RLO: Understanding Dyslexia: An Introduction

Discrimination

What does this mean for me? If someone thinks they are dyslexic, they can see an educational psychologist, who will administer various tests to determine whether the person has dyslexia-type characteristics.

The Disability Discrimination Act gives people the right to ask for ‘reasonable adjustments’ to take account of a disability. For dyslexics, this can mean asking for more time in exams, or agreeing to use strategies that work for the individual. For example, electronic rather than paper documents, papers printed in particular typefaces or colours, or using helpful software at work.

Dyslexics may encounter discrimination (unfair treatment) and prejudiced attitudes as a result of their dyslexia, as some people may think that someone who has difficulty reading or writing is unintelligent. This used to happen a lot in the education system, and it still happens sometimes. This is why some people choose not to tell others that they are dyslexic, and some dyslexics themselves may feel ashamed about their difficulties. If someone tells you they are dyslexic, they may ask you to keep it confidential, that is, not tell anyone else. This means that you could be working alongside a dyslexic colleague and not know.