Published: Monday, 8th March, 2010 2:27pm
Confidence building
by Judith Edwards
Print
Email
The Adult Dyslexia Centre in Maidenhead was set up six years ago. It is a charity that helps adults with dyslexia to fulfil their potential in employment, education and in social situations.
Many of the centre's clients experience significant barriers to learning and progression and recognising that there is no 'quick fix' for these individuals the Centre offers a network of services for this type of client, including: a class for those who are unemployed and whose skills are below 'functional literacy'; one-to-one tuition with a specialist tutor; a mentoring service and access to on-site courses that aim to develop self-esteem and confidence through improved self-awareness and developing creativity. Some of the most popular courses involve the visual and performing arts, often areas of strength for the dyslexic individual, as well as communication and assertiveness skills.
The centre also provides services to trainers, tutors, advisors and employers who work with people with dyslexia providing practical advice on reasonable adjustments in the workplace, offering a broad range of services for the dyslexic employee and the employer.
Most individuals contact the centre because they have an issue with employment, either because they are unemployed, often long-term, or are not coping with a new situation at work. Some feel unable to cope with new training or systems that it is mandatory for them to be involved with while many are struggling because they have not disclosed their dyslexia or do not know that it is part of their difficulties.
Initial screening using LADS Plus or an informal discussion can be a starting-point towards understanding and taking a more positive approach to life and work. Many individuals state that they are relieved to have an answer to questions that have puzzled them all their adult lives and many feel empowered to make positive steps to changing their situation.
Debbie Farnfield, manager of the Adult Dyslexia Centre said: "We offer one-to-one specialist tuition as one route to improving employment prospects and self-confidence. This can improve literacy, numeracy, study skills and IT using trained tutors who understand the client's needs and who can be positive about dyslexia. Sometimes this tuition focuses on helping clients who need extra support on courses that they are taking, hoping that their new accreditation will lead to better employment opportunities.
"An important service the Centre offers is to act as an intermediary between the employee and the employer. After an initial assessment or advice session, a letter 'To whom it may concern' can be written to the employer explaining why a client may be experiencing difficulties at work. If a full assessment takes place confirming dyslexia, recommendations for 'reasonable adjustments' in the workplace are made. It is pointed out that dyslexia is covered by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and further discussion of the matter offered if required. At this stage it is hoped that a three way communication can be set up to benefit both the employee and the employee, in increasing their awareness and helping to create a culture of confidence in the workplace."
The Centre also offers services to HR Managers who ask for a full assessment of an employee. The Centre manager has completed the BDA Workplace Needs Assessor's course and is experienced in suggesting suitable workplace recommendations, such as a course of specialist tuition or workplace training to improve the employee's literacy or organisational skills. A tutor from the Centre can assist this process.
As well as supporting the dyslexic individual and helping them fulfil their potential in education, employment and socially, the aim is to develop a positive awareness of dyslexia amongst employers, trainers and the general public. To this end, Dyslexia Awareness Training is delivered to employers, managers, Occupational Health teams and HR Managers, trainers, tutors in adult education and employment advisors. The Centre is part of the Berkshire Neighbourhood Learning Centres Partnership and is involved in a government funded project, Slough Working Better, offering awareness training to staff working on the project and free screening and full assessment to individuals who would not otherwise access these services.
