Supporting Students with Dyslexia (16+)
Colleges and universities provide a range of student services including access to support for dyslexia.
Often students will first learn they are dyslexic when they start college or university. If you have any concerns that you might be dyslexic, ask your college or university for specialist advice and a dyslexia screening.
Educational establishments need to be aware that they are required to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ in the classroom to ensure that students with dyslexia are not placed at a disadvantage (Equalities Act 2010).
Students studying on Higher Education courses may be eligible for a Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) which meets the extra costs of studying which arise as a direct result of dyslexia.
To be eligible for the Disabled Student Allowance you must have undertaken a diagnostic Dyslexia Assessment undertaken by an Educational Psychologist or a specialist dyslexia tutor. Some college and universities provide this as a free or subsidised service – though with Government budget restraints this is getting less likely.
The Disabled Student Allowance will provide funding for specialist tuition, software and equipment to help with academic studies.
We strongly advise that students work with colleges or universities to meet their educational needs but you may also benefit from the services offered by Dyslexia Cornwall:
- Confidential Helpline
- Confidential Advice and Guidance Sessions
- Visual Stress Assessment for Adults
- Dyslexia Awareness Workshops
- Specialist Workshops
There is a cost for some of these services.
Dyslexia Cornwall does not offer an assessment, screening or tuition/mentoring service for students. For more information on accessing these services visit:
- Dyslexia Screening for Adults
- Dyslexia Assessment for Adults
- Specialist Dyslexia Tuition and Mentoring for Adults
Please contact our Dyslexia Advice Centre for further information.
Professionals
It is estimated that at least 10 – 20% of the population are affected by Dyslexia; with 4% being severely affected by Dyslexia. It is highly likely you will be working with students with dyslexia. This will often present as:
- Incongruence between comprehension and written work
- Poor organisational skills
- Difficulty in following instructions
- Poor time management
- Signs of anxiety and low self esteem
- Emotional and behavioural difficulties
It is probable that their dyslexia was not identified in school. It may only become apparent when they were expected to undertake independent study. It is often more prevalent on courses that draw upon the strengths of a dyslexic profile.
If you are unsure how best to support your students, we recommend that you contact your learning establishment’s Student Services team. Students Services will be able to signpost your students to the relevant support mechanisms including a dyslexia screening or assessment.
Often small changes to teaching practices can make a significant difference to dyslexic learners.
Educational establishment need to be aware that they are required to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ in the classroom to ensure that students with dyslexia are not placed at a disadvantage (Equalities Act 2010).
Dyslexia Cornwall can offer additional support including:
There is a cost for some of these services.
Please contact our Dyslexia Advice Centre for further information.