Apologies for cross posting

Supporting dyslexic people in Employment

Wednesday 13 April 2005 Birmingham

It is estimated that between 4% and 10% of the workforce is dyslexic, a figure supported by government research. Up to 2½ million workers could be affected, and the extension of the Disability Discrimination Act gives them some rights, and employers some obligations, as to their protection.  However many people with dyslexia may not be aware of their condition, leading to loss of confidence, low self-esteem, frustration and anxiety. 

Dyslexic difficulties can lead, from an employer's perspective, to a wide range of inefficiencies in the workplace. Yet dyslexic employees have many, many strengths including creativity, lateral thinking, problem solving, visual and spatial awareness. All of these could flourish in employment, given proper accommodation and tools.

The problems most often reported by dyslexic employees include: 
        *       Forgetting written and spoken instructions
        *       Remembering and recording numbers, messages, content and meetings
        *       Filing and looking up cities in directories
        *       Dealing with maps, charts and tables
        *       Finding one's way in unfamiliar surroundings
        *       Writing memos, letters and reports
        *       Presentation of written work
        *       Keying on word processor or calculator
        *       Formulating thoughts rapidly enough to take part in discussions
        *       Keeping track of appointments and meetings, scheduling work and meeting deadlines
        *       Concentration over prolonged periods

Many of these difficulties can be addressed through reasonable adjustments, and most dyslexic people are entitled to such adjustments under the DDA. 

Dyslexic people and their employers may receive assistance through the government's Access to Work Scheme.

Delegates attending the conference will:
        *       Learn the legal obligations on employers
        *       Find out more about support for employers of dyslexic people
        *       Explore the possibility of becoming a dyslexia friendly employer
        *       Hear case studies of good practice and from dyslexic employees

The conference will be of interest to: ·Employers, HR managers, training officers ·Trade unions and employee representatives ·Providers of support to dyslexic adults ·Learning providers looking at progression routes of dyslexic learners.

For further information visit the NIACE website: http://www.niace.org.uk/Conferences/Dyslexic.htm
Or contact Gurjit Kaur on tel: 0116 2042833 Email: [log in to unmask]