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Adult Information Pack#DAW24
The theme of Dyslexia Awareness Week this year is ‘What’s your Story?’ and it focuses on three clear messages about dyslexia: #DAW24 - What’s your story?Dyslexia Awareness Week (#DAW24) is an annual awareness campaign estabished and hosted by the British Dyslexia Association. #DAW24 will run from 7-13 October inclusive. This year’s theme is ‘What’s your story?’ Each day we will be celebrating our wonderful community by sharing stories - each one as individual as the person telling it.Storytelling is a powerful tool. It connects us, brings understanding and inspires, shaping how we see the world together.What’s your story? Share it with us and encourage others on their journey with dyslexia. Share your story here. In this interactive booklet you will find the following:• What is dyslexia?• About the British Dyslexia Association• Facts and signs• Getting support• Get Involved - Fundraise• #DAW24 show your support• Resources and Webinars
Every story is different Dyslexia affects everyone differently. Every person is unique and so is everyone’s experience of dyslexia. Dyslexia impacts around 10% of the population, that’s over 6.7 million different stories to tell. Tell us your story and inspire others. A strong opening sets the sceneThe beginning of any story is crucially important. It sets the scene for everything that follows. But we hear too many stories where support wasn’t available early enough. Help us provide information and training so that more learners receive identification and support at the start of their story. It’s never too late to change your story We know that the right support at the right time can make a dramatic difference. Whether that’s later in life, in education or in the workplace. Help us support more people to start a new chapter in their own story.Our Key Messages
Dyslexia is a lifelong, genetic, neurological Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.Dyslexia is not linked to intelligence or poor education; it occurs regardless of gender, age, ethnicity and in all walks of life. Its impact ranges from mild to severe.It is often a hidden disability. Challenges with reading, writing and spelling may not be visible, as many adults have developed good coping strategies. But tasks that require these skills, will require more time and effort than might be expected, and the impact this has on an individual can often go unseen.Challenges with literacy can impact confidence and self-esteem and individuals may try to avoid these tasks wherever possible. What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia affects everyone differently, and every individual will have their own strengths and challenges. Dyslexia can present daily barriers in the workplace and individuals may feel shame or anxiety because of their difficulties which may be misinterpreted as a lack of effort or ability to do the job.A diagnosis can be made by a Specialist Teacher Assessor with an Assessment Practicing Certificate or an HCPC registered Educational Psychologist.You can find further information about obtaining a diagnostic assessment via our website.The cost of diagnosis may be a prohibitive factor and so many are never formally diagnosed but simple changes or adjustments in the workplace based on individual needs can have a big impact.
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 advocate for change in three ways.Firstly, we cultivate and maintain expertise in the field. For over fifty years we have been at the forefront of knowledge and understanding about About us
dyslexia. We set the standard for professional training and work closely with researchers to enable continued learning and development in our sector. We provide expert information and resources about dyslexia. Secondly, we engage widely with all stakeholders. We run a national helpline for the general public and regularly deliver events and webinars for groups or organisations to raise awareness and disseminate best practice. We liaise regularly with our members and work closely with our fantastic network of Local Dyslexia Associations who provide local knowledge and assistance. We collaborate with other organisations working in our sector to strengthen our approach.Finally, we empower people living with dyslexia. We support individuals seeking screening or assessment and help them to understand their statutory rights. We work with schools, employers and other organisations to encourage inclusive practice. We work with policymakers both locally and nationally to challenge the current status quo and call for changes that unlock the potential of our community. We welcome you on this journey with us as, together, we create a dyslexia-friendly society.
Dyslexia - FactsAdults in the UK workplace are dyslexic. Many are undiagnosed.leave school without a diagnosis.of self-made millionaires are dyslexic40%Prisoners are 5 times more likely to be dyslexic than the population as a whole. 5 timesSchool children in the UK have dyslexia. Many are undiagnosed.80%
Dyslexia - SignsCHALLENGES• Time management• Sequencing information• Meeting deadlines• Slower to process information• Multi-tasking e.g. following a meeting conversation while note-taking• May appear forgetful• Difficulty remembering messages• May ‘lose the thread’• Low self-confidence• May appear resistant to changeSTRENGTHS • The ability to visualise • Practical and problem-solving skills• Lateral thinking • Being able to see the big picture • Good visual-spatial awareness• Creativity and the ability to think “outside the box” • Find innovative solutions to problems• Good verbal communication • High levels of motivation and persistenceMany adults may suspect they are dyslexic but will be undiagnosed. Dyslexic traits may be largely hidden, as people will have developed their own coping strategies, but here are a few indicators that could suggest dyslexia:
College If you think you might be dyslexic, you should arrange to speak to the College’s Learning Support Team. The team may be known by another name in your college but your tutor or student services should be able to arrange a meeting for you. Some colleges offer screening tests for dyslexia, or testing to see if you are entitled to exam access arrangements. University If you think you might be dyslexic, you should speak to the Disability Officer in the University. Some universities will fund or part-fund the cost of a diagnostic assessment. The Disability Officer will be able to advise what support is available. If you have a confirmed diagnosis of dyslexia, you can get additional funding for specialist software, training and study skills support through the Disabled Students Allowance scheme. The university may also offer exam access arrangements if you meet the eligibility criteria. Looking for work Support should be available through a Work Coach in your local job centre. They should be able to offer reasonable adjustments to help you look and apply for work. You can also apply for support through the Getting support
Government’s Access to Work scheme. Employers should offer reasonable adjustments to help you apply for a job and attend an interview or assessment centre. Some employers will promote this as part of their recruitment but with others you may have to request the adjustment. Workplace Support Dyslexia can be a recognised disability under the Equality Act 2010 and employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments. If you think you are dyslexic and it is impacting your work, you should speak to your Line Manager or HR Manager to understand what support is available. You don’t need to have a formal diagnosis for your employer to make reasonable adjustments, but you may need to evidence from your work that you have an impairment that causes a substantial adverse effect on your normal day to day activities to be covered by the Equality Act. Some employers may take a more pragmatic approach in offering reasonable adjustments. For more information and support visit the BDA website here.
Our national Helpline provides free information and advice to people with dyslexia and those who support them. Ever year, we hear thousands of stories from members of the general public needing our help to turn the next page or start a new chapter. Help us raise funds so we can continue to provide this vital service free to all.Over the last 12 months, our free national helpline:11%Social Media Channelsvia email33%via phone56%enquiries viaour HelplineGet involved - Fundraise
Funds a phone call sharing support strategies with an adult facing literacy difficulties.£10Funds support for up to six families desperately seeking advice on how to work with their schools to support their learners.£55Funds a live Q&A session on social media enabling us to reach a wider demographic. £72Helps fund training for four volunteers to join our Helpline team.£160If you would like to fundraise during Dyslexia Awareness Week, you will find useful resources on our website or you can make a donation.Donate
#DAW24 - Show your supportDownloadDuring Dyslexia Awareness Week, we encourage you to share your own story, to acknowledge different twists and turns that your life has taken and to highlight the possible challenges and celebrate strengths. By sharing your support and/or the activities you are planning for #DAW24 we can reach more people with our message and help people understand their own stories better.We have put together a range of social media artwork that you can use across your own channels to show your support for #DAW24.
BDA Official ChannelsSocial Media copyText 1I’m proud to be supporting Dyslexia Awareness Week 2024! 1 in 10 people have dyslexia each with a unique story of twists and turns to tell. It is never too late to change your story.#DAW24 #DyslexiaAwareness #WhatsYourStory #MyDyslexiaStoryText 2I’m proud to be supporting Dyslexia Awareness Week 2024! Every individual’s story with dyslexia is different. I am sharing my story to speak out about dyslexia and encourage others. What’s your story? #DAW24 #DyslexiaAwarenessWeek24 #WhatsYourStory #MyDyslexiaStoryOfficial campaign Tags#DAW24#DyslexiaAwarenessWeek24#WhatsYourStory#MyDyslexiaStory
ResourcesBritish Dyslexia Association - GuidesThese downloadable employer and employee guides provide in-depth information. Sign-up and it will be delivered straight to your inbox.Sign-up Sign-upThis top-tips booklet provides simple helpful hints and support for day-to-day life.View
Understanding dyslexia in the workplace for employees.RegisterThroughout the year we run a series of FREE webinars exploring the key aspects of this learning difference and how to support those affected by it. It’s an opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical advice on dyslexia. Keep checking the website for new session dates.Free Webinars
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).