Understanding & Supporting Dyslexia in Business

This course is designed to support you in your role as a trainer, coach or mentor in a business or workplace environment.

It has been created for 3 main reasons:

1. At least 10% of your clients are likely to be dyslexic, even more in some sectors. Adjusting for this can bring benefits for all.

2. Some clients will not be aware of their dyslexia, or the challenges it creates for them. Dyslexia-friendly communication can remove this barrier.

3. Creating a positive approach to disability matters demonstrates commitment to fulfilling your service provider duties under the UK’s Equality Act 2010.

Welcome to your dyslexia course

Your clients’ dyslexia may have an effect on their:

• interactions with you and others;

• methods of learning and using information;

• success rate when using your service;

• satisfaction with using your service.

Why this course is important in your role

Section A: Dyslexia

(i) What is dyslexia?

(ii) Causes of dyslexia

(iii) Impact of dyslexia

Section B: Co-occurrence and Dyslexia

Part 1: Understanding Dyslexia in Business

British Dyslexia Association

• 10% of adults in the UK (approx. 4,700,000)• 4% of that group are extremely dyslexic.

A significant proportion of people with dyslexia also have at least one co-occurring learning difficulty at the same time.

Section A: Dyslexia

How many people have dyslexia?

90%

4%6%

• In medical references to dyslexia, co-occurrence may often be termed 'co-morbidity'.

• Both terms describe the incidence of two or more factors being present in an individual at the same time.

Section B: Co-occurrence and Dyslexia

• 5-10% of children in the UK have ADHD.

• ADHD is four times more common in boys than girls.

• two thirds of children with ADHD still have the symptoms when they reach 25.

Fact Sheet: ♦ ADD/ADHD

10%

90%

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

with Hyperactivity (ADHD)

How many people have ADHD?

Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Asperger Syndrome

Autism and Asperger Syndrome (AS) are subgroups of an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

4%

96%Asperger Syndrome is the Autistic Spectrum

Disorder most likely to be found in the

workplace – but not recognised as such -

where the incidence is around 1-4%.

How many people have ASD?

Part 2: Supporting Dyslexia in Business

“Today, I see my dyslexia as a gift. It helps me to see differently, think in an alternative way. Far from holding me back, it is a real asset to my creativity.”

Mark Stoddart, International Designer

Part 2 of this course looks at 2 components of support:

A. Legislation – The Equality Act 2010;

B. Making reasonable adjustments for dyslexia and co-occurring conditions.

Components of Support

Adjustments are made in three main areas:

1. Policies and procedures concerningworkplace support;

2. Communicating in dyslexia-friendly ways;

3. The physical environment.

B. Making reasonable adjustments for dyslexia and co-occurring conditions

Fact Sheet: ♦ Three main areas of adjustment

End of Part 2: Supporting Dyslexia in Business