Mental Health Champion
LITERACY SOLUTIONS VISIT PARLIAMENT
Yesterday we went to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Dyslexia and other SpLDs meeting. We had been especially invited to attend. It was good listen to Peter Kyle and Janet Daby, who are both MP’s who have overcome their dyslexia to become successful. More importantly it was good to listen to other people in the room, who asked questions and made some important points. I was given the opportunity to speak, where I mentioned the need for early intervention and therefore more resource for Primary Schools for SpLDs. Our son (George) highlighted the inequality that occurs for those children who do not have parents who either have the knowledge or finance to help their children. We were also given a guided tour of the houses of parliament by our local MP Andrew Stephenson, this was very gracious of him to do this, as I had asked to meet him to discuss local housing issues; I have to say Andrew looked after us very well and he did not need to go to the effort that he did.
Dyslexia Live
I like what this chap from the USA has to say. I look forward to watching the film when it is finished.
Dyslexia in the workplace
Unum list some ways of supporting someone with dyslexia in the workplace:
1) Learn more about what dyslexia is and how it may affect an individual.
There are many organisations, such as the British Dyslexia Association (BDA), which provide information for employers and people with dyslexia.
2) Understand the advantages that individuals with dyslexia bring.
According to Sir Richard Branson “It is time we lost the stigma about dyslexia. It is not a disadvantage: it is merely a different way of thinking.”
3) identify employees with dyslexic difficulties.
Employees are very reluctant to disclose that they are dyslexic, but it will benefit them if they can be encouraged to do so. Developing a culture in which employees know that dyslexia will be viewed positively and that they will be supported and not discriminated against will add hugely to an inclusive working environment.
4) Offer appropriate assessments and support for employees with dyslexia, or those who think they may be dyslexic
An employee may avoid being assessed for dyslexia – there may be a concern about how their results will be received. It is important to ensure they should have no fear of negativity from their managers and colleagues. For information about assessments call 01282 618924.
5) Make appropriate adjustments.
The law now requires employers to make Reasonable Adjustments to avoid discriminating against people. There are many reasonable ways to make adjustments which will support the individual in your workplace to ensure they achieve their potential. Assistive Technology may help and, as an example, Microsoft’s Office 365 has accessibility built in for users with learning differences such as dyslexia. Read more about reasonable adjustments here.
6) Tell staff about the support you offer.
Raise awareness of the dyslexia support. Inform managers, put information on your intranet, or promote through your employee benefits communication.
“Dyslexic thinking has many benefits. If identified and supported; inspired and encouraged, dyslexics can achieve amazing things” Kate Griggs – Founder, Made By Dyslexia
Dyslexia Friendly teaching strategies webinars
The Dyslexia Awareness and Dyslexia Friendly Teaching Strategies Webinars, were a great success. Sara receive lots of very positive feedback. Sara managed to record the webinars and they are available to be purchased along with the resources for £40.
If you would like to purchase these webinars, please email paul@literacysolutions.co.uk and I can send you the payment details.
www.literacysolutions.co.uk
has sara shrunk?
This Sara at a local primary school with the UK’s tallest man 7’7″
The UK’s tallest man does motivational speaking about embracing difference,