Dyslexia: breaking down the barriers

Dyslexia is a complex condition causing an individual to process information differently, particularly around reading, writing and numbers. That said, people with dyslexia often see things in a different way and have strong problem-solving and creative skills.

 

A recent CSP survey showed that more than half of respondents with dyslexia encountered barriers in the workplace. The most common were not being given time to implement adjustments and negative attitudes.

 

Where dyslexia affects an individual’s day-to-day activities they are legally entitled to ‘reasonable adjustments’ in the workplace. Even if an impairment does not classify as a disability it is good practice for staff and managers to work together to ensure work gets done effectively as possible.

 

The CSP Disabled Members’ Network recently hosted a study day on Understanding Reasonable Adjustments for Dyslexia. The learning from it prompted us to create a dyslexia resources webpage for those who could not attend. The day was fully booked and it was great to see members sharing their experiences. We heard from five fantastic speakers including Theresa Awolesi, a recent graduate from the University of Nottingham, and Stephanie Mansell, consultant physiotherapist at the Royal Free Hospital, London, who both have dyslexia. The event was filmed and highlights are available on the webpage.  

‘I have dyslexia and my manager and I have worked together to try a number of strategies to enable me to work as effectively as possible.

 

‘I find Dragon and ClaroRead software invaluable and also use a dictation app on my phone to dictate assessments and email them to myself. This makes note writing much quicker and easier compared to writing them out longhand. 

 

‘I have had one-to-one coaching with a dyslexia coach on specific issues such as reading journal articles, which has been really helpful. Previously, if I got stuck on a word or sentence I would find it difficult to keep going to read the whole article. 

 

‘The most important thing is that members with dyslexia should feel confident to speak to their manager and work together to find solutions to any barriers.

 

‘Having dyslexia within the workplace has been challenging, including written work – keeping up with documentation and writing reports in a timely manner feeling confident that you are communicating well with other healthcare professionals.

 

‘My strengths are more practical. The written part is an ongoing challenge and can lead to a feeling of reduced confidence.’

 

‘I was keen to support Ade in the workplace and ordered the appropriate software and training that were recommended by an Access to Work Assessment he had in his previous organisation. 

 

‘I realised I didn’t really know much about dyslexia, so I attended the CSP study day. My knowledge of dyslexia increased as a result. We heard testimonies from people who have dyslexia and it helped me understand what type of activities are more challenging for them and which are easier. I realised many of our team processes could make work more stressful for someone with dyslexia and that these could easily be changed. 

 

‘Ade and I worked with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Access to Work team to identify what he needed. As a result, the DWP funded most of the costs for staff involved in his day-to-day supervision to undergo three hours of dyslexia training so they would understand how best to support him.

 

‘We have worked with Ade to look at the structure of his day and have implemented strategies to decrease the stress of managing a clinical caseload and to help the quality of his written documentation match the quality of his clinical work and clinical reasoning. 

 

‘Hopefully, I provide a safe space for staff to speak with me about any issues and work with them to deliver the best quality patient care possible, to attain their maximum potential as a physiotherapist and to enjoy their work.’ fl

 

Dyslexia study day 

Access to Work   

CSP Disabled Members’ Network