Access to Work: an overlooked resource.
By Richard Capper, VCT Assessments and Training Ltd.
Granted it's a cheap shot, though the statement made by Graham Stringer last year that dyslexia was an "invented brain disorder" unfortunately resonates with many people and employers.
Graham Stringer focussed his attention on the phonological difficulties that people with dyslexia have, though this is by no means the full story as dyslexia affects not only literacy but also, amongst others, working memory, processing speed and the automatic development of other skills.
Managers I see often say that dyslexia causes a problem in the workplace as the effects are so variable. How can they put reasonable adjustments in place if dyslexia affects people so differently?, but all disabilities have differing effects; not all wheelchairs are the same or require the same adjustments in the workplace. The second stage of this argument usually follows with the fact that "dyslexia is an invisible condition". If employers are unable to see or touch the disability how can they be expected to make adjustments? Again, how is this different to a visual or hearing impairment?
In my experience the difficulty employers have with dyslexia, as with most conditions, is that they have little or no understanding of it. The most reasonable adjustment of all is that they take the time to understand what their employee is going through and work with them to achieve a successful outcome.
The Access to Work scheme is an often overlooked resource for employers and employees. It can provide support for employees in terms of equipment such as a digital voice recorder; software such as Texthelp Read&Write GOLD or specialist tuition to help employees develop strategies to help them in the workplace.
You may qualify for Access to Work if you are:
and your disability or health condition stops you from being able to do parts of your job.
If you feel that the type of work you do is affected by a disability or health condition that is likely to last for 12 months or more, you should contact your regional Access to Work centre to check whether you can get help.
www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/DG_173083
www.direct.gov.uk/en/disabledpeople/employmentsupport/workschemesandprogrammes/dg_4000347
Dyslexia Simulation Exercise
If you are in any doubt as to the benefit of assistive software, for example, try for a moment writing a couple of sentences about your last holiday but without using any word with the letter 'e' in it. So; no 'beach' for example. Give yourself 2 minutes.
Chances are, your couple of sentences are a bit wishy washy, vague and perhaps incomplete.
Ask yourself the following questions:
Answer: none of the above.
Software like Read & Write GOLD can provide you with prompts for words you might like to use in the context of a holiday. The software also contains a talking dictionary, phonetic spell checker and homophone support which further supports individuals writing skills. For further information on Read & Write, please contact Elaine on Tel: 028 9442 8105, email elaine@texthelp.com or visit our website www.texthelp.com
About Texthelp Systems Ltd
Texthelp Systems Ltd is the worldwide leader of literacy software solutions provided through three core business divisions: Education, Speech Services and Publishing. Texthelp has been developing assistive technology software for the learning disabled community since 1996. The aim has always been to provide the most comprehensive cutting-edge technology available to provide inclusive education.
Based in Antrim, N. Ireland and with offices in the US, Texthelp is currently experiencing a period of sustained year on year growth. The company has a reseller network covering over 20 countries.
Texthelp has been a Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Award winning company for ten years and won numerous product, innovation and marketing awards.
VCT is an independent assessment company that does not sell anything. Our sole purpose is to provide impartial, objective advice on equipment, software and support for people with disabilities in the workplace. If you have any questions, feel free to call 07769 250 275 or email me at richard@vct-assessments.co.uk
© Author of this article: Richard Capper, VCT Assessments and Training Ltd This article can be freely reproduced with due attribution of authorship.