Part of the Growing Children series on BBC4 a look at dyslexia research, the difficulties and more positive sides to being dyslexic http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01m2n21lties August 2012

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Dyslexia had a debate his week on specialist teacher provision and the posibility that children with dyslexia might be losing out. Read a summary of the debate on http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-16207981

From November 21st 2011, INDIGO is obliged to be VAT registered which means we have to include this extra cost to our services and the eligible goods in the shop. Our apologies for unavoidable price rises.

Please sign the Initial Teacher Training Campaign petition flagged on
BDA web home page. http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/

Indigo Financial Report 2010-11

RSA Animate - Changing Education Paradigms 11 minutes of genius?! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U

LibriVox provides free audiobooks from the public domain. There are several options for listening. Thousands of books are available, all read by volunteers. http://librivox.org/

"Dyslexia Quest" by Nessy - An App for iPad/iPhone. Six fun games for children which test different learning abilities.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kZR12SelpY

"My iPhone has revolutionised my reading. For dyslexics, books are much easier to read on its screen" An interesting article by someone who found they could read much more easily using their iPhone
(http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2010/apr/06/iphone-makes-reading-books-easier)

It's about more than just reading and spelling, an interesting blog on dyslexia:

Foyles blog. A fear of words.
http://www.foyles.co.uk/Public/Biblio/Detail.aspx?blogId=1046

INDIGO is now registered as the an outreach centre (NAC) on QAG,(http://www.dsa-qag.org.uk) the only registered centre in the county for completing Disabled Student Assessments

Martin and Sean Wilson Gotobed have a chapter coming out in a new book shortly about Specialist Workplace Mentoring, Access to Work

Many thanks to Dr Sylvia Moody for two new items which can be found in our Article library entitled 'Dyslexia - Job Interviews' and 'Dyslexia - Speaking and Listening Skills' they can be found on the Dyslexia page in Additional Articles.

A reminder to all who are interested, Indigo will be running the OCN accredited Level 3 in Dyslexia again starting Wednesday the 9th February 2011. The course will run for 6 consecutive afternoons. There are still places available so please download an application form, from our 'Training Page' and pop in the post to us or alternatively, give us a call on 0845 347 9322 and we will post a form out to you.... there is still time

INDIGO are thrilled to announce that Martin as CEO of INDIGO Foundation has achieved a place in the top 100 of the Barclays 2010 Trading Places Awards. The following can be found at: www.barclays.co.uk/tradingplaces.

"Martin Parsonage was diagnosed with severe dyslexia at the age of eight and was educated in specialist schools. After leaving University, Martin’s poor literacy made it impossible for him to find work and in 2003 he founded the Indigo organisation to help support others like him. With the aid of assistive technology, Martin operates as Indigo’s Chief Executive, with his mother Jenny as Chair of the organisation.


Based in the city of Norwich, the Indigo Dyslexia Centre provides dyslexia screening and diagnosis, training courses and tuition, information and advice, as well as an Access to Work mentoring project. The Centre caters for dyslexic people of all ages, and is a registered charity mainly staffed by volunteers. Over 450 people benefit from its services each year on a one-on-one basis, and it receives around 400 telephone help line calls.


With at least 10 per cent of the UK population displaying some signs of dyslexia, Indigo provides an invaluable local resource to enable people with the condition to realise their true potential."

Help raise money for INDIGO Dyslexia Centre by simply watching a film 'Marmaduke' at 11am on Sunday August 8th at the ODEON Norwich. After the film there will be a chance to have a chat to volunteers about dyslexia. For more information please go to our new Facebook page!

Alison Thomas, Cabinet Member for Children's Services visited the Indigo Centre at their open day on the 20th July 2010 and said, "I am thrilled to hear that the Odeon is helping this worthwhile charity and would urge parents to attend the screening of Marmaduke and have a great day out with their kids and also help the Indigo Centre".

There is a great deal of free software available to download, try www.eduapps.org for a selection of planning and reading and writing support to see what might help you.

Indigo has appointed a new Centre Manager who is responsible for the day to day running and operations. Debbie is hoping to bring fresh ideas and most importantly extra support to the growing team at Indigo. In September Debbie will be completing the NOCN Level 3 in Dyslexia to further her knowledge. Debbie looks forward to meeting new clients during 2010 at the Indigo Centre, at Open Days and at local events.

To find out more about our team go to the ‘About Us’ button on the homepage and click on ‘Meet the Team’.

Indigo has just been reviewed as a ‘Investors in People’. We are delighted that the centre has now been recognised by the assessor as being
“well on the way to becoming a centre of excellence the charity looks likely to expand”.

The Indigo project which was providing help as part of the Access to Work scheme has successfully completed, with many happy clients. We are now awaiting project assessment to see what happens next! February 2010

Indigo has moved to larger offices: see the shop entrance, just to the left facing the Charing Cross Centre. January 2010

Our new shop selling educational resources is now open. Feel free to come and browse and chat about what might help. Products range from simple but effective pen grips, workbooks, puzzles, spellcheckers and software which reads, or writes for you!
January 2010

The Indigo Dyslexia Centre in Norwich was visited by its Lord Mayor of the city Councillor Evelyn Collishaw on the 2nd November during dyslexia awareness week.

The Indigo Centre updated the Mayor on their brand new course - Learning more about Dyslexia & how to help others. The course is accredited by the NOCN at level 1 which is completely optional.

This course is open to anyone who feels that may benefit from learning more about dyslexia. (November)

Resources for junior school age children. Interactive literacy activities Woodlands Junior School
www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/interactive/literacy.html
October 09

http://www.youtube.com/user/Janimatorck#play/uploads
This is an animated short film produced by Jack Davies who is a dyslexic animator and illustrator. He made it for his third year final piece for his BA in Animation at the University of the Creative Arts. It is interesting because it is about other features of dyslexia than just reading and writing. The film is animated to express the experiences of two dyslexic art students who he interviewed. Sept 09

Chloe Smith Norwich North's new MP came to see us at our Open Day and later to see what we do, this is what she had to say about Indigo:
"Indigo really punches above its weight. It provides invaluable services to people with dyslexia and associated problems, ranging from screening and friendly guidance to a full resource centre and training workshops to suit a variety of needs. Indigo is an assest to Norwich and Norfolk and i fully support its work." August 09

Martin was asked by Look East to give his professional opinion on Captura Talk, a new innovative piece of technology from I'Ansyst. The software available for certain mobile phones will allow dyslexics to use the camera function to take a picture of text which can then be read back to them. More information from www.capturatalk.com June 09

http://www.slideshare.net/NeilMilliken/the-affordances-of-mobile-technologies

http://www.dyslexic-entrepreneur.com/

Indigo are pleased to be running a pilot project helping dyslexics in the workplace, via Access to Work. We will be working with 50 clients from Norfolk County Council to provide mentoring and recommendations for assistive technology where required. We are hoping this will become a very successful model for supporting dyslexic employees. May 09

Dyslexia Awareness Course - a new one day course, on managing dyslexia. For parents or professionals wishing to learn more. See the Training page or call in for a leaflet. May 09

Open Day - Indigo invites anyone with an interest in dyslexia to drop in for a coffee and chat on Monday 6th July 2009. See the link from our home page.

Staff Training - Congratulations to Martin on passing you Level four OCN Advice and Guidance course! March 09

Good Luck to Molly with her Level three Advice and Guidance training! March 09

Welcome to George, our new tutor.

Jenny has joined the Board for The Assessors Network

Jenny has joined the Board of The British Dyslexia Association (Sept 08)

In the near future we will be offering a new Level One accredited course 'Dyslexia Awareness'. This will be an invaluable course for parents, teacher assistants and professionals who need to gain an understanding of dyslexia with practical ideas on how to be supportive. Ideal as an initial CPD course in Dyslexia. This course has been initiated as a result of those who told us that they wanted an introductory level on finding out more about dyslexia . March 09

INDIGO are very pleased to have received 4k + in lottery monies to support our tuition services via Awards for All. January 09

INDIGO now have an NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) Counsellor service available. Anyone wishing to make an appointment can call us to arrange this. September 08

The 'No to Failure' project has an interim report out, available on www.notofailure.com By highlighting the link between children failing in school and dyslexia/SpLD the project seeks to prove that dyslexia/SpLD training is critical and essential for teachers. Sir Jim Rose has been commisssioned by the Dept for Children, Schools and Families to carry out some important research in relation to the effect of Dyslexia/SpLD on children and young adults. He would like personal accounts and experiences of what works with improving outcomes and progression for children with Dyslexia/SpLD from professionals, parents and children. Further information available on: www.dcsf.gov.uk/jimroseanddyslexia/

Many thanks to all those who came to say 'hello' on our Open Day and made it such a big success. We very much enjoyed chatting and meeting you all! Thanks also to Dr Ian Gibson for dropping by to show his continuing support. July 08

Congratulations to Dr Ben Horwood on achieving his PhD! June 08

OPEN DAY - FRIDAY 11TH JULY call into the Charing Cross Centre to ask your questions about dyslexia! Or try some software/gadgets which help overcome the difficulties a dyslexic may face. June 08

Indigo now have an Online Shop link, (tabs on the left). We have teamed up with The Dyslexia Shop to bring you a wide range of goods, examples of some of these resources are available to view/try at the centre. Just call in to have a look! June 08

We have a very good essay written by Karl Durrant: 'A Discussion on Specific Developmental Dyslexia and the Junior School Pupil:Is the Dore Approach (2006) the 'Miracle Cure' we have been waiting for?' It is really good, thorough and readable! We will add it to our Article Library on the site, but in the meantime you can of course call into the Centre and read it before making your mind up. April 08

Indigo have renewed their Matrix award! The assessor commented that a particular strength and area of good practice (reported from her client feedback) was the enthusiasm and service provided by Indigo. April 08

International Dyslexia Conference - Harrogate 2008. Jenny attended this 2 day conference kindly funded by Broadland Council. The conference was well attended with speakers from all over the world, which allowed for a good sharing of knowledge and a chance to see how theory could be put into best practice. There was also a good opportunity to view new assistive technology and meet the suppliers. This was an academic conference which was very positive, informative and well worth attending to gain insight into the latest dyslexia research. March 08

Martin will be on Future Radio talking about dyslexia on February 20th at 10 am. Future Radio is a part of The NR5 Project which is a community based project. NR5 Project provides school inclusion projects for young people aged 13 to 16 years, Princes Trust xl 2 year alternative curriculum programme, post 16 support, music, media and radio training, education films and DVD’s and much more. February 08

A huge thank you to the Geoffrey Watling Charity for their gift to INDIGO, it is very much appreciated! January 08

INDIGO have moved office! We are still at the Charing Cross Centre but are now much more accessible. We are on the ground floor, in the rooms on your right as you come into the centre. All our contact details remain the same. 21st December 07

ESF Tendering Deadline-NEET Prevention by Specialist Dyslexia supports. If you are a potential contractor organisation that wishes to include a voluntary sector partner in your bid on EE/Y/S01 NEET Prevention. INDIGO will be pleased to provide across the East of England for dyslexic young people who fit the definition in the tender. As a subcontractor See Page 4-5 and 7 of specification. Matrix and IIP accredited.
INDIGO has PQQ awarded. Make contact with Jenny Parsonage 0845 347 9322 or email asap. December 07

Green Light for Indigo! "Now we have a proper business framework in place, our plan for 2008 is to replicate our model of excellence and our strategic plan is towards business growth and development." Jenny Parsonage, Chair Indigo Dyslexia Centre. For the full news article see 'Network News' Issue 3 Autumn 2007. November 07

Martin talking about 'I never let dyslexia stop my success' A Norwich entrepreneur has spoken out about his battle with dyslexia and has urged others not to let the learning disability be a barrier to achieving success.Martin Parsonage, who has won a host of awards including East Anglian Volunteer of the Year in 2005 and is also a British Dyslexia Association Young Champion, said it was his dyslexia which actually helped him achieve success.The 27-year-old, who has a degree from the UEA in culture philosophy and politics, was diagnosed as severely dyslexic at the age of seven and still has a reading age of 12 and a spelling age of just seven.But he has gone on to set up Indigo Dyslexia Services, based in Norwich's Charing Cross Centre, offering testing, training and tuition for those with dyslexia.Mr Parsonage, speaking during Dyslexia Awareness Week, said: “In a way having dyslexia has actually helped me achieve success because I have had to find other ways of doing things, sometimes which have proved quicker and faster. “There is help and support out there, sometimes individuals do not know how to access it, but it is there. Evening News 8th November 07


Indigo are pleased to let everyone know that we can now arrange appointments in Norwich for an Educational Psychologist Assessment, for both children and adults. Welcome to Ben Horwood! October 07

Thursday 13th September- Special Needs Norfolk at the Sportspark in the UEA. The biggest special needs exhibition in east anglia and Indigo will be there on stand 111, please feel free to come and say 'hello!' (We like our coffee black..) Sept 07

This in the 'Evening News' - One in 10 of us struggle to read and write, but thanks to a centre in Norwich dyslexia sufferers in the city are enjoying more support than ever before. Set up just four years ago, the Indigo Dyslexia Centre has gone from strength to strength, with a team of 20 volunteers who help more than 400 people overcome the many problems they encounter. Now, the St John Maddermarket organisation has become one of the first of its kind to receive a national award for its work. Following a visit by assessors, the centre has become one of the first working in its chosen field to gain the Investors in People (IiP) recognition, which highlights good work towards improved learning. Martin Parsonage, managing director of the centre, said: “This shows that we are doing the best we can for our volunteers and it recognises what we do for our volunteers, which will help with attracting funding.” Around 90pc of the people at Indigo are volunteers and they offer at least a day of their time to the service. The centre is an independent, not-for-profit organisation designed to help people with dyslexia in any way possible. Assistance can include one-to-one tutoring, training, parental support and business advice and guidance. Karen Crawley, 45, of Attleborough, who has been volunteering at the centre for nearly four years, said: “All the volunteers at Indigo are made to feel like part of the team and working there is enjoyable. It's rewarding to be able to use our knowledge to help others, as dyslexia can be a very lonely place.” Elaine Johnson, managing director of Assessment Network, which evaluated the centre, said: “There is now a clear vision for providing a first-class service for people with dyslexia.“This is supported by fully trained volunteers who now feel empowered and are eager to propose or initiate new ideas to take the business forward.About 10pc of the population are affected by dyslexia to some degree. We will have a copy of the photograph of the lovely Martin and Peter that went with the article, so everyone will be able to see why it's so enjoyable working here... for all ages. 27th August 2007

Special Needs. Cash for vulnerable pupils goes to schools. Gradual revolution in funding has led to one-third fewer statements but it means teachers can intervene earlier to offer support By William Stewart. A SPECIAL educational needs revolution is shifting responsibility for England's most vulnerable pupils directly on to schools and dramatically cutting parents' chances of gaining a statement for their child. Councils have moved the money they held centrally to school budgets, leading to a 37 per cent drop in the numbers of new statements issued in the past decade.The shift is welcomed in principle by schools because it allows them to intervene at an earlier stage and it cuts down on bureaucracy. But it has been achieved piecemeal without legislation or national public consultation and debate. Times Educational Supplement. 3 August 2007

'Dyslexic Police Inspector wins ruling he is disabled' A Metropolitan Police Inspector has won a test legal victory, that Dyslexia is a disability in the eyes of the law. The Times 25th July 2007

Staff and volunteers at INDIGO are thrilled to let everyone know that Martin will be on his very best behaviour on the 17th July 2007 when he has been invited to attend the garden party in central London. Please all be sure to ask Martin how the event went (frequently and at every opportunity). Martin does so enjoy dressing in fine attire, and we will be making the most of this occassion to show him our utmost admiration for his new 'morning coat' look. Also if you do see Martin before the garden party please help him, he's having some trouble with his curtsey and practice makes perfect. Don't forget a photo Martin!

INDIGO were delighted to be presented with the Investors in People Award at a special presentation 8.6.07. We are one of only a few dyslexia groups in the country to receive this award which was presented by Elaine Johnson, guest speakers were: The Lord Mayor of Norwich - Roy Blower and Dr Ian Gibson MP. June 07

We are pleased to have been presented with an 'Acorn Grant Awards 2007' June 07

Indigo Dyslexia Centre are proud to announce they are partnered with the Northampton Assesment Centre, and we are now able to offer Assessments of Study Needs for Disabled students Allowance (DSA) for Higher Education Students with learning difficulties. June 07

Special Needs Norfolk 2007 - The largest special needs conference in East Anglia is to be held at the University of East Anglia Sportspark on Thursday 13th September.

Another media debate is possible... following a piece on BBC breakfast this morning on whether dyslexia exists or not. The BDA and Dyslexia Action have issued a statement on the difference in classifying a difficulty in literacy and what dyslexia is, as the piece seems more about 'over classification' than whether dyslexia exists. Which i suspect wouldn't grab the headlines so much... May 07

Local man in landmark dyslexia battle with banks trying to change the way they communicate with customers. May 07

Congratulations to everyone! Indigo has achieved Investors in People... thank you to everyone for all your hard work! We will be having the presentation shortly to which everyone is invited. April 07

The Madder Market Theatre in Norwich is putting on a production about Invisible Disabilities called Museum...Blackout on Sunday 25th of March show starts at 6.30pm and Tickets are £3.50 (£2.50 concs) March 07

Indigo has been successful with an IT bursary, providing us with a new photocopier and more assisitive technology for dyslexics. Thank you to NVS March 07

Indigo has been successful with a funding bid to promote individuals with dyslexia into higher education, thanks to Aim Higher. Anyone thinking of entering HE should contact Martin at Indigo for accessing support inside HE for Dyslexics. March 07

Chris Jones is joining the Indigo team as a tutor helping children and adults with literacy difficulties. Welcome! Highly experienced retired Headteacher and SENCo of a primary school. February 07

Indigo launches new email system to improve accessibility and reliability of systems.
December 06

Indigo launches national non-geographic helpline.
December 06

Children’s play area updated through kind donations by Debbie Wickham.
December 06

Indigo attains OCN Centre status and EdEXCEL examination centre status.
November 06

Indigo’s website has read aloud function and colour change.
August 06

Martin receives a Young Achievers Award from the British Dyslexia Association at their Spring conference in York.
August 06

Martin and Peter were accepted as associates of the Institute of Learning.
June 06

Jenny receives certification to SOUL record training, soft outcomes and universal learning.
May 06

Jessica joins to help in an administrative role – ‘Welcome to the team!’
April 06

Indigo launches Level One Training Course written by Margaret ‘Welcome to the Team.’
March 06

Martin completes his in Diploma in Voluntary Sector Management.
March 06

Martin is successful in receiving the Y05 medal from the Royal Mint after becoming East of England Champion for The Year of the Volunteer 2005.
January 06

Indigo appoint a Fundraiser - Kevin Mulholland ‘Welcome to the Team!’
December 05

Andrew Crawley joins the team and starts to update the website, welcome!
December 05

Martin receives a Year of the Volunteer medal presentation by the Earl of Wessex.
October 05

Indigo launches one to one specialist tuition in Literacy and Numeracy
August 05

Indigo appoint a Head of Education - Peter Amsden ‘Welcome to the Team!’
July 05

First Acorn Grant European Social Fund monies for tuition.
July 05

Indigo launches Level Three training course.
July 05

Indigo receives money for a Children’s Play Area thanks to Radio Norfolk.
July 05

Indigo have a float at the Lord Mayors parade as part of the Year of the Volunteer celebrations.
June 05

Indigo contributes to the British Dyslexia Associations magazine ‘Dyslexia Contact.’
May 05

Matrix Accreditation.
April 05

Martin’s Top Ten Tips on Coping with Dyslexia in the Workplace published in The Guardian,
Cambridge Evening News, Recruiter Magazine etc
February 05

Launch party and live interview with Radio Norfolk.
January 05

Indigo becomes a signatory to Norfolk Compact.
January 05

Indigo moves to new offices in central Norwich.
December 04

Karen joins the Team (‘lucky them…’) ‘Welcome!’
December 04

Website Launched
November 04

Martin short listed for Enterprising Young Brit award – in the top six from over 1000 entries!
November 04

Martin completes 200 hours as a Millennium Volunteer!
October 04

Indigo has first stall at Special Needs Norfolk Conference.
October 04

Martin completes 100 hrs as Millennium Volunteer.
September 04

Martin gains Level 2 as an Independent Parental Supporter with Norfolk Parent Partnership.
August 04

Indigo receives SAFE accreditation.
July 04

Dyslexia Display in the Forum creates much interest.
July 04

Indigo launches it’s first book catalogue.
July 04

Indigo receives Membership of the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
May 04

UnLtd Millennium Award Level One granted to Indigo Dyslexia to aid development.
January 04

Group seeks to help word blindness article in the Eastern Daily Press.
January 04

Indigo Dyslexia Centre founded in Norwich!
November 03