As part of Dyslexia Awareness Week, we here at Dyslexic.com wanted to delve into some of the questions surrounding dyslexia…
What is dyslexia?
There are so many different definitions of dyslexia it’s sometimes difficult to keep up! Putting it simply, dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that mainly affects reading and writing. It is a disability that affects approximately 1 in 10 people of all ages, races, backgrounds and abilities.
Each individual with dyslexia can be affected in a different way, but they tend to experience difficulties in the following areas:
- Reading
- Writing
- Spelling
- Expressing their ideas
- Sequencing
- Differentiating between left and right
- Orientation
- Short-term memory
- Time Management
- Organisation
It is, however, important to remember that many dyslexic individuals have strengths and talents that can be used to compensate for these difficulties. The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) state that they often have strong visual, creative and problem solving skills, and are prominent among entrepreneurs, inventors, architects, engineers and in the arts and entertainment world.
Where can I go for help if I have dyslexia?
Dyslexia is recognised as a disability under the Equality Act 2010, and therefore there is support available for individuals with dyslexia.
From 1st September 2014, The Children and Families Act and the new SEND Code of Practice came into effect. This act means that parents can now have a real say in decisions that affect their children and can challenge any decisions they disagree with. More information is set out in your Local Offer from your local authority. To find out more about what the SEND Reform means for you, please follow this link >> http://ian.lt/1nWOVPI
If you are a full-time or part-time student attending Higher Education, you may be eligible for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) grant. The DSA is a Government grant which helps to meet extra costs that you may face as a result of your disability or specific learning difficulty. This can pay for specialist equipment (a computer or assistive technology equipment), non-medical helpers, extra travel and other disability-related costs of studying. As of 2015, students are required to pay the first £200 of their order. You can find out more about the DSA by following this link >>http://ian.lt/1jCx3s8
If you are in employment, you may be eligible for the Access to Work (AtW) grant. This is a government grant that can pay for practical support if you have a disability, health or mental health condition. How much you receive will depend on your circumstances. The money can pay for things such as adaptations to the equipment you use, special equipment (assistive technology), travel costs, a support work or job coach, support services, disability awareness training for your colleagues, and more. You can find out more about AtW by following this link >> http://ian.lt/1VsfY5h
What is assistive technology and how can it help my dyslexia?
Assistive technology (AT) is extremely helpful for those with dyslexia and other disabilities. There is a wide range of AT available from www.dyslexic.com and throughout Dyslexia Awareness Week we will be posting a daily blog post to give an insight into the different types of AT and who it can support. To keep up to date with assistive technology and how it can help you, please follow us on Twitter and Facebook:
