Imagine struggling to read on-screen text or organise thoughts coherently during a high-pressure workday. This is a reality for many employees with dyslexia, a learning difficulty that affects reading, writing, and information processing. Dyslexia is a common learning difference, yet workplaces often lack the resources and understanding to support those with the condition.
Dyslexia manifests uniquely in each individual, leading to varying challenges in the workplace from issues with reading detailed reports to managing time effectively. Without the right support, dyslexic employees might under-perform, not due to lack of skill, but because of an environment that doesn’t accommodate their needs.
Let’s look at how Access to Work funding benefits dyslexic employees, and how it can provide crucial assistance through technology, hiring a job coach, and systemic changes that foster an inclusive workplace.
Overview of Access to Work Scheme
Access to Work (AtW) is a UK government scheme designed to support persons with disabilities, including those with dyslexia, in the workplace. This support can help people with dyslexia start or stay in their job.
The AtW grant may fund the cost of equipment or extra provisions, as well as aid with travel if public transport is not suitable. The scheme can also provide support workers, disability awareness training, and services for mental health.
To be eligible for Access to Work, you must have paid work or be self-employed. They need to be 16 or over and live in Scotland, England, or Wales. The scheme supports a range of mental health conditions, as well as physical and learning disabilities, so long as you can evidence these affect you at work.
Conducting a Workplace Needs Assessment
As part of the application process, a Workplace Needs Assessment may be required for getting the right support. This assessment pinpoints exactly what reasonable adjustments, as well as extra provisions, might help an employee with dyslexia. The process includes talking about the challenges they face at work and suggesting solutions.
The Assessments, conducted by specialist workplace assessors, might recommend strategy coaching, assistive tech, or training to help effectively. The goal is to lessen the difficulties dyslexic people encounter in their job roles.
How the Scheme Supports Employees with Dyslexia
If reasonable adjustments have been implemented but more support is required, Access to Work steps in. Remember, although Access to Work is there to help, it’s crucial to speak with your workplace contact first about adjustments. They may already have measures in place for your job role. If more help is needed, Access to Work provides an added layer of support.
For more details or to start an application, visit Access to Work online. Use your workplace address and email to apply for assistance via online forms. If you prefer to discuss your needs, you can request a Workplace Needs Assessment.
Assistive Technology and Software
Access to Work can support by funding tools that help at work. This includes tech like software and gadgets. These tools can help if you have dyslexia, but also conditions such as ADHD, too.
After an assessment of your needs, you might get suggestions for tech to help you. This could be text-to-speech software, or software that proofreads your documents for you as you write.
Employees might learn to use software that supports spelling and grammar on apps. Other training might involve using mind mapping software, digital recorders, and software that turns speech into text. These tools can make a big difference to how well someone with dyslexia can work.
Physical Equipment for Dyslexic Employees
In addition to assistive technology and software, special equipment can also play a crucial role in supporting employees with dyslexia in the workplace, especially if you have an accompanying physical disability. Here are some examples of physical equipment that can make a difference:
- Ergonomic furniture: People with disabilities may benefit from ergonomic chairs and desks that provide comfort and support during long periods of work. These adjustable pieces of furniture can help improve posture and reduce physical strain, allowing employees to focus on their tasks more effectively.
- Coloured overlays and tinted glasses: For many with dyslexia, reading can be challenging due to visual stress. Colored overlays, which are transparent sheets placed over text, can help reduce visual discomfort and improve reading fluency. Similarly, tinted glasses with colored lenses can provide relief from glare and enhance contrast, making it easier for dyslexic employees to read printed materials.
- Reading aids: Special reading aids such as magnifying glasses or electronic reading devices can assist dyslexic individuals in accessing written information more easily. These tools can enlarge text, adjust font sizes, or even convert the text into audio format, making reading less frustrating and more accessible.
- Noise-cancelling headphones: Dyslexia can sometimes be accompanied by difficulties in concentration and sensitivity to noise. Therefore, providing employees with noise-canceling headphones can create a more focused and productive work environment. These headphones help block out distracting noises and create a quieter space, allowing workers with dyslexia to concentrate better on their tasks.
Workplace Coaching and Coping Strategies
In addition to providing assistive technology and physical equipment, Access to Work also offers workplace coaching and coping strategies for employees with dyslexia. This type of support focuses on helping people navigate their specific challenges in the workplace and develop effective strategies for overcoming them.
Workplace coaching involves working with a qualified professional who specializes in supporting people with dyslexia. The coach can help the employee develop strategies to improve their reading, writing, organisation, and time management skills. They can also provide guidance on how to effectively communicate with colleagues and managers about their dyslexia and advocate for their needs.
Coping strategies are techniques and approaches that individuals with dyslexia can use to manage their difficulties and reduce stress in the workplace. This could include implementing strategies to improve memory and recall, developing effective note-taking methods, and utilising tools like mind mapping or visual aids to organise information.
Disability Awareness Training
Access to Work can fund training for your coworkers, as well as yourself. This includes making others aware of dyslexia and training that helps with day-to-day tasks.
Training for dyslexic employees may cover how to do a dyslexia check and a workplace needs review. This can help decide what changes will help and implement any reasonable adjustments not always in place.
Disability Awareness Training
Through Access to Work, colleagues can learn about disabilities, including dyslexia, with disability awareness training. This training, covered by the grant, can start immediately.
A workplace needs assessment may show the need for such training. It aims to teach teams about the best support for employees with disabilities. Knowing more means colleagues can help create an inclusive, supportive workplace.
Benefits of Disability Awareness Training in the Workplace
Disability awareness training can strengthen a team’s knowledge of disabilities, like dyslexia. It’s funded by Access to Work and boosts the team’s understanding.
When colleagues learn proper strategies, they can better support team members with disabilities. The training covers how to talk, make helpful changes to work practices, and use tech to assist. By doing this, it builds a work culture that respects and supports all employees.
Support during Job Interviews
Job interviews can be daunting, but for candidates with dyslexia, there’s additional support available.
By disclosing dyslexia, either on the application form or during the interview, you can access adjustments. This support can include extra time for tests as part of the selection process.
The Access to Work scheme may also provide aids like communication support to ensure you can perform to your best. Remember, clear communication with employers about your needs is key. Reach out for this support. It’s designed to assist you.
Reasonable Adjustments during Job Interviews for Dyslexic Candidates
If you’re dyslexic and facing a job interview, it’s important to know you can ask for Reasonable Adjustments. Telling your potential employer about your dyslexia enables them to make changes, like allowing extra time for tests.
The aim is to help you showcase your true ability. Employers are legally obliged to consider these adjustments, ensuring you compete on a level field.
Importance of Clear Communication and Instructions during Interviews
For interviews to run smoothly, clear communication is essential, especially when dyslexia is involved. The Access to Work scheme underscores this by offering communication support, where needed.
While Access to Work doesn’t cover reasonable adjustments – the employer’s responsibility – they do provide beyond. This support ensures that everyone understands each other, leading to a fair and effective interview process.
Learn More About Access to Work and Dyslexia
Access to Work plays a vital role in supporting people with dyslexia in the workplace. By providing funding for support workers, accessible software, and awareness training to colleagues, it fosters a culture of understanding and support making anyone with Dyslexia at work feel valued.
If you need help finding a support worker or applying, contact Job Aide today and we’ll help you find the right support!