Dyslexia Awareness Week Team Briefing/Staff Meeting Resource

What is Dyslexia? A combination of abilities and difficulties (Specific Learning Difficulty/Difference – SpLD) Every individual is likely to be different A different way of processing information Dyslexia is included within the Equality Act 2010 Dyslexia is known as Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD). This is because the challenges that a dyslexic individual might experience are only related to specific areas of activity (see slide 4 for what some of these might be). It is a combination of abilities and differences where each individual is likely to be different. There is no “template for dyslexia” each person is likely to be different, and like all individuals, unique. In simple terms dyslexia stems from differences in the brain both in the make up and structure of the brain and in the way it processes particular sorts of information, usually language based information. Dyslexia is classed as a disability and is included within the Equality Act 2010 because it is life long and can have an impact on someone’s day to day living. Valuing dyslexia is a positive set to providing a work environment that truly values diversity.

Positive Dyslexia Traits Research has identified many positive traits associated with dyslexia, here are a few: Determination to keep on going Skilled in creative problem solving Exceptional in the right niche Good social skills &empathetic and good with people Develop great coping strategies Creative The different way that connections are made in the brain leads to potential strengths being associated with dyslexia: Determination – Often individuals have experiences challenges in school and over come these. This leads them to being determined to succeed and in some cases highly driven – a large number of successful innovators and entrepreneurs are dyslexic – Richard Branson, Thomas Edison, Einstein, to name but a few were all dyslexic and highly determined to find success. The different connections in the brain lead to different ways of analysing problems that can lead to the creation of innovative solutions. Dyslexic individuals can be exceptional in the right niche where they are able to use their talents effectively. Dyslexic individuals tend to have good social skills and are often empathetic. This sometimes is due to having to work with others to find support solutions and also an understanding of the challenges faced by others. Dyslexic individuals often have to develop their own way of doing things, sometimes this is just generally a better way of doing things! There are a lot of dyslexic individuals working in the creative fields such as the arts, but also in areas such as architecture, design, advertising, marketing, PR, computer programming, sales, care, the blue light services, etc. to name but a few.

Potential Challenges Literacy Issues – reading at speed, spelling, issues with accuracy especially if under pressure Organisation – time management, multi-tasking, doing things in an expected order Memory – may appear forgetful Sometimes a slower speed of processing for complex or high volumes of information Although many adults who are dyslexic may have learned to read well there may still be residual challenges with reading speed and fast comprehension of what has been read, spelling and composing writing, especially if under pressure to do it quickly can also pose challenges. Being organised can sometimes be a problem, knowing what to do when, in which order and how long something should take. Although many dyslexic individuals have learnt lots of strategies here. There are often issues with short term and working memory, so individuals may appear forgetful and have challenges retrieving information that they know when put “on the spot”. Because the brain processes information differently the route that information takes within the brain to get processed may be longer. However, good coping strategies and some reasonable adjustments and/or assistive technology can over come these challenges.

Examples of Reasonable Adjustments Access to suitable working areas such as quiet zones Flexible working where possible Providing information in advance for meetings/training Using the Dyslexia Friendly Style Guide Access to support for specific skills development Highlighting important or relevant points in documents Explicitly prioritising information/instructions that an individual needs to action Setting clear targets/time frames and project planning Using Assistive Technology Reasonable adjustments are just things that can be put in place to support an individual often they are low cost or no cost. Frequently they improve things for everyone. Supporting dyslexia is good practise for all and creates a better working environment. Dyslexia Friendly Style Guide is available at https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/employer/dyslexia-style-guide-2018-creating-dyslexia-friendly-content

What to do if you think you might be dyslexic? Conversation – Line Manager/HR/Colleague Discussions – what works? Diagnostic Assessment/Workplace Needs Assessment Implement Changes Ongoing Review of Adjustments Consider setting up a support network in your workplace Have some training in dyslexia for staff and/or managers Encourage your organisation to sign up for the Dyslexia SMART Award If you think that you might be dyslexic or know that you are dyslexic the first thing to do is talk to your line manager or HR or a colleague Discuss what is working well and those things that you are finding challenging It may be helpful to have a Diagnostic or Workplace Needs Assessment – contact our assessment team for further advice and information (see slide 9 for contact details) Explore what could be changed easily to improve things Keep talking about it Consider setting up a network within your workplace as you won’t be the only dyslexic person there (see slide 8 for link to BDA website that has lots of information and resources including a guide to setting up workplace networks) Staff training can be invaluable for managers and staff, the BDA is able to provide a range of training solutions (see slide 9 for contact details) See next slide for information about Smart award

Dyslexia diagnostic assessment options for your Workplace Determine if you are going to: Offer to pay for individuals to undertake a dyslexia assessment (as a one-off online test with detailed report) Utilise an online dyslexia assessment tool internally for your recruits, staff or students with a management portal, detailed reporting and annual license QS Dyslexia Tests (QS) provide two online products for adult dyslexia screening: QuickScan Questionnaire QuickScreen Dyslexia Test QS Dyslexia Tests (QS) provide two online products for adult dyslexia screening: - QuickScan Questionnaire and - QuickScreen Dyslexia Test The products are ideal for both: - individuals - single use payment and detailed report (£10 for QuickScan and £19.50 for QuickScreen) - organisations  - for their recruits, staff or students with a management portal, detailed reporting and annual license. Utilise one or both products depending on your requirements. Some organisations choose to put everyone through QuickScan and then ask those who show signs of Dyslexia to undertake the more comprehensive QuickScreen test. Some organisations choose to just offer the QuickScreen test. The same applies to individuals – they can do both tests or just one. The QuickScan and QuickScreen online dyslexia screening programmes have been developed by QS Dyslexia Test (QS) - part of Pico Educational Systems Limited. The Pico team pioneered the first computer based dyslexia assessment programme for adults called StudyScan.

Utilise one or both products depending on your requirements 10-20 minute yes/no questionnaire Suitable for those aged 14+ Simple to use on all desktops Standard report for individual and/ or supervisor Extended supervisor report via the QuickScan tutor page Report showing indicators of dyslexia, dyspraxia and visual stress, areas where support is required and preferred learning style For those showing signs of dyslexia, move on to the QuickScreen test Six test sections: Verbal Skills, Visual Skills, Vocabulary, Memory, Sequencing and Processing 1 hour to complete (in stages if required) Suitable for those aged 17+ Simple to use on desktops & tablets Optional diagnosis certificate Detailed report identifying indicators of dyslexia and test results for a range of skills All candidate results are accessible from a single management portal Here is a quick intro to the main points about each test option. Download the brochure for more information. QuickScreen is the ideal tool for dyslexia assessment for adults in an organisation that would beneit from screening any number of recruits/students/staff for: ➠ Indications of dyslexia from none to strong ➠ English language difficulties ➠ General problems with study relating to weaknesses in reading, comprehension, spelling and writing, or slowness in coping with literacy based tasks. QuickScreen administrators use the management portal to assign tests to candidates. Once a test is complete, a report will be sent to the nominated portal manager, who can add additional comments and recommendations, before sending it on to the candidate. The report includes bar graphs for all the test results to help with devising a suitable study support programme. The results will flag up those who are dyslexic, as distinct from those who have more general learning problems or a lack of familiarity with the English language. QuickScreen provides a very cost-effective and accurate method for assessing candidates and new recruits for learning difficulties. A borderline result requires some interpretation. The candidate may have misunderstood the requirements for an element of the test, or previously been diagnosed with dyslexia and is now coping reasonably well. Where there is a mild, moderate or strong association with dyslexia, full guidance for future action is provided. Utilise one or both products depending on your requirements www.qsdyslexiatest.com Download a brochure

Dyslexia Awareness Week Deals! FREE! to individuals on World Dyslexia Awareness Day (usually £19.50) 4 October 2018 3 Month FREE Trial to organisations during Dyslexia Awareness Week (who sign up for a trial) 1-7 October 2018 Dyslexia Awareness Week Deals In celebration of World Dyslexia Awareness Day on 4 October 2018, the QuickScreen Dyslexia Test for individuals will be free of charge (usually £19.50) There’s a special offer for employers, universities and public sector organisations too. If you sign up for a QuickScan or QuickScreen free trial during Dyslexia Awareness Week (1-7 October 2018), your trial of the test(s) and the management portal will be extended to 3 months www.qsdyslexiatest.com

Have you got what it takes? Dyslexia SMART Award Have you got what it takes? Are you really committed to making the most of your dyslexic staff? Are you ready to make a commitment to improving your equality and diversity practise at work? Do you want to prove to your employees and customers that you truly value neurodiversity? Then why not take your commitment to the next level and show the world that you are Dyslexia SMART To find out more click here: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/services/bda-dyslexia-smart-award If you want to make a commitment to being an organisation that really values diversity think about doing the BDA’s SMART Award. The SMART Award process helps organisations to improve their awareness of dyslexia and introduce changes to working practice that will help staff to reach their full potential. In undertaking the SMART Award your organisation will be recognised as a company that values difference and the diversity of individuals. It will be acknowledged as a safe place for dyslexic employees, stakeholders, customers and suppliers alike.

For more information and resources go to: Employers: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/employer Individuals: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexic Parents: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/parent Dyslexia Friendly Style Guide is available at https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/employer/dyslexia-style-guide-2018-creating-dyslexia-friendly-

For further information: BDA website: www.bdadyslexia.org.uk Helpline tel. no: 0333 405 4567 Helpline email: helpline@bdadyslexia.org.uk Training tel. no: 0333 405 4565 Training email: training@bdadyslexia.org.uk Assessments: assessments@bdadyslexia.org.uk