Dyslexia in the workplace

Experts estimate that somewhere between 1 in 10 and 1 in 8 people are dyslexic. Whilst dyslexia is more often talked about within the context of education dyslexia is for life – dyslexic children become dyslexic adults and take up places in the workforce.

Study

The chances are that every business with more than 10 employees will have at least one dyslexic staff member. Luckily for those dyslexics coming newly from education the chances also are they will have been spotted as dyslexic at school and learned to compensate for their condition. Typically dyslexics are of above average intelligence and great problem solvers. Having learned to cope with their own challenges they can make great employees.

However the acceptance of dyslexia, and especially adult dyslexia, is recently common. Prior to 1975 there were no formal assessments for dyslexia. That means there are still thousands of ‘undiagnosed dyslexics’ in the workplace. The vast majority have no idea they are dyslexic, and there are many businesses and managers who do not know how to support them.

Dyslexia and compliance with the DDA for businesses

The challenge for employers and managers is that dyslexia is recognised as a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). That means businesses are expected to be dyslexia friendly and, at the same time, make ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ (as defined by the act) for any dyslexic employees, or employees who, they may subsequently discover, are dyslexic.

As dyslexia in the workplace becomes increasingly recognised and accepted it will become increasingly important for business and managers alike to ensure that working practices and policies stand up to DDA scrutiny. It will also become important to ensure that any staff induction or training programmes are designed to be dyslexia friendly.

Specialist dyslexia services for businesses and employers

The Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre now offers a range of dyslexia services for employers that are delivered by Helen Arkell trained dyslexia specialists. These include:

  • Dyslexia Awareness Training Workshops designed for senior managers, line managers, HR practitioners and, equality and diversity leaders. Content includes: What is dyslexia? How to recognise the signs of dyslexia. The Disability Discrimination Act and how to be compliant. Reasonable Adjustments. How to support an individual with dyslexia – getting the best out of your workforce. This can include screening procedures.
  • Dyslexia-friendly Induction Programme - a review of current practice. A step by step guide to dyslexia friendly best practice. This can include screening procedures
  • Workplace assessment – an assessment of an individual with dyslexia to address any issues arising. Management is provided with a report to enable them to put in place practical support for the individual and practices to overcome any difficulties
  • Full diagnostic assessment - a full diagnostic assessment of an individual carried out by a fully qualified Dyslexia Specialist or Educational Psychologist experienced in diagnosing dyslexia in adult, irrespective of levels of intelligence and compensatory strategies

NB: diagnosing dyslexia in adults is more complex because individuals develop their own coping strategies through experience as they grow older and gain wider experience of the world. The diagnostic report will provide the individual with assessment results demonstrating his/her strengths and weaknesses. It will also provide guidance on how to boost areas of weakness to overcome their impact.

  • Skills development training for adults with dyslexia and specialist support for the adult with dyslexia. This programme of interventions is designed for the individual to enable them to learn new ways of working and coping to overcome his/her dyslexic difficulties
  • Assistive technology training - half-day training sessions on software and hardware – such as voice activated software – designed to help individuals overcome difficulties
  • Audit of current policy and practice - a report to ensure your business is compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act. Advice and guidance on how to make your policies dyslexia friendly

Whether you require one or several of the above services HADC is able to provide your business with a service that is fit for purpose and meets your detailed requirements. Our programme will fit into your business schedule and will be delivered by qualified dyslexia specialist practitioners.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of this corporate services please do not hesitate to contact: Bernadette McLean Tel: 01252 792400 Email: bmclean@arkellcentre.org.uk