Dyslexia Code of Practice for Employers in the UK 2 nd October 2013 Kate Saunders Chief Executive Officer British Dyslexia Association Dianne Giblin 1

British Dyslexia Association B.D.A is a charity for individuals with dyslexia and related conditions (7 including dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD, Aspergers) At least 10% of the population are dyslexic, and the other conditions account for another 5% Dyslexia is a hidden disability

Dyslexia is a Mitigateable Disability Employees with SpLD can have problems coping with text, prioritising and time management, relationships with colleagues These issues can be largely solved through reasonable adjustments and coaching Employees with SpLD also often have desirable strengths such as unique problem solving skills, strategic thinking and determination

Equality Act(2010) Equality Act details requirements to avoid discrimination in seven categories, including disability Reasonable adjustments must be made to provide fair access for:  Services  Education  Employment  Housing

Reasonable Adjustments Recruitment process:  Accessible advertising,  Application and selection processes In work for employees with dyslexia and other SpLD which generally include:  Assistive technology  1:1 coping strategy training  Awareness training for colleagues and managers  Potentially a support worker

What is Reasonable? Depends upon a number of factors including the needs of the individual An adjustment may not be considered reasonable if it involves:  unreasonable costs  timeframes  affects the security or integrity of the assessment.

Access to Work UK Government scheme providing funding for adjustments beyond which the employer should make Assistive technology, awareness training, coping strategy coaching, support workers, communication support for interviews etc Employers with 50+ staff have to make a £1000 contribution to costs Access to Work support was given to 3200 dyslexic employees in last year (April 2012/3)

B.D.A. and the Workplace B.D.A. is the leading UK charity for workplace needs assessment and solutions We provide services to employers:  Diagnostic assessments  Workplace needs assessments  Awareness and 1:1 coping strategy training  Consultancy on HR policies and practices  Mediation

BDA Code of Practice for Employers Good practice guidelines for supporting dyslexia in workplace Raising Awareness of SpLD Information on recruitment and reasonable adjustments Style guide and screening information NO to failure - competency v capability

For Further Information BDA Web site: BDA technology group: bdatech.org Helpline tel. no: Helpline Training tel. no: Training

9th BDA International Conference 27th-29th March 2014 G-Live Centre, Guildford Our International Conference will emphasise linking theoretical advances with practice. Keynote speakers include: Professor Usha Goswami, Professor Linda Siegel, Professor Brian Byrne, Professor Donald Compton, Professor Pol Ghesquiere, Dr Kate Cain, Professor Michelle Mazzocco, Professor Joel Talcott and Dr Julia Carroll. See 11

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