How research with young people with dyslexia reached Parliament

Houses of Parliament where participant research helped inform national discussion on dyslexia and education

Taking part in research can sometimes feel like a small thing. You answer questions, share your experiences and move on with your day.

But those experiences can become part of something much bigger.

Research carried out by M·E·L Research for the British Dyslexia Association helped inform its report, Set up for somebody else, which was launched at the Houses of Parliament. The report focused on the experiences of young people with dyslexia and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and the need for better support across the education system.

The aim of the research was to understand what life is really like for young people with dyslexia and SEND.

That meant hearing directly from the people affected.

Their experiences helped build a clearer picture of where support is working, where it is falling short, and what needs to change.

The findings contributed to the British Dyslexia Association’s wider case for earlier identification of dyslexia and more consistent, high-quality support for children in schools.

One of the most important things research can do is turn individual experiences into evidence.

A single person’s story matters. But when researchers bring together the experiences of many people, common themes and patterns can begin to emerge.

Those findings can then be analysed, reported and shared with organisations that have the ability to influence services, policy and future decisions.

In this case, the research findings were used within the British Dyslexia Association’s Set up for somebody else report.

M·E·L Research was credited throughout the publication for its contribution to the research.

The British Dyslexia Association launched the report at the Houses of Parliament.

The event brought together young people, parents, MPs, Ministers, business leaders and people working to improve support for those with dyslexia.

For the researchers involved, it was an opportunity to see how the experiences people had shared during the research had travelled far beyond the original study.

Tamsin Maries, who led the research for M·E·L Research, described seeing the research “come to life” and highlighted the young people who spoke about their own experiences at the event.

She also thanked every young person and parent who had taken part in the research, telling them:

“Please know that you have been heard.”

Research about people is strongest when it includes the voices of the people actually living those experiences.

Without participants, researchers would be trying to understand important issues without hearing directly from the people affected by them.

By taking part, participants can help organisations understand:

what is working well
where people are experiencing difficulties
what needs more attention
how services could be improved
what decision-makers should understand about people’s real experiences

That does not mean every research project will lead directly to a change in policy.

Sometimes research helps an organisation understand an issue better. Sometimes it contributes to a wider body of evidence. Sometimes it helps shape future services or priorities.

And sometimes, as in this case, research forms part of a report that reaches national decision-makers.

Heard exists to give people more opportunities to take part in research that matters.

That might mean completing a survey, joining a focus group or taking part in a research interview.

The subject could be housing, health, education, public services, charities or another part of everyday life.

Whatever the format, the principle is the same: people share their experiences, researchers bring those experiences together, and organisations use the findings to better understand the people they serve.

The British Dyslexia Association research is a strong example of how participant voices can move from a research conversation to published evidence and into a much wider national discussion.

Heard is a UK market research panel where people can take part in paid surveys, focus groups and interviews.

Participation is always optional, and rewards are provided for your time.

By joining Heard, you can share your experiences and help organisations make better-informed decisions about the services, policies and issues that affect people’s lives.

Join Heard and be part of research that matters.