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FOR STARTINGUNIVERSITY ORCOLLEGE
We believe that everyone with dyslexia should be able to reach their full potential in life. We campaign for an inclusive society that acknowledges, accepts and empowers individuals with dyslexia so that we can help create a kinder, fairer and stronger world.Around 10% of the population has dyslexia. Dyslexia doesn’t discriminate, occurring across all ethnicities and in people from all social groups. A vast number of individuals are undiagnosed and do not receive adequate support.As a result, they face daily barriers: in education, in the workplace and in life. They may be excluded from activities, shamed for their differences or simply disregarded. Too many children and adults with dyslexia find it hard to thrive within a system that often fails to recognise, value or encourage them. And as a society, we are poorer for it.At the British Dyslexia Association, we want all children and adults with dyslexia to have the opportunity to flourish. We believe that our world should welcome different ways of thinking and celebrate neurodiversity. By representing our community as the voice of dyslexia, we aim to ensure that all members of society, and especially those most disadvantaged and least privileged, receive the support they deserve.We welcome you on this journey with us as, together, we createa dyslexia-friendly society.About us
At the British Dyslexia Association, we believe that every kind of brain should be valued for its unique way of looking at the world. Here are some top tips to help with some common challenges, including some suggested reasonable adjustments to help at university.Some of these are ideas to try yourself, others could form part of a conversation with a Disability Officer or Learning Support team. If you are in receipt of support through Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) the onus is on you to initiate conversations about any reasonable adjustments or study skills support that is required within the university setting including exam access arrangements and study skills sessions.Top tipsStarting University or College ..................................................... 5Organisation ....................................................................................... 7Communication ................................................................................ 9Virtual lectures and seminars ...................................................... 11Tecnology to assist reading .......................................................... 13Writing ................................................................................................... 15Phone accessibility features ......................................................... 17Memory ................................................................................................. 19Concentration .................................................................................... 21
Make an appointment with the Disability Officer or Learning support team to discuss your needs, and to action any recommended support funded by Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).Share your challenges with your course tutor.Ask for teaching materials in advance to allow reading time.Record lectures to revisit at a suitable pace and to expand your notes.Have a conversation about any exam access arrangements you may need and what documentary evidence you need to provide.Explore assistive software such as note taking software, spelling and grammar checkers, text reading and dictation software.Utilise tips in this guide to minimise distraction and maximise concentration.Page 5Starting University or College
List and colour code your notes.Use sticky notes or a whiteboard or set reminders on your phone.Build planning time into the start and end of each day.Create a daily, dated TO DO list. Cross off completed tasks as you go.Use a calendar app with alerts for lectures, seminars and work to complete or keep a paper-based diary.Use apps for adding to lists while ‘on the go’ such as Google Keep for work set during lectures or seminars.Use specific places for objects e.g. always leave your keys in one place. Have a specific time to charge devices.Keep things in groups e.g. always keep football boots and shin pads on top of your sports bag.Keep desk space clutter free so you can access what you need efficiently.OrganisationPage 7
Discuss extensions and changes to deadlines with your tutor before the due date.Ask for verbal and written instructions and for instructions to be broken into steps.Explore formats that work for you – audio, video, drawings, diagrams and flowcharts.Use standard built-in accessibility features to enable spell-checking, screen reading and dictation or specialist software to improve accessibility.Print documents on coloured paper or change background colour and typeface on digital documents if it helps.Ask for agendas and written documents in advance of meetings to allow time for reading.Ask permission to record online meetings or use a digital voice recorder. Use a note taking app or software (usually available through DSA).CommunicationPage 9
Find a quiet working area with minimal distractions.Use noise cancelling headphones to minimise background noise.Sit with your back to a window to minimise distractions.Change the background colour of the screen to suit your individual preference.Use the built-in accessibility features including spelling checking, dictation and screen reading features, or use specialist assistive software if you have it.Some students find that using an anti-glare screen filter reduces fatigue.Switch off automated notifications to improve focus and concentration.Take frequent breaks from the screen.Some students find it easier to maintain focus and concentration if they attend lectures and seminars in person.Virtual lectures and seminarsPage 11
Reading PensOffice lens App - scans documents/whiteboard for easy reading.Speechify App - reads text to you.Google chrome - extensions for screen reading and dictation.Microsoft Immersive Reader- screen reading and dictation functions.Mobile phone accessibility functions – screen reading and dictation.Technology to assist readingPage 13
Create templates and standard words/phrases to use for essay writing and assignments.Try using dictation software to help structure your ideas. Explore the in-built accessibility features on your phone and laptop.Screen reading technology can help with proof-reading. Chat GPT – can help generate initial ideas or be used to help improve spelling punctuation and grammar but check university policy on its use.Use transcription features on virtual meetings to facilitate note taking.Look at apps or software including Grammarly and Speechify.Mindmapping software can help structure essays and assignments.WritingPage 15
Dictate texts, emails and messages. Send voice messages.Notes feature. Check spellings .Set reminders and alarms.Phone accessibility featuresPage 17
Make a list of activities you do each day and start a routine so that it becomes automatic.Use visual aids such as pictures or photos to help with memory recall and use reminders and alarms on your mobile phone or laptop.Imagine yourself doing an action e.g. walking downstairs, picking up your bag, keys, leaving and locking the front door. Visualising can help you to remember.Diagrams and flowcharts may be easier to follow and recall than lists.Use sat navs for journeys or plan a journey using google maps and choosing landmarks to help with directions e.g. “turn left at the traffic lights by the church.”Use two-factor authentication, or facial recognition in place of passwords, or use secure password keepers. Ask your bank for alternative security features to access online accounts if you struggle with traditional password features.MemoryPage 19
Use headphones with or without music to minimise distractions from noise.Sit with your back to windows or doors or move to a quieter area.Build in regular rest breaks and do something different during your break.Alternate tasks between those that require longer periods of focus and those that are quick to complete.Turn off notifications on phones and set calls to voicemail. Check for messages at regular intervals.Have a clear idea about what you need to achieve. When you have completed a task mark it as completed so that you can see the progress you are making.Vary the way you approach a task – you could try working standing up, use notecards as well as paper, listen to text as well as read it.ConcentrationPage 21
Contact the British Dyslexia Association HelplineOur helpline offers free, confidential, impartial information and signposting.Call: 0333 405 4567email: helpline@bdadyslexia.org.ukor direct message our team through Facebook and Instagram.Visit our website: bdadyslexia.org.ukVisit our Youtube channel. Disabled Students Allowance Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is support to cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long-term illness or any other disability. Visit DSA site.Page 23Further Information
bdadyslexia.org.ukBritish Dyslexia Association is a registered charity in England and Wales (289243). Registered in England and Wales as a company limited by guarantee (1830587).