Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, it’s Dyslexia Awareness Week, so here’s some information about this Specific Learning Difference (SpLD)…
POINT ONE: WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?
Dyslexia is a learning difference which primarily affects reading and writing skills. However, it does not only affect these skills. Dyslexia is actually about information processing. Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills. Dyslexia can also impact on other areas such as organisational skills.
It is important to remember that there are positives to thinking differently. Many dyslexic people show strengths in areas such as reasoning and in visual and creative fields.
(from: British Dyslexia Association)
POINT TWO: WHAT IS DYSLEXIA WEEK?
Dyslexia Week is an annual event from the British Dyslexia Association, designed to raise awareness of dyslexia. Every year they produce resources and share information with teachers, employers, and the general public to highlight a different dyslexia-related theme. Dyslexia Week 2022 will run 03 October – 09 October, with this year’s theme, ‘Breaking Through Barriers’.
You can find more information on the Dyslexia Week webpages.
POINT THREE: WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER?
- Access to a dyslexia assessment service
- Assistance with applications for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
- 1-to-1 specialist academic support sessions tailored to meet individual need
- Extra time allowance in exams
- Option to record lectures
- Loan of computer equipment and specialist software if needed
POINT FOUR: WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOU MIGHT BE DYSLEXIC, BUT NEVER BEEN ASSESSED?
Getting assessed for a specific learning difficulty (SpLD), such as dyslexia, is the first step to getting appropriate support from the University to help you with your studies. It also helps you better understand how you learn, why you face certain difficulties and what you can do to overcome these.
We offer a complete service for students who think they may have a specific learning difficulty (SpLD). Our team of registered assessors can identify a range of SpLDs including, dyslexia and dyspraxia.
The first step is to make an appointment with an Disability Adviser.
POINT FIVE: WHERE CAN YOU FIND MORE INFORMATION?
The University’s Disability and Dyslexia Service is here to provide information, guidance and support. You will find lots of information on the Disability and Dyslexia webpages and you can make an appointment to speak confidentially with one of their specialist advisers.
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