Resources

Consideration is required by staff on what can be done to best facilitate the learning of dyslexic students. Those who have been diagnosed by a professional are likely to be eligible for a Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). The British Dyslexia Association outlines a scenario which indicates dyslexic behaviour:

‘We have all come across the situation. A young person struggling with aspects of reading, writing, spelling and perhaps numeracy. The learner who is struggling, despite clear ability in specific aspects of the curriculum. For some there may be slight improvement in time, but for many there will not. Your experience tells you that there is something different about this learner, that he/she needs specific support for learning in order to meet obvious potential. Normal provision is not helping. So, what is their problem? Who can help? How do you know whether or not a particular adolescent may be dyslexic? What should you look for? Dyslexia is a combination of abilities as well as difficulties. It is the disparity between them that is often the give-away clue. The person who, despite certain areas of difficulty, may still be creative, artistic, sporting or orally very able and knowledgeable. However, alongside these abilities, will be a cluster of difficulties - individual for each person.’

This website also provides indicators that may suggest dyslexic tendencies.

The British Dyslexia Association website provides a good range of further general information on dyslexia. It also provides an explanation of dyscalculia:

‘The DfES defines dyscalculia as: ‘A condition that affects the ability to acquire arithmetical skills. Dyscalculic learners may have difficulty understanding simple number concepts, lack an intuitive grasp of numbers, and have problems learning number facts and procedures. Even if they produce a correct answer or use a correct method, they may do so mechanically and without confidence.
Dyscalculia is like dyslexia for numbers. But unlike dyslexia, very little is known about its prevalence, causes or treatment. Current thinking suggests that it is a congenital condition, caused by the abnormal functioning of a specific area of the brain. People with dyscalculia experience great difficulty with the most basic aspects of numbers and arithmetic’

SKILL - The National Bureau for Students with Disabilities promotes opportunities for young people over 16 and adults with any kind of impairment in learning or difficulties in entry to employment. They provide a wealth of information and advice.

The Excellence Gateway outlines a useful framework of information on dyslexia.

Techdis aims ‘..to support the education sector in achieving greater accessibility and inclusion by stimulating innovation and providing expert advice and guidance on disability and technology’. A range of materials and information which can be used by staff is available from the TechDis website.

The Towards Learning Creatively (TLC) website provides ideas on how more creative assessment methods can be used within the curriculum.

Also see: Supporting Students with Disabilities

Not what you were looking for?
Try Using the Search Box Above