Unionlearn launches Dyslexia Awareness campaign
31/10/2011
Fear of discrimination by managers and bullying by colleagues prevents many people from disclosing the fact that they have dyslexia.
A survey of union learning reps found that a lack of understanding of dyslexia is widespread in the workplace. However, two-thirds of those surveyed said that their employer was prepared to make adjustments for workers with dyslexia.
Eight out of 10 reps said that they were aware of colleagues and workmates with dyslexia, however only a third (33.6%) said they had had training in supporting them. Over half (54.6%) of reps said that workers with dyslexia had experienced barriers to training. That is why unionlearn is launching a campaign, during this week's 'Dyslexia Awareness Week', to help reps make workplaces dyslexia-friendly environments.
Unionlearn is launching an online information toolkit for reps and will be putting out a series of documents to help them understand dyslexia and to negotiate dyslexia-friendly policies with managers and HR staff. The campaign will help reps set up dyslexia awareness events, arrange assessments and signpost colleagues to expert help. Simple changes can make a difference: using a sans serif typeface, for example Arial, in company materials and manuals, providing voice-recognition software or allowing extra time in written tests or during training courses, can make a big difference.
Comments from reps surveyed included:
- "A lot of people who suffer from dyslexia are reluctant to tell anyone in the same way that some lesbian and gay colleagues do not tell because of the office sniggers and people talking behind their back."
- "Often, dyslexia isn't recognised for what it is. Managers seem to think that it is purely a difficulty with reading, when it can also lead to organisational difficulties. It is therefore often misidentified as an attitude problem - as being deliberately disobedient. Plus, colleagues think they are taking too long to do work online and think they are lazy, etc."
- "I suffer from dyslexia but it will go against me if I confess or when applying for job."
- "I am dyslexic. My line manager is very supportive, she proofreads and corrects spelling mistakes in my reports."
