.