Learningforsure - Adult Literacy and Numeracy Information

Dyslexia is a learning difference which may cause problems in many areas of life - at home, College, University or in the workplace. Many adults can find parts of their lives difficult to deal with because of dyslexia but there are things that can help to make life easier.

Disability Discrimination Act

The government introduced the Disability Discrimination act in 1995 with further additions and amendments included in 2005. The act requires that employers make 'reasonable adjustments' to both working practices and the working environment in order that workers with dyslexia are not discriminated against. A reasonable adjustment can include changes to equipment, policies and procedures and buildings. 'Studies show that 44% of adjustments cost less than £50. The most common adjustment relates to physical working environment and provision of support or assistance'. (Source: http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/diversity/)

Key Facts about Dyslexia

• One person in ten (around 505,000 in Scotland) is thought to be dyslexic to some degree and of these one in four could be severely dyslexic.
• Difficulties can range from mild to severe and individual profiles can be very different, each with strengths and weaknesses.
• Dyslexic people often have natural talents, creative abilities and vision.
• Dyslexia can occur at any level of intellectual ability.
• Dyslexic people can face difficulties in both education and employment.

Dyslexia Scotland, 2006