Hello my name is Natasha Thaesler and I am a mother of 21 year old neurodivergent twin daughters. 

Consider this: statistically, 1 in 5 individuals reading this may also be neurodivergent, and 20% of children in our education system fall under this category. Despite increasing awareness, a concerning 44% of adult Australians lack the literacy skills necessary for everyday life, costing the nation 12 billion dollars in lost earnings annually, as reported by Code Read. Remarkably, a mere $942 million in the 2023/24 year could rectify this issue, providing a thirteen-fold return on investment.

My purpose in making this petition today is to raise awareness for dyslexia and to support the life changing efforts of the Code Read Dyslexia Network, particularly their ongoing campaign, "Saving Money by Spending: Solving Illiteracy in Australia."

Dyslexic and neurodivergent children in the education system often slip through the cracks due to insufficient resources or become high-functioning individuals who work twice as hard to keep up.

Research shows that embracing dyslexia and neurodivergent individuals in classrooms, workplaces, and communities benefits everyone. These ‘out of the box’ thinkers can revolutionize the world when given the opportunity, and it all begins at school.

To ensure a brighter and more inclusive future for students with dyslexia and neurodivergence, it is imperative that we take meaningful action and implement effective interventions in education. Code Read Network has detailed a report for the National School Reform Agreement Expert Panel in August 2023, setting the agenda for national school reform for the next 4-5 years. Now is the time to show our support for this critical reform.

I have personally experienced the hardship of not understanding the unique needs of my child, navigating the diagnostic process, and seeking resources. I have witnessed their struggle not only to be recognized but to navigate the challenges posed by educators and peers lacking the necessary education and understanding.

As an educator myself, I grapple with the challenges of delivering quality support to neurodivergent students in my classroom every day.

I have determined that my one small change, which I can make right now, is to add my voice to this campaign and encourage you to do the same. Among other actions, I am writing to my local and state representatives in support of this campaign, and I would appreciate your support.

For more information about Code Read Dyslexia Network and the submission made to the National School Reform Expert Panel, visit: https://codereadnetwork.org/saving-money-by-spending-solving-illiteracy-in-australia/

Please sign this petition if you can and I will include this with my letters.

Circulate this petition wherever you can to support someone you know in receiving the education that is their human right as determined by the United Nations under their Sustainable Develop Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals