Support for dyslexic students

Dyslexic people are often unable to process information quickly from the right hand hemisphere of the brain to the left. Messages and information can become confused and easily forgotten. This can apply to text, numerical information and self-organisational skills. Problem areas include:

• Reading - word recognition, re-reading words, slow reading, extra proof reading
• Writing - Planning and structuring essays, joining up letters
• Spelling - new words as well as familiar words, reversal of letters, basic grammatical rules
• Time Management - lack of awareness of time, poor planning skills, lateness

Part 4 of DDA

The Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2002 (SENDA) is part 4 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and specifically relates to education. It includes dyslexia under the term 'disability'.

Briefly, an institution must not treat a disabled student less favourably than one who is not disabled because of their disability. Institutions must also make 'reasonable adjustments' to enable students with disabilities to carry out all aspects of their academic and personal lives whilst at university.

The Disability Rights Commission has produced a helpful Code of Practice that assists with the interpretation of the Act.

Please see the interactive section below to find fuller details of SENDA and the Code of Practice.

why is it important to tell students about dyslexia support?

You should always assume that your groups include a student who is dyslexic, as they may not have disclosed it to anyone. It is therefore advisable to make this information available.

Dyslexic students are particularly vulnerable to delays in implementing their university support. This is because they need both a diagnostic and a needs assessment before funding will be approved. Delays are often experienced because of the large numbers of dyslexic students needing assessment at peak times.

See the Interactive Section below for details of How to get dyslexia support in HE.

Where to get additional information

The Disability Team at any university will be pleased to offer advice and information. Contact details can usually be found through the university web site.

See also the Useful links section.

From the student point of view

Candidates are selected by a university solely on their academic merit. Their support needs will be considered once the Admissions Tutor has decided to offer them a place. It is vital that the process is begun in plenty of time.

Students may believe that support will be provided automatically if they indicate dyslexia on their UCAS or enrolment form, or if they have had support in college - it won't. They must be pro-active in declaring their dyslexia and contacting or responding to the university's disability team.

If a student applies through Clearing or any other route, it is essential that they disclose their dyslexia immediately to avoid losing time in applying for funding.

Students can miss out on a whole term's support if they delay their application for funding.

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