Frequently Asked Questions from
Direct Learning
Course Providers

On this page, we have put a selection of answers to questions which Course Providers have asked. This page should be read in conjunction with our page:

Dyslexia Certificate Course Providers

Is it hard getting started?

Expect a steep learning curve when you first start as a Direct Learning Provider. There is a lot to learn by experience, and it can help if your first group as a Course Provider is small. You can then learn from your experience with this small group and gradually build up to larger groups as you become more confident. It's hard work, especially to start with, but always remember that you are providing an invaluable service which will help many, many dyslexic children.

How do I obtain my discount?

We will supply you with the address of a page on which you can order courses for students at a discounted price.

Are there any quotas?

There are no quotas for the number of students you must train. You can be flexible and work at your own pace.

What if I receive no enquiries when I advertise? Will I be struck off your list of Providers?

You will certainly not be struck off our list if you receive no enquiries! However, you may find other advertising techniques more productive in reaching people who might be interested. Some Providers contact local schools with a flyer, or ask to speak to the school staff about the course. Other Providers have contacted their Ministry of Education in order to find a list of schools; a helpful suggestion is that every school should have at least one teacher who is trained to help dyslexic children and to advise their colleagues. Local radio can also be a way of advertising the tests. Some dyslexia organizations set up a stall in their local High Street to answer enquiries about dyslexia and to tell people about the tests.

May I use the name 'Direct Learning' and the World of Dyslexia logo in my advertisements?

Yes, provided that you make it clear to anyone who enquires that you are not a company member or representative of Direct Learning. You should make it clear that you are an independent agent who uses Direct Learning course materials. The Direct Learning logo may be copied from our website.

Can I translate the course book into my own language?

Our course book has been translated into Arabic, but there are many difficulties involved in translation. In general, the costs are high and the process can only be undertaken with financial backing from, for example, the Ministry of Education in your country. In the first instance, it is better to proceed with the course for English speakers and, if you are still seeking to translate, to contact us after a year or so to ask our opinion.

Can I advertise on the World of Dyslexia websites?

You may place a free advertisement on our Free Ads pages, and, if you send us your details, we will give you a free listing on our Local Groups pages [1] [2].

Can I start my own website?

Yes. Some Providers have already done this, and there is free webspace available at Yahoo. Examples are: Dyslexia Macao, Kuwait, Texas Dyslexia Services.

What market research can I do?

You could ask around among your friends to find out which newspaper they read, which will probably be the same newspaper which concerned parents with a dyslexic child may read. You could also try to find a list of local schools, perhaps in a local library or local council offices, so that you could send a leaflet to the special needs teacher there, or go along and ask to speak to the headteacher to ascertain interest. You could also try to find out how to contact your local radio station: perhaps a phone-in call from yourself might get some parents replying ans allow you to judge whether there are interested listeners.

Can people in my area still order the Direct Learning course on their own?

Yes, they can. The Dyslexia Certificate course is available on the Internet, and people in your area may still order on their own if they see our websites. However, people who do not have Internet access may be interested to hear about your course.

What should I say to people who want to take the course and then start tutoring dyslexic children?

In order to tutor dyslexic children, a person must be a fully qualified, experienced teacher in their own country, as well as having a qualification in dyslexia, such as the Dyslexia Certificate, or, if possible, a Diploma in Dyslexia such as the Birmingham University Diploma Course.

Any further questions?
Please email them to us and we will answer them?