 |
 |
I assessed a dyslexic client two years ago: he graduated and got a job as a surveyor with a large company. He did not mention his dyslexia to anyone and decided he would "manage". Sadly he could not. He found it virtually impossible to produce a report and, rather than discussing it or asking for assistance he ducked and dived until after a couple of months the employer sacked him. [I heard through his girlfriend, who contacted me in a panic]. He may well have been eligible for special equipment [although support is iffy, as the employer would have to fund it, because it is treated by the Employment Service like training] through Access to Work on the grounds of his disability, but would have to have disclosed his dyslexia. Some employers are, of course, more open than others but I think he would have stood a better chance of keeping his job, once he had got it, if there had been some awareness of his needs and he'd had a support system in place. It's often possible to negotiate with the employer as long as it's not too long "after the event" but much easier when they haven't been rubbed up the wrong way! Whether this chap would have got the job in the first place, or even been interviewed if he had said he is dyslexic on his CV, no-one can say. However, if the employer is a "two ticks" symbol subscriber and the applicant states they have a disability, they will be guaranteed an interview if they fulfil the minimum criteria for the job. I feel, therefore, that "disclosure" is - at the very least - advisable. DDA and the Disability Symbol require fairness on both sides. Organization: University of Teesside Date sent: Fri, 11 Dec 1998 12:34:57 +0000 Priority: normal Subject: Disability and employment From: "Claire Dowling" <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Send reply to: [log in to unmask] I was talking to a student today who is considering being assessed to see if he is dyslexic. He asked me a question that I am often asked but do not know the conclusive answer to. Do you have to declare on a job application form if you are dyslexic ? Does any one know the answer? obviously I told him about the DDA and discussed the wider issues of discrimination in employment and that the employer may want to offer support but can not do this if they do not know. Can any one offer an answer as I think this is becoming an increasing issue, particularly for final year students. Claire Dowling Student Adviser, Disabilities and Specific Learning Difficulties University of Teesside Borough Road Middlesbrough Karen Ball ACCESS Centre The Royal National College for the Blind College Road HEREFORD HR1 1EB Tel: 01432 265725 Fax: 01432 353478 email: [log in to unmask] %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%