Workplace
Dyslexia at Work
If you know, or suspect you have dyslexia, (do a free online screening at the BDA website) the first thing you should do is talk to your line manager or employer.
Dyslexia can have a ‘substantial and long-term’ effect in the workplace and help is available to you from the government. This help is set out on the government website.
Please note that dyslexia is classified as a disability in the Equality Act 2010 :
“Dyslexia can be a disability under the Equality Act 2010. A disability under the Equality Act 2010 is a physical or mental impairment that affects a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. The adverse effect must also be substantial and long term. Dyslexia will count as a long-term physical or mental impairment.”
To get help from Access to Work you must:
- have a disability or health condition (physical or mental) that makes it hard for you to do parts of your job or get to and from work
- be 16 or over
- live in England, Scotland or Wales – there’s a different system in Northern Ireland
You also need to have a paid job, or be about to start or return to one. A paid job could include:
- self-employment
- an apprenticeship
- a work trial or work experience
- an internship
Access to Work can provide some support to you and your employer to assist you in doing your job more efficiently, and hopefully with reduced stress. This support can be free to the employer or can be apportioned, depending on the circumstances and size of the company.
However, it is important to know that evidence of your dyslexia must be provided, and paid for, by you. This is not free and you must have evidence of dyslexia. Evidence of dyslexia is through a Full Diagnostic Assessment, and the Hampshire Dyslexia Association holds a list of those qualified to carry this out. The cost will be between £400-£700 for the assessment and the report.
This is something to discuss with your employer who may be willing to help with funding the assessment of dyslexia.